Iron Maiden

There is an intense debate that has split the Metal legions into two very vehement factions and that has lasted several decades now: Priest or Maiden? Some reasonable fans have managed to keep a level-headed, measured approach by saying both are great bands in their own right, blah blah blah... Fuck that. I like Judas Priest, they're pretty cool. But I'm a Maiden guy all the way. And over the last two nights I was reminded as to why.

The first night started auspiciously as I got into the venue a bit too late, but still not late enough to miss Bland Metal stalwarts Raven Age, a band so generic and faceless that makes you wonder why they are on so many big tours and festivals. Well, wonder no more: the guitarist is Steve Harris' son. Maiden have a habit of taking their offsprings' bands on the road with them, making the nepotism that's rampant in the Trump administration pale in comparison. They came, they played, and then went back to their hotel to play X-Box presumably.

After about 30 minutes, the ritual starts: UFO's Doctor, Doctor starts blaring on the PA and we know what's coming next: Maiden are about to come on. And sure enough, after Churchill's speech, they make the grandest entrance I've seen from any band. As a life-size spitfire replica hangs over them, they blaze into Aces High and the audients lose their collective and proverbial shit.

Over the course of the next 90 minutes or so, they play every major classic and some less obvious tracks, including some from the much-maligned Blaze Bailey era. The scenography is jaw-dropping: every song is illustrated by its own backdrop, and a lot of them feature cool props and theatrics that bring the songs to life and weave them into a coherent narrative in an exciting and clever way.

Now, because of my late arrival I wasn't able to secure a spot near the stage as I prefer, but the show is so huge and bombastic that it didn't matter much. Consequently the pictures in the following link are kind of shitty but they do give an accurate idea of the spectacle:

https://electriceyephoto.blogspot.com/2018/07/iron-maiden-accorhotels-arena-bercy.htm

Night two however was a different story. If the show was absolutely identical (save for the Bruce speeches that referenced the world cup and the Icarus icon that didn't work the first night) I managed to secure an early entry bracelet.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/841/43250474861_8f380d36db_m.jpg

So I stood just a little left of center, second row in front of the stage.

Now the problem with the early entry is that I had a lot of time to kill so I used that time to re-read War and Peace. The ending still sucks.

That was the view of the venue when I entered:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1787/42334569005_8cb868660e_c.jpg

And that was the view before Maiden:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/844/43250593251_b1b5ecc646_c.jpg

Maybe it's because I was closer but Raven Age seems a little less annoying this time. The singer still looks like a total douche canoe, but the other guys were just kids having a blast and that made their performance somewhat endearing. I'm not going to buy their records anytime soon but I no longer wish them severe bodily harm.

https://electriceyephoto.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-raven-age-accorhotels-arena-bercy.html

I'll be 40 in less than two weeks (yikes) and I thought being up front at metal shows was behind me. Well, I guess not. I had a fucking blast, even with all the crazy hairy dudes sweating beer all over me. Maybe I secretly like it? God what a breakthrough!

As I said the show was identical but so much more intense from the second row... Bruce was his usual funny self, addressing the crowd in French throughout, nailing every note and committed to bringing every song to life. The man is a force of nature and the best frontman in metal.

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aH1HhTGCK98/W0BigZQo58I/AAAAAAAAbsk/uwVM1O27Yl8ysiSMsoo_GIxU0zDdLOFFgCLcBGAs/s1600/Iron%2BMaiden06072018_15.jpg

Dave Murray always looks friendly and affable (and possibly a little inebriated) and plays really well.

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGjodHU0WrI/W0BiwyReb6I/AAAAAAAAbwc/uOEWuYYmlIgm3Hh0G7SlvIX4CEJAh7k7ACLcBGAs/s1600/Iron%2BMaiden06072018_205.jpg

Adrian Smith, to me, is the one with the coolest leads.

