Eddie the Head, (I think they mean Eddie the ‘ed!) the blood-spitting skeletal mascot of the heavy metal rock group Iron Maiden, has been displayed in a Spanish town hall as part of a political war of symbolism.
The demonic face, a regular feature of the band's violent album cover designs, features regularly at council meetings in the town of Villava in Navarre.
Because Basque separatist councillors insist on hanging the Basque flag on their desks during debates, upset rivals opposed to the idea of the Navarre region being treated as part of the Basque country have adopted the Iron Maiden flag as their own emblem.
The Socialist leader, José Luis Uriz, said: "The Iron Maiden flag means a lot to me. If I have to put up with their flag, they'll have to put up with Eddie's face."
The conservative Navarrese People's Union party has joined the protest, with its councillors now hang the flag of the local La Liga football club, Osasuna, from their desks.
Eddie The Head, whose first incarnation was created by an art student from a melted plastic face mask, is ever-present at Iron Maiden concerts. It has often appeared above the drummer with 'blood' spitting through its mouth.  

This isEddie on stage earlier this year in Mumbai on the opening date of this year’s tour. He has grown a bit since he was played in the early days at the Ruskin Arms by a tow headed boy whose name completely escapes me after 30 years.