jpotx113
Member 
Posts: 460
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Jan 5, 2023 14:25:10 GMT
Iron Maiden is being honored with a set of stamps. I can't wait to add these to my collection. I've been a huge fan since Powerslave was released in 1984 and have enjoyed seeing them play live three times. I love it when my two obsessions (music and stamps) come together. Back when I was a radio DJ I would play this band often.
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Post by elfstone99 on Jan 5, 2023 15:01:45 GMT
When I first noticed these at Royal Mail, I thought they were the upcoming King Charles coronation stamps.
The Eddie Rips Up the World fansheet is already sold out. Expect to see the scalpers on Ebay flogging them.
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vikingeck
Member
Posts: 3,261
What I collect: Samoa, Tobacco theme, Mail in Wartime, anything odd and unusual!
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Post by vikingeck on Jan 6, 2023 12:54:35 GMT
Well knock me over with a feather duster……….I’m a traditionalist stamp collector ……..I think these are horrible . 👎
Long gone are the days when stamps marked significant anniversaries, events and honoured important lifetime achievers. To my knowledge , I have never heard their music , their impact on my life has been a big fat blank , I am aware of the name but nothing more.
Royal Mail definitely hitting rock bottom, scraping the barrel for fan labels to generate some desperately needed revenue which will never see postage use. Her Majesty surely would not have approved these ?
Thank goodness they , and other garish “stickers” eg Transformers, Marvel comics, etc will never disgrace my album. 🫣
( in case I offend anyone, this post in a sprit of controversy ……
X-men, Warhammer and a yet another (3rd) Harry Potter issue also in the 2023 schedule.👎👎👎
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jpotx113
Member
Posts: 460
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Jan 6, 2023 14:13:37 GMT
I’m a traditionalist stamp collector ……..I think these are horrible . 👎 Long gone are the days when stamps marked significant anniversaries, events and honoured important lifetime achievers. To my knowledge , I have never heard their music , their impact on my life has been a big fat blank , I am aware of the name but nothing more.
I understand your point of view. But I also realize that we, the older collectors, aren't going to keep the hobby alive with that mind-set. There is a younger generation that could care less about stamp collecting, but perhaps the Harry Potter and comic book hero stamps can spark an interest. We don't have to collect them, but others can.
As for musicians on stamps this is nothing new. The US has done a whole series of stamps in years past that most collectors seem to have approved. My own cousin even had one issued in his honor (Charles Hardin Holley; you may know him as Buddy Holly).
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philatelia
Member
Captain Jack - my best kiloware find ever!
Posts: 3,404
What I collect: Ireland, Japan, Scandy, USA, Venezuela, Vatican, Bermuda, Austria
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Post by philatelia on Jan 6, 2023 14:31:27 GMT
I wouldn't mind these fun new issues that are supposed to appeal to a wider audience and encourage new collectors IF that was truly the goal. WHY aren't issues like these available at every post office? Why aren't they encouraged for usage on actual mail? Why are they often ONLY sold through philatelic sources targeted at existing collectors who MUST buy them if they want a complete set?
We have similar problems in the USA. That's why I dropped all of my new issue subscriptions.
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swvl
Member
Posts: 522
What I collect: FDCs, plus some US modern and new issues. Topical interests include music, art, literature, baseball, space...
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Post by swvl on Jan 6, 2023 14:46:34 GMT
I like these Iron Maiden stamps, even though I'm not that big a fan of the band — they're cool, visually striking, and the band has a long, storied career. Why not celebrate them? In general, I probably like pop-culture stamps more than many collectors. That said — it's all about balance. The Royal Mail schedule for this year does seem a bit heavy on that kind of subject. I actually think USPS has done a better job lately mixing up a variety of subjects and themes throughout the year. I'm sure lots of people disagree  |
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vikingeck
Member
Posts: 3,261
What I collect: Samoa, Tobacco theme, Mail in Wartime, anything odd and unusual!
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Post by vikingeck on Jan 6, 2023 14:49:06 GMT
I’m a traditionalist stamp collector …….
As for musicians on stamps this is nothing new. The US has done a whole series of stamps in years past that most collectors seem to have approved. My own cousin even had one issued in his honor (Charles Hardin Holley; you may know him as Buddy Holly).
now Buddy Holly I CAN relate to. 😀😀 If I recall that was a single stamp and likely used for postage . and in recent years we have had Beatles, Elton John, Rolling Stones , Queen etc , stamps shaped like records, mini sheets, multiple values in sheetlets etc etc. The Garish “Iron Maiden” issue is another half a dozen stamps on a sheetlet plus the minisheet you illustrate . None of which likely to get used for postage. The band was formed in 1975 and big in the 1980s 1990s ………are young collectors going to go for a bunch of old guys? kids from the Millenium are adults now and 1990 is history. |
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Post by cddstamps on Jan 6, 2023 15:03:16 GMT
I think it is really good that Royal Mail (and other Postal Administrations) produce stickers which might encourage people to the hobby of stamp collecting. Wonderful, it really is
But let's not confuse philately with collecting stickers..... :-) :-) :-)
just one point of view I guess..... and as long as it keeps an interest in stamp collecting alive and well, then I am all for it...
but I for one won't be buying these stickers! Iron Maiden, Rolling Stones, Elton John.. the list is going to be never ending isn't it!!!
although............ what about the 6th of May issue??? that might be a very big seller.. :-) will I dabble or not? :-)
Enjoy... that is all that matters.