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03NRFsyfJi8/W0Bixab9diI/AAAAAAAAbwo/zB6G7H2ZQAwLBCsmH4dW9VtiL3_JZSXFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Iron%2BMaiden06072018_208.jpg

I know people dislike The Prancer and I get it. I happen to enjoy the fun he brings to the show. Jannick dancing around like a ballerina and barely playing his guitar is still more rock and roll than your average metal band member frowning and trying to look all dark and evil.

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WejIISchM9Y/W0BjNtFdYBI/AAAAAAAAb3I/ATRvzQH8aQ8kevfmTWfDA1jIbzCmWRcogCLcBGAs/s1600/Iron%2BMaiden06072018_301.jpg

Nicko was barely visible, for some reason they hid his drum kit behind some sort of camouflage so his head would pop out every once in a while (well, his nose mostly, as it now takes up three quarters of his face). He did mess up a few things here and there on both nights but he and the band recovered seemlessly.

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDteQj_08bs/W0Bj1r-PA-I/AAAAAAAAb_w/LDc6gtFW8MctKZ_XZHGWI__WES4TvqbUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Iron%2BMaiden06072018_99.jpg

And Steve Harris of course is his usual intense, quiet self. Mouthing every word while playing those galloping bass lines, anchoring the whole operation, even gently mocking Bruce when he begins to ramble on for too long.

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWxW25uIvsU/W0BjRV4xonI/AAAAAAAAb34/1burESWjaTEUZqgtvb9WpWwi2pjFrPHtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Iron%2BMaiden06072018_312.jpg

That was Maiden concert number eight for me and I don't know how they'll ever top that. But if they want to try I'll be there for sure. Up the Irons!

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdU3aNJ_w9M/W0Bimu5-EfI/AAAAAAAAbuE/VwRfeANcMbAFyoSfEf_w5dXxBLH8EY7igCLcBGAs/s1600/Iron%2BMaiden06072018_171.jpg

A shitload more pics in the link below. Some are quite badass, if I may say so myself, but even they don't do the show justice. It's to be seen to be believed, but mostly it's to be heard. Sure, they could have played other classics, other hits, more obscure stuff. But that's the problem with having such a vast repertoire. The show is perfect how it is. The sequencing, the pacing, the visuals, the song selection... This is the best Maiden show and this is the best metal show. Even if you're a casual you will be awe struck and if you're already a fan no doubt you will leave the venue even more of a die-hard than when you entered.

https://electriceyephoto.blogspot.com/2018/07/iron-maiden-accorhotels-arena-bercy_6.html

Xfinity Center. Mansfield Ma.
July 19, 2017

It's hard for me to review a band like IRON MAIDEN? I've seen them 10 times now (first being in 1983) and they have never ever put on anything less than a spectacular show!! Granted the stage sets have gotten bigger (disregarding the low point for metal in the 90's) and since the return of the "classic" line up they have become, outside America sadly, a stadium filling touring monster (60,000 Brazilians can't be wrong)!!

Maiden have over the years become a musical Behemoth and with each new album the songs are becoming more complex and longer pushing both themselves as musicians and at times there fans tolerance to the limits (Book of souls clocking in at 92 minutes).

It was great to see the generations of fans at the show in Mansfield Ma. and not just 50 year olds like myself as parents brought their children to see the "MAIDEN MACHINE" crush everything in it's path that night!!

One of the best things about MAIDEN is that they still have fun after all these years! And it comes thru in their performances without a doubt. The band is also not content to sit back and ride a "greatest hits" set with ample songs from their newer efforts mixed in with the classics.

If, you don't like Metal nothing I say will make you like IRON MAIDEN but, for me personally every time I see them I still revert back to that 16 year old kid in 1983 who was just blown away the first time I witness them live!!

So ya there it is. MAIDEN are at the top of their game almost 40 years(!) into their career and destroying bands half their age live (and on record IMO).
If your not a fan of Heavy Metal (which is fine) your view will not be swayed by anything I or anyone else says about them. If your a Metalhead you know. UP THE IRONS!!!!!

