The character known as Eddie first appeared in the artistic portfolio of Derek Riggs under the original title Electric Matthew Says Hello. Originally painted as a potential punk album cover, the figure was modified at the request of Iron Maiden management to alter his hair, leading to his debut on the band's self-titled 1980 release.
Early Development and Career
Born in 1958 in Portsmouth, England, Derek Riggs developed his skills as a self-taught artist. Although he attended art school, his tenure there was brief, ending in expulsion after he voiced complaints regarding the curriculum. His professional trajectory is defined by a transition from traditional media to digital tools, encompassing roles as an illustrator, painter, draftsperson, and graphic artist.
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Riggs maintained a long-standing creative partnership with Iron Maiden throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s. He was responsible for many of the band's visual representations, centered on the mascot Eddie. This relationship shifted in 1992 when the band began accepting contributions from other creators for the album Fear of the Dark, leading to a reduction in his input. Beyond his primary work with the band, he designed the cover for the self-titled debut album by the tribute band the Iron Maidens, which drew visual inspiration from the Iron Maiden album Killers.
Technical Evolution
For much of his early career, Riggs utilized acrylics and alkyd, a fast-drying oil-based paint. Health concerns related to the chemicals used in these materials prompted a shift to digital painting in the early 1990s. His software suite includes Bryce, Photoshop, and Strata Studio Pro. He has applied these digital techniques to various projects, providing artwork for musicians including Bruce Dickinson for the album Accident of Birth, Gamma Ray for Power Plant, Stratovarius for Infinite, Gillman for Cuauhtemoc, and Artension for the 2004 release Future World.
Professional Recognition
The cultural impact of his work extends into the gaming industry, where his influence was acknowledged by designer Tim Schafer. In the 2009 game Brütal Legend, the protagonist was named Eddie Riggs, a reference combining the artist's name with that of his most famous creation. In 2021, Riggs received formal recognition through his induction into The Metal Hall of Fame. He currently resides in Riverside County, California.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 February 1958, Portsmouth, England
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Primary medium transition: Acrylics and alkyd to digital
- Digital software: Bryce, Strata Studio Pro, Photoshop
- Notable mascot: Eddie
- Inducted into The Metal Hall of Fame: 2021
- Current residence: Riverside County, California
Questions readers ask
What was the original name of the mascot Eddie?
The first picture of the character was titled Electric Matthew Says Hello.
Why did Derek Riggs switch to digital painting?
He moved away from acrylics and alkyd paints in the early 1990s because the chemicals involved were negatively impacting his health.
