Must be in the past, because when I saw James perform on the PN09 tour and the one off gig in Portland during the Maiden tour, he was the greatest front man I've ever seen, and I've seen over 200 shows. He made eye contact and connected with the audience brilliantly, even the audience in the balconies, not to mention he sang his ass off. He was also very vocal with the audience between songs and used the entire stage. I just don't get this comment about him not having any stage presence or personality.
Anyway, trying to get this somewhat back on topic...
Yes, James sings his ass off and I love him for that, but a baked potato can stand there and say "how the fuck are we doing?" between songs. Casually walking around in a circle and generally looking disinterested is not what a good front man does. I don't "feel" the vibe from James like I do from JP, JR, and MP, when he should be the one setting the tone. Sure, everyone has good gigs and bad gigs, and it looks like you saw a good gig. But being a long-time fan and having been able to see them live and on DVD, it's the thing I wish James was better at.
But maybe James held back cuz MP wanted to be the "front man" and now that MP is gone James will finally embrace that role, which would be awesome. I've met and chatted with him numerous times, seen/read his interviews, and he seems different on stage in front of MP than he is under normal circumstances. Just like it's exciting to see what the guys can do musically w/o MP around I can't wait to see what he does with the new album vocals and tour with MP out of the picture.
I've never been one to criticize James' voice like so many people do, it's a living instrument, and if he's even slightly under the weather or having a reaction to some food or the air it's going to be affected. I understand that but people just love to whine when he has an off night in the vox department.
In Portland, did you stay for Maiden after DT or did you leave? Bruce Dickenson IS A MONSTER front man. I generally don't like "flamboyant" front men (Freddie Mercury, Gary Cherone, etc) so much but they are definitely great at what they do. When I think of an ideal front man I'm thinking Sammy Hagar, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Bono, James Hetfield, etc. Guys that really drive the show and keep the audience engaged and focused.
There's just so much exciting DT stuff to look forward to that we're all chomping at the bit to get our grubby little hands on. Argh!
Topic: Junior High Kids Doing an Impressive Cover of "As I Am" (Read 5929 times)