Michael cddstamps
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FDI
Member
Member of RPSC & BNAPS
Posts: 343 
What I collect: Modern Canada (misperf, varieties, tagging errors), Canadian Cinderellas, EXUP & CAPEX & Dead Countries
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Post by FDI on Jan 6, 2023 16:50:28 GMT
In Canada, for example, I believe the first appearance of music on a stamp might be with the UPU congress that was held in Ottawa in 1957. Two stamps (371, 372) were issues showing a Post horn. In 1968, we see two Christmas stamps of children carolling, or the Indian artefacts in the early ‘70s, or the RCMP Musical Ride show in 1978 and many, many more groups or individuals after that! Obviously, we don't relate to all of these persons/groups or events, but I feel they are part of our culture and have a place to be honored. I agree that the choices made by respective postal administrations are sometimes doubtful, but again, we are not there to understand their choices. One point I will agree with vikingeck is on the fact that if a stamp is issued only for stamp collectors versus the general public, to me it becomes more of a Cinderella than a stamp. In my opinion, the fun in our hobby is of course to have a nice copy of “that" stamp, but also to be able to follow a stamp throughout it’s journey around the world, not only in a stamp album! Happy collecting! |
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daveg28
Member
Posts: 1,015
What I collect: U.S., Canada, Great Britain & Commonwealth, France (esp. 1950-80), DDR, USSR
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Post by daveg28 on Jan 6, 2023 16:55:06 GMT
I knew when I saw this stamp set on the Royal Mail schedule that it was going to be polarizing. Boy, was I right!
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drblade
Member
Posts: 726
What I collect: GB Unmounted mint & Machin definitives Q.E.II Used commemoratives
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Post by drblade on Jan 14, 2023 10:37:38 GMT
I’m a traditionalist stamp collector ……..I think these are horrible . 👎 Long gone are the days when stamps marked significant anniversaries, events and honoured important lifetime achievers. To my knowledge , I have never heard their music , their impact on my life has been a big fat blank , I am aware of the name but nothing more.
I understand your point of view. But I also realize that we, the older collectors, aren't going to keep the hobby alive with that mind-set. There is a younger generation that could care less about stamp collecting, but perhaps the Harry Potter and comic book hero stamps can spark an interest. We don't have to collect them, but others can.
As for musicians on stamps this is nothing new. The US has done a whole series of stamps in years past that most collectors seem to have approved. My own cousin even had one issued in his honor (Charles Hardin Holley; you may know him as Buddy Holly).
Buddy Holly was one of the greats in the music industry & a sad loss when he passed. Over 80% of todays music is computer generated. Repeated subject matter on stamps by Royal Mail just indicates a lack of imagination by those proposing the "themes". I'm with vikingeck on this subject. There's no comparison between the old classics like 2d blues, Tyrian Plums etc, etc, & classic stamps from many other countries & rowdy rock bands in the main. |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,335
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jan 14, 2023 11:29:58 GMT
I had heard of the band and never thought it would merit a stamp. I did not think they started any new trend that makes them special. The heavy guitar movement had already started.
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Post by greaden on Jan 14, 2023 13:55:12 GMT
I see stamp design as an indicator of what can or cannot represent the state that issues them. Here, subgenres of rock music have moved from the realm of oppositional underground subcultures to proper symbols reflecting a nation.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,335
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jan 15, 2023 11:42:45 GMT
Do you think Iron Maiden represents the symbol of a nation? There was a lot of the 60's music that were protest sings reflecting the anti-war sentiment. It seems now it is mostly just pure commercial (excluding rap, etc.) in the same sense as the Bubble Gum music genre. I just do not see the same today for mainstream,
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geoffrey
**Member** 
i collect machin 's
Posts: 4
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Post by geoffrey on Dec 23, 2023 19:37:14 GMT
Collecting stamps is all things to all people.No right or wrong way to construct or throw together what you see fit.It is a hobby to enlighten your life and to give you some relaxation.My problem is with the cavalier way that stamps are produced and priced, I have a strong feeling that stamps have moved away from their original purpose and are now no more than a way to create a revenue to be squeezed out of people . I guess time will tell as to whether the sellers have shot themselves in the foot or not.I for one am no longer prepared to pay in excess off £200 A YEAR for these pretty pictures. I drew the line under the demise of HER MAJESTY and now fill in the gaps of my collection.
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madbaker
Member
Posts: 690
What I collect: (Mark) General worldwide collector (to 1975 or so) with a soft spot for Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia.
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Post by madbaker on Dec 24, 2023 0:28:45 GMT
Only opinions below, of course. but I'm on a phone and can't word things in my normal fair and balanced, fence sitting way. 🙂
And I'm not really disagreeing with anyone, more inviting you to look at these stamps through a different set of eyes. 👀
I saw Maiden twice at their peak in the '80s and was a huge fan. I'd snap up a set of these stamps in a minute if they came across my path. They may not be your cup of tea, but they were huge back in the day. And they had a graphic style that works very well as stamps, as opposed to, say Judas Priest, who I liked just as much back then.
