Chuck Kaye, Iron Maiden & L’Amour: the essential story

Chuck Kaye, known as “The Roar of L’Amour”, was the club’s dominant DJ/MC/promoter from 1984–1988. His own website (www.theroaroflamour.com) recounts the full Iron Maiden saga, including the infamous moment where he says he “up‑chucked” on Steve Harris during a night out — a story he frames humorously as part of his long relationship with the band.

How Chuck Kaye helped bring Iron Maiden to L’Amour

He had known Steve Harris and the band since the early 1980s, long before working at L’Amour.

In 1985, during a WASP weekend at the club, he spoke with Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, who remembered him from backstage interactions. This began the push to get Maiden to play Brooklyn.

Throughout 1986, Kaye repeatedly encouraged Harris to consider a L’Amour show — including during a night out when Harris was mixing at Electric Lady Studios. This is the night Kaye says he got extremely drunk and “up‑chucked” on Harris.

Kaye and the club continued lobbying Harris, especially during a Fates Warning show where Harris visited the venue as Kaye's guest. Harris seemed genuinely interested, but logistics were complicated.

Eventually, L’Amour’s team and promoter Rich Sanders worked with Smallwood to make the show happen.

The legendary 1988 Maiden show at L’Amour

Iron Maiden finally played L’Amour on May 8, 1988, billed under the pseudonym “Charlotte the Harlot.”

Chuck Kaye was the DJ that night and even recorded the answering‑machine teaser: “Run to the Hills and get your tickets now.”

The show is widely remembered as one of the most legendary in the club’s history.

Here is video from the classic evening - https://youtu.be/LoMzNu0WCT0?si=o3iBfuSzfeVfMubG

Chuck Kaye

Ah Yes Indeed

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