Barry Clayton is a name that probably doesn’t ring too many bells among metal fans, but he’s the voice that starts off one of the most iconic title tracks in metal, Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast.” And now, Clayton has died at 80. The Islington Tribune reports that Clayton was a pioneer of black television and radio, hosting The Black Londoners, the first daily news show for blacks on BBC from 1974 to 1988. In addition, he also lent his voice ot the anumated Danger Mouse spin-off Count Duckula. However, it’s for the following words that he’ll be immortalized by. Rest in peace, Barry Clayton.
Woe to you oh earth and sea
For the Devil sends the beast with wrath
Because he knows the time is short
Let him who have understanding
Reckon the number of the beast
For it is a human number
Its number is six hundred and sixty six.
