Iron Maiden are considered one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands in history, with "The Sunday Times" reporting in 2017 that the band have sold over 100 million copies of their albums worldwide, despite little radio or television support. The band won the Ivor Novello Award for international achievement in 2002. , the band have played over 2000 live shows throughout their career. For 40 years, the band have been supported by their famous mascot, "Eddie", who has appeared on almost all of their album and single covers, as well as in their live shows.