First, I'll say right off that I'm a long time maiden fan, and something that keeps cropping up when I'm talking about them is "how much Janick sucks" and how maiden "should just dump his ass". Comments like "sloppy guitar work" come up, you get the idea.

So, to all the maiden fans out there, what's your take on him? Do you think Iron Maiden would benefit without him, or is a now important ingrediant to mix?

I don't think it matters.

I admit that have never been sure of the rationale for keeping him whether he sucks or not. Once Adrian came back they should have dumped him, otherwise why didn't they keep Blaze Bailey when Bruce returned?

I voted dump him. I don't like his solos - they're too messy and they don't fit the Maiden sound IMO.

If he would just play rhythm then that would work. But yeah his solos are sloppy. But to have a three guitar onslaught live is pretty cool.

+1

Three guitars harmonies are amazing live! And Janick brings some freshness to the show with his crazy dances while the more focused Dave and Adrian lay their amazing musical touches.

ditto.

i'm a maiden fan for 22 years and I allways think that Gers is near-useless in this group
He got the A Smith job when Adrian go for his project (ASAP) but never played the role

After Smith return, unfortunately, he looks like useless !
My only one good advice with him is that he is punchy : bringing some big energy on stage, something that was missing in late'80 Maiden shows

but now, a third guitar, even if some pieces are written or adapted for it , doesn't work
he has not the precision/particularity of de Maiden's guitar playing

Guy's been in Maiden for nearly 20 years. I would've thought you could've dealt with it by now...

tell me if I'm wrong but he never signed any piece ! and on stage, he slaughters the choruses !

No, he contributes to a few songs on each album.

Right, first in the "X Factor" album - I was focused on the earlier ones !

merci Vinco

I actually like him better than Dave...I think Maiden was very loyal to have kept him...He also has the ties with Bruce on his solo CD...

He was also on "Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors" by Fish, who is one of my all time favorite singers...He got the Maiden gig right after that. Two thumbs up for keeping him!

I'm not a big fan of his overall phrasing ability, and he has nowhere near the magical guitar mojo that Dave and Adrian have (particularly Adrian, he's my fav out of the three by a long shot). He isn't as precise or clean in his playing either, though I wouldn't call him sloppy.

That being said, he plays a pretty important part in the band. 3 guitar harmonies are cool

Personally I think Maiden were too kind to keep him when Adrian re-joined, Adrian & Dave thats all you need.

My god, Janick Gers should leave Maiden a long time ago!!!!! I really HATE when he ruin a GREAT solo of Adrian Smith (Hallowed by the name, for example), Adrian Should play EVERY solo that he creates.