Iron Maiden Live At Hisense Area
It had been 3 years since I'd seen Iron Maiden and after some unhelpful emails from the organisers of Soundwave I thought I might miss out this time. Luckily a sideshow was announced and I was able to get tickets. I've often said I want to see Iron Maiden tour on a new album and this would finally be my first chance to do so as they were coming here to support their latest effort The Final Frontier.
Stressing more than usual I couldn't believe the amount of red lights there was on the way to Hisense Area. I get inside to find one of the longest queues for merchandise I have ever seen, meaning getting a T-shirt was an impossibility in the short term. Thankfully my position to see Iron Maiden exceeded expectations.
I managed to catch some of the support band Rise To Remain who were an average metalcore band. Not even the presence of Bruce Dickinson's son Austin could make me interested.
After Rise To Remain I was treated to some Def Leppard, Judas Priest and ACDC. I also struggled through a sausage roll, reminding me once again that I should never buy food from these venues. Expecting to hear Lord come on next I was surprised to hear the UFO song Doctor Doctor, as this can only mean one thing.
Moments later Iron Maiden took to the stage with Satellite 15... The Final Frontier, which honestly is rather bland. Next came El Dorado, a song I wanted to hear live from the first time I listened to the new album.
Iron Maiden played 5 in total from The Final Frontier. I found When the Wild Wind Blows to be the best of the bunch with its brutal solo as the song came to a close being absolutely brilliant. The Talisman wasn't far behind, Coming Home however was a bit weak. I'd have preferred to hear Mother of Mercy or The Alchemist.
Of the classics The Trooper was probably the best received from the crowd. The Evil That Men Do was my favourite and it was another song I've longed to hear live. Strangely they didn't do Run To The Hills, which would have disappointed many. I wasn't overly concerned by this being more upset they didn't play anything from Somewhere In Time.
Having only followed metal since the late 90s, I was thrilled to hear some of Iron Maiden's more recent material. To hear The Wicker Man was amazing particularly considering I have the poster for this song up in my home. Blood Brothers was a nice addition even if I would have enjoyed something from A Matter Of Life And Death more. The standout for me though was Dance of Death, the opening alone almost brought tears to my eyes. Musically it was probably the best moment I've ever had.
Iron Maiden nearly topped this when they closed with Running Free. I'd practically forgotten this song, which made it special as I had no idea that they would play it. I'm also still singing it to myself so obviously it left an impression.
Afterwards I went merchandise crazy buying T-shirts and posters to add to my growing collection. Once home, my mate asked how I thought Iron Maiden compared to last time. I think he was shocked at how definite I was that this time was far superior. There was no comparison. This was what I've always wanted to hear from Iron Maiden and confirmed why I will always consider them the greatest band of all time.
Set list
Satellite 15... The Final Frontier
El Dorado
2 Minutes to Midnight
The Talisman
Coming Home
Dance of Death
The Trooper
The Wicker Man
Blood Brothers
When the Wild Wind Blows
The Evil That Men Do
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden
The Number of the Beast
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Running Free
