Why some Iron Maiden fans call "2 Minutes to Midnight" their worst song

No, there is no data ranking it as Iron Maiden's worst song: it was a single in 1984 and reached number 11 on the UK chart. What is true is that its pop chorus and its constant repetition live have made it a target for part of the fanbase.

## A 1984 single with a pop chorus
The **Iron Maiden** song **2 Minutes to Midnight** was released as a single on **6 August 1984** and was part of Powerslave, released on 3 September 1984. It was written by Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith.

The title refers to the Doomsday Clock, which in 1953 stood at two minutes to midnight. It reached number 11 on the UK chart. Its chorus, repetitive and catchy, is what part of the fanbase considers the weakest point: too poppy for the rest of the album.

## The live show and the fixed setlist
On the **World Slavery Tour**, between **1984** and **1985**, it was already being played live. Over the years, **The Trooper**, Antiestéticar of the Dark and Run to the Hills have become staples of many concerts.

Some argue this leaves out material like Paschendale or Sign of the Cross. The complaint is not so much that the song is bad as that the setlist always repeats the same things. Comparing songs is subjective: Iron Maiden has uneven albums and lesser-remembered tracks. What is solid is that it was released, sold and played; what is debatable is whether that chorus deserves its place.