Judas Priest passes the "songs everyone knows" test alot better than Maiden though, don't they? I heard Living After Midnight and You've Got Another Thing Coming on the radio countless times. I don't think I've ever heard Iron Maiden on the radio.
I think Priest were more mainstream at their height, they changed with the times (sometimes to the disgust of many of their longtime fans). Iron Maiden have sold 4 times as many albums though(200 million vs 50 million), and have had more stable lineups (outside of the 90s), a more consistent identity, and are a bigger touring band.
Both bands had a big influence on later metal bands like Metallic who have their share of fans that have no use for the NWOBHM. But I don't know that any of those bands are ever going to get in. Do people see Megadeth, Slayer, or Pantera getting in? They've all been eligible for a long time.
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