The Essential Iron Maiden

The Essential Iron Maiden is the fourth greatest hits compilation by the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on 12 July 2005. Released exclusively in North America, it is part of Sony Music Entertainment's The Essential series. Contrary to other releases from this series, the track listing is presented in reverse-chronological order (i.e., the latest studio-recorded songs appear first).

It is the second album by the band that does not feature Eddie on its cover, the first being the first edition of Live at Donington.

Iron Maiden

• Bruce Dickinson – vocals
• Dave Murray – guitars
• Adrian Smith – guitars (Disc 1-tracks 1–4, 10, 13; Disc 2-tracks 1–11, 13–14)
• Steve Harris – bass, producer (Disc 1-tracks 1–9; Disc 2-track 14)
• Nicko McBrain – drums
• Janick Gers – guitars (Disc 1-tracks 1–12; Disc 2-track 14)
• Blaze Bayley – vocals (Disc 1-tracks 5–8)
• Clive Burr – drums (Disc 2-Tracks 8–12)
• Paul Di'Anno – vocals (Disc 2-tracks 10–12)
• Dennis Stratton – guitar (Disc 2-track 12)

Additional musician

• Michael Kenney – keyboards

Production

• Martin Birch – producer
• Simon Fowler – photography
• Lonn Friend – liner notes
• Nigel Green – producer
• Will Malone – producer
• Dimo Safari – cover photo
• Kevin Shirley – producer, engineer, mastering, mixing
• Howie Weinberg – mastering