Iron Maiden was my first concert ever and the experience was so amazing I've been hooked ever since! Their set list for the O2 in London was based on their previous 'Seventh Tour Of A Seventh Tour' in '88, which featured heavily songs from their 7th album, 'Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son' but also many of their greatest hits and most famous songs to really engage the audience. They sounded absolutely incredible and there was so much energy from Iron Maiden which was impressive especially due to the age of the band and the members.
Iron Maiden are famous for their breathtaking stage shows, and this show definitely did not disappoint. During the song, 'The Trooper' a towering Eddie appeared from under the stage dressed in the trooper's outfit, matching the outfit Bruce Dickinson had just changed into to perform this song. The authenticity and the detail of Eddie and the costumes were just outstanding and the crowds really reacted to all the pyrotechnics used throughout the show as well as reciting all of the lyrics to every single Iron Maiden song played. Everyone even shared a little giggle when Bruce tripped over while leaping across the steps at the back of the stage, recovering very smoothly by joining in with our laughter. The crowds had a huge age difference from what I saw but the reactions were all the same as they shared the common love for Iron Maiden. I truly believe the Iron Maiden are one of the best bands out there and the experience from their shows is like no other. Its an opportunity not to be missed.

Iron Maiden defy imagination. They are timeless is every sense of the word. After over forty years in existence, their reach continues to extend to all corners of the Earth. While most heavy metal bands from the 80’s have long since retired, or morphed into something completely unrecognizable, the guys who were responsible for classics like Piece of Mind, Powerslave, and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son are literally flying high on the momentum of a late career resurgence. The big news this weekend is about the reformation of Guns ‘N Roses. People are going to fork out thousands of dollars to see Axl Rose roll around in a wheelchair in the desert, while Slash tries to hide his hatred under a mane of curls. In the meantime, Bruce Dickinson will be piloting Iron Maiden’s personal 747 to another city. Ed Force One will be met, as it always is, by a sea of hysterical fans just trying to get a glimpse of the latest incarnation of the most iconic mascot in music. “The Book of Souls World Tour” isn’t a cash grab attempt by aging musicians. Instead, it’s just another opportunity for Iron Maiden to do what they have been doing for decades now; showcase some new material while celebrating their past. Laying waste to the planet, one arena at a time, is just a fortunate consequence of those actions. - See more at: http://ilistensoyoudonthaveto.com/2016/04/15/iron-maiden-pepsi-center-04-13-16/#sthash.gweeP1xK.dpuf

I've seen Iron Maiden four times prior to this show: 2007 'A Matter of Life and Death' tour (Earl's Court), 2011 'The Final Frontier' tour (O2 London), 2013 'Maiden England' tour (O2 London), and 2017 'Book of Souls' tour, and they just get better and better everytime. Last nights sold-out show at the O2 in London for the penultimate night of the 'Legacy of the Beast' tour was spectacular - when it opened with a life-sized moving WWII Spitfire you knew it was going to be something special! The production was next level; fantastic stage sets, larger-than-life Eddie's, fireworks, flames, lasers - even LAVA for goodness sake!

They may be at or around bus-pass and pension collecting age, but the six members of Iron Maiden perform on stage like men half their age. What their age really gives them is the experience and "seen it all" knowledge to put on a perfectly polished show with no hiccups or slip-ups (and nearly no fall-downs, eh Bruce!). This is a band and crew working at their absolute best and in perfect sync, and you need to see a show like this in a venue like the O2 arena just to appreciate the sheer scale of it.

Sadly, the tour comes to an end the following night, but if you ever get the chance, go see Iron Maiden perform - they really are one of the best live bands in the world.

