1. Album Sales:
- Aerosmith: Aerosmith has sold over 150 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Their albums "Toys in the Attic" (1975) and "Permanent Vacation" (1987) were certified multi-platinum.
- Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, solidifying their status as a top-selling heavy metal band. Albums like "The Number of the Beast" (1982), "Powerslave" (1984), and "Somewhere in Time" (1986) were commercially successful.
2. Concert Attendance:
- Aerosmith: Aerosmith has consistently drawn large crowds to their live shows throughout their career. Their "Get a Grip" tour (1993-1994) was one of the highest-grossing tours of the 1990s.
- Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden is renowned for their captivating live performances and extensive touring. Their "Maiden England" tour (2012-2014) and "The Book of Souls" tour (2016-2017) were met with significant fan attendance.
3. Social Media Engagement:
- Aerosmith: Aerosmith has over 11 million followers on Facebook and over 1 million followers on Twitter, indicating a substantial social media presence.
- Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden's social media following includes over 14 million Facebook followers and over 2.5 million Twitter followers, demonstrating a strong online community.
4. Cultural Impact:
- Aerosmith: Aerosmith has left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. They are often regarded as one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal.
- Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden's influence extends to the broader heavy metal genre, with their signature sound and lyrical themes resonating with metal fans worldwide. They are considered one of the "Big Four" bands of thrash metal.
Given these factors, it's evident that both Aerosmith and Iron Maiden enjoy a significant level of popularity. While Aerosmith has a broader appeal and mainstream recognition, Iron Maiden holds a strong position within the heavy metal scene. Ultimately, their popularity can be subjective based on individual preferences and geographic regions.