Before joining Iron Maiden, Sampson was a member of the band Smiler. In 1975, Steve Harris (who was also part of Smiler) founded Iron Maiden and asked Sampson to join the group as well. He declined but eventually joined Iron Maiden in 1977.
After a year in which the band played local entertainment venues and a small group of followers rallied behind the band, Sampson collaborated on the creation of the band’s first demo, later released as The Soundhouse Tapes. Eventually, Iron Maiden signed with EMI. Sampson left the band on Dec. 22, 1979, and was succeeded by Clive Burr. After several years in the background, Doug formed the heavy rock band Airforce with his brother and vocalist Sam Sampson, guitarist Chop Pitman and bass guitarist Tony Hatton. In 1999, his spot behind the drum kit was taken over by Mick Dietz.
In 2015, Airforce provided a song for the compilation album Origins Of Iron. An album featuring 9 ex-Iron Maiden members that was produced in a very limited edition by WatchOut Records. This release brought Doug back into the spotlight. Because of this and all the positive response from fans, Doug decided in 2015 to take his place behind the drum kit of Airforce again with Chop Pitman on guitar and Fred Ball on bass and vocals.
In July 2016, Airforce’s debut album will once again be released by WatchOut Records with 8 tracks previously recorded and 3 new tracks recorded especially for this release. The release will be celebrated on July 16, 2016 at The Plough & Harrow pub in Leytonstone London, a pub where Iron Maiden used to play. (Source Wikipedia)
Special thanks to Erwin Lucas!