At time of writing, I'm 57. My buddies from high school are all reminiscing about those concerts we used to go to. And many of them are taking early retirement now or soon.
I assert that people like me are absolutely one of the core demographics postal services are going after. We are the start of Gen X. The last generation to have enough money to move out of their parent's basement. We may be the last generation to have money in our pocket and time on our hands at age 60. You bet that bands from the 80s and 90s will start getting the philatelic treatment. Forget Buddy Holly and the Beach Boys, bring on Bruce Springsteen and U2.
Canada recently issued a Tragically Hip stamp and a stamp for Rush. If Arcade Fire gets a stamp in the next few years I will not be surprised.
Will any retiring Gen Xers discover philately? Not the way we define it, but hopefully there will be more collectors like the folks on YouTube and Tiktok. Look at Silk on the Web as an example. He mixes up terms, doesn't let condition affect his excitement, etc. He brings a ton of enthusiasm but I doubt he'd ever sit through a club or society meeting. On the other hand, I look forward to my next club meeting - I think I am the odd one.
Will the philatelic services get a bump from these issues? Not as big as Elvis or Marilyn, but yes. (or they will stop) Media was more fractured in the 80s but still consolidated enough that large waves of nostalgia happen. Look at the remastered Talking Heads movie this year. It got a lot of buzz, at least from my 55+ circle. 🙂
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 768
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Dec 24, 2023 3:56:36 GMT
If the rumors are true, then the next music legends issue in a couple weeks will likely be even more polarizing than Iron Maiden.
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Post by dgdecker on Dec 24, 2023 4:49:34 GMT
We all collect what we like or what interests us.
I am not a fan of this group so I would not collect for that reason. If I was collecting modern UK then I would see this added to a collection.
with limited money to spend, I make my purchases based on what I need to complete my collection.
David
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 768
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Jan 5, 2024 19:23:09 GMT
And here is the next honoree in the Music Legends series....  As someone who while working as a 20-something DJ in the 1990s played a LOT of Spice Girls tracks in my sets (in the USA the Spice Girls were very much Gay Icons in that era) and have copies of all of their singles in my collection, I personally am quite happy to see the ladies get their recognition and Royal Mail move beyond the Baby Boomer music icons. The Spice Girls still hold the title of most successful UK female group of all time, and were clearly one of the biggest symbols of the whole "Cool Britannia" movement in the late-1990s. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice_GirlsTheir success dramatically changed the direction of pop music not only in the UK but also the USA, where the early-90s grunge-rock/indie-rock sound was replace by a much lighter, festive pop sound. I know many of the older generation will look with disdain at this issue, but there is no denying that the Spice Girls were a major cultural phenomenon in the UK and the wider world in their heyday and really are as worthy of recognition as such as the Rolling Stones or the Beatles were in their heydays. That the achievements of successful Gen X and younger generations are finally getting philatelic recognition in their home societies is, I think, quite positive. If stamps are meant to be a reflection of the culture of the society that produced them, then this issue is very much proper for celebrating a piece of British culture and society in the mid-to-late 1990s. (though I still wish some of the great musical acts of the 1980s would get recognition too in the future). |
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,867
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jan 6, 2024 0:23:02 GMT
If stamps are meant to be a reflection of the culture of the society that produced them, then this issue is very much proper for celebrating a piece of British culture and society in the mid-to-late 1990s. (though I still wish some of the great musical acts of the 1980s would get recognition too in the future). Opinion Music is retained by the individual as Calendar tabs to moments of high awareness. I recall my mother shedding a tear to Vera Lynn's "we'll meet again" (a WWll classic) Again, "twisting" with her, at a party to Chubby Checker and, the indescribable pain, of my first crush, to Jackie Wilson - (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Judgements are merely text on a magazine page, it may influence one to take a listen, but not to approve. I recall bringing home King Crimson's "Larks tongues in Aspic" to my share house I was mortified, everyone hated it  |
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Post by daniel on Jan 6, 2024 1:08:08 GMT
My main problem with these modern GB stamps is the number of stamps in the set, 15 in the case of the Spice Girls. Plus multiple editions including a Prestige Booklet, various framed sets, expensive Limited Editions, Collectors Sheets and Press Sheets. If you wanted to buy one of everything, it would cost (excluding the various first day covers} £633.29  Shocking. Daniel |
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swvl
Member
Posts: 522
What I collect: FDCs, plus some US modern and new issues. Topical interests include music, art, literature, baseball, space...
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Post by swvl on Jan 6, 2024 1:14:46 GMT
I agree that the number of stamps in many of these sets is a bit excessive. (I have the same complaint for some of USPS' setenant issues, but at least those aren't sold in quite as many limited-edition configurations.) That aside, I think the Spice Girls are a worthy subject for all the reasons djcmh cites. Good job by Royal Mail. More pop music on stamps! |
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