This concert made me realise 3 things... One, why I stopped listening to them in 1984, two, how can this overblown choreographed pantomime still have an audience and three, at least half of the audience were my age and absolutely loved it. Why did they love it? God knows, or should I more accurately say, who the 'devil' knows (see what I did there) but judging by the amount of band t-shirts the merch guys do absolutely love it! The 'Eddie brand' has been stretched across every possible horror/supernatural/creature identity we know and IM are squeezing every last scare they can from it - I haven't seen 'axe' heroes posturing like this since the bad old days of 'hair metal'. Or wait a minute... am I the one that's wrong here... I just wasn't in on the joke. I was taking it too seriously. The other 17,000 or so people know it's stupid, generic, pompous heavy metal - that's the whole point. It's meant to be silly escapism. Of course, of course..... but that didn't stop it being absolute and utter garbage. If anyone ever suggests to me to go and see a band I last saw when I was 16 'it would be great - just like it used to be - well to use a rather apt phrase (one they didn't last night by the way) - RUN TO THE HILLS!!!

Iron Maiden is by far the band I have listened the most to and “been with” the longest since pre-teenager, and at least once a year, or more, I listen to every album – although some of the later albums takes some “approach” to get started. So, with that in mind:
I don't if I have outgrown their concerts - too much focus on stageshow and Bruce's theatrically – but I was a little bored. Sure, I couldn’t sit down in my seat when they played but nonetheless, a bit bored.
The stops after every song ruins the flow and energy, and the songs is basically performed as on the albums – and every other live tour. Give me some surprises, new interpretations – just some!
I would pay twice for less show and more music – just those fantastic musicians playing music, thanks!
The sound was OK in Royal that night, but needed a little clarity in the mid (especially) and high range. When given headroom in the solos, the guitars were fine. But besides knowing who played and how they played, I couldn’t by ear tell the difference from the strats and LP’s – that’s a good rule of thumb to me …
I still love Iron Maiden, sure, but I’m not sure that more concerts are on my list :-(

I had little expectations for the show beyond it being loud and energetic. They did not disappoint on my expectations. The show was fire, electric and theatrics. The Audience was heavily invested and sang along at every note, the enthusiasm was intense. My one issue with the show was with the sound from Bruce, lead Singer. I was unsure whether his voice was breaking or the mic was a problem because throughout the show, you could see him belting out his high notes but the mic did not pick it up or he was incapable of reaching the notes. age can do that to a person. I have a feeling it was all a technical issue, and it was that one problem which left me feeling that the show was not as good as it may have been in the past.

otherwise, I can say f you are a fan of Iron Maiden, you will enjoy the show, and if you are going to check out a loud, real loud band, then you will love it. Don't expect any lull n the music. it is loud and fast and thats what a great metal concert should be.

First of all, I'm a Maiden fan.

Despite that, it's sad to say the show wasn't good enough, at least for me due to two main reasons.

First, the sound was HORRIBLE, I couldn't hear the guitar solos, the bass and drums were cluttered, anyway, the sound in a whole was awful.

Second, even though I understand they are working the last album, they can't leave out the setlist timeless classics such, RUN TO THE HILLS, RUNNING FREE, ACES HIGH, TWO MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT just to name a few.

At last, I paid 90 dollars for my ticket ( HORRIBLE SEAT BTW ), in the day of the show they were selling the same ticket for 29 bucks, not fair, nonetheless, Iron Maiden will be in my heart forever.

Here it is the setlist:

If Eternity Should Fail
Speed of Light
Wrathchild
Children of the Damned
Death or Glory
The Red and the Black
The Trooper
Powerslave
The Great Unknown
The Book of Souls
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden

Encore:
The Number of the Beast
Blood Brothers
Wasted Years

Well, it was genuinely fantastic. I saw Maiden about 10 years ago and am not the most massive fan so am familiar with their old stuff, not so much the new. Given that a lot of the 80s bands are showing their age now, I wasn't expecting to be blown away. How wrong I was. Right off the bat, power, energy, blam! Straight into Aces High complete with a full size Spitfire swinging about overhead. Talk about an opening statement. This tour seems to be a greatest hits kind of thing rather than an extension of the Book of Souls Tour. All the bangers were in there, apart from Wasted Years which is a personal favourite. Eddie of course made an entrance during The Trooper. Every band member seemed to be having the time of their life and the most important factor, Bruce's voice, was right on point. Only criticism was that the show was a bit short at just under 2 hours but it flew by. Best show I've seen for a long time. Get a ticket if you can!