Regarding the event, Rod commented as follows, "We are all aware of the difficult times many Charities are having in these harsh economic times, so, on Jan 26, myself and 24 hardy souls are heading for Cuba to cycle 100 miles over a 48 hour period once again in aid of two splendid Children's charities, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and Childline."
The Iron Maiden b-side track "Sheriff of Huddersfield", released on the "Wasted Years" single in 1986, was written about Rod Smallwood. The track likens Rod to the Sheriff of Nottingham due to his notorious stinginess with money at the time, as well as his complaints about their move to Los Angeles. Rod was unaware of the track prior to it's release. Well at least with all his efforts to raise money for charity Rod has seemed to have finally changed his ways...plus he's probably made a fortune off Maiden by now.
Rod is hoping to personally raise £66,600 (around US$105,000) for the charities. The items being auctioned off are as follows:1) Rod's personalised gold disc for UK sales of over 1000 copies of Iron Maiden's 'The Final Frontier'. 40cm x 40cm, framed and ready to hang on your wall.
2) Signed plans for Ed Force One's 'The Final Frontier' livery. You don’t just throw some paint at a 757, it all has to be thought out very carefully. These are the plans for the 2011 tour livery – an A3 (30 x 42cm) sheet which acts as a guide for the technicians who apply the logos to the plane. We will get this sheet personally signed to the winning bidder (or to a person of the winner’s choosing) by the whole band.
3) Rod's personal 'The Final Frontier' tour jacket, signed by the band. As worn by The Killer Krew when it's cold and wet. Now you can own the jacket without all the hard work and getting rained on. The jacket is size XL. We will get this jacket personally signed to the winning bidder (or to a person of the winner's choosing) by the whole band.
4) Iron Maiden at the London O2 on Saturday August 6th. Very special access to watch the show with a friend from the mixing desk, in the company of Rod Smallwood and his large cooler of beers! (this includes 2 standing admission tickets to the concert).
( News & Photo From : metal.com )