Doug Sampson

Doug Sampson
Doug Sampson
Instruments Drums
Associated acts Iron Maiden

Douglas Gary Sampson (born 30 June 1957, Hackney, London) was an early drummer for Iron Maiden and first to ever record with the band.[1] He was in the band from 1977 to 1979.

Prior to joining Maiden, Sampson was a member of one of Steve Harris' previous groups, Smiler, between 1974 and 1975.

He was one of the four members of the band to sign a recording contract with EMI. However, shortly after he fell ill due to the rigours of touring. He was replaced by Clive Burr shortly before the recording of the self-titled first Iron Maiden album. He also appears on a demo vesion of Running Free, recorded in November 1979. The track ended up on the Axe Attach compilation LP.

Sampson appeared on the demo, The Soundhouse Tapes, as well as the song "Burning Ambition" which appeared on the first Iron Maiden single, "Running Free".

References