Iron Maiden conquered Stranger Things: “The Trooper” played in the series finale as a tribute to Eddie Munson 🤘

Metal once again played a powerful role in the finale of Stranger Things. After Metallica, it was Iron Maiden who made their way into the closing moments of the cult series, with their classic "The Trooper" appearing in the final episode of season five, aired on December 31.

The finale features an eighteen-month time jump and follows the main characters during their graduation ceremony. A surprising highlight is the speech by Dustin Henderson, who becomes the valedictorian of his class. Instead of the expected polished address, however, he delivers an uncompromising act of defiance and a tribute to his late friend Eddie Munson, one of the most distinctive characters of the series.

As "The Trooper" from the album Piece of Mind begins to echo through the hall—the very record Eddie once proudly held above his head in the series—Dustin throws off his graduation gown to reveal a Hellfire Club T-shirt with the slogan "Hellfire Lives." What follows is an open rebellion against conformity, a quick escape from the stage, and a scene that directly references Eddie's earlier dream of what an "ideal end of school" should look like.

For fans of the fourth season, this is a strong and emotional moment that closes one of the show's most important storylines—while also confirming how crucial a role metal music has played in the Stranger Things narrative. Iron Maiden thus join Metallica as another band that, thanks to the series, has reached an entirely new generation of listeners.

The musical backdrop of the Stranger Things finale blends different styles and eras, but "The Trooper" stands out as a clear symbol of defiance, freedom, and the metal spirit that Eddie Munson brought into the show.

Stranger Things finale soundtrack:

• THE CHORDS – "Sh-Boom"

• Prince – "When Doves Cry"

• Prince – "Purple Rain"

• FLEETWOOD MAC – "Landslide"

• PIXIES – "Here Comes Your Man"

• IRON MAIDEN – "The Trooper"

• COWBOY JUNKIES – "Sweet Jane"

• David Bowie – "Heroes"