So if anyone (looking at you Bosky) is on the fence about seeing this tour...DO IT!
This was my 15th Maiden show over 13 tours spanning 36 years. This was without a doubt the best stage production and performance I have ever seen. Honestly, I felt like I was at an Alice Cooper concert with all of the stage props and sets.
What is amazing about Iron Maiden is that there is no such thing as resting on their laurels. The continue to find ways to push the envelope and enhance the performance.
First off...the setlist. The only other setlist IMO to come close to this was the Ed Hunter tour in 1999. This was an amazing collection of songs. My only complaint was that it only included two Reunion Era songs. For The Greater Good Of God is my #1 or #2 Reunion Era track. I missed the AMOLAD tour (we were in Disney when they played in Boston), and this song literally gave me goosebumps.
And even though I'm not a fan of The Wicker Man, it went over really well live. Lots of crowd involvement.
And Sign Of The Cross has to be seen to be believed.
Bruce Dickinson is getting better. Not sure how that is possible. This was some of the best "singing" I've ever witnessed him doing. He was in constant motion, with multiple wardrobe and prop changes. The lantern during Fear Of The Dark. The jail cell and noose during Hallowed. the torch and Icarus during Flight. The drop down candled chandeliers, the light up cross. Never mind a fucking plane hanging from the ceiling! Incredible.
And the stained glass motif and backdrop is the single coolest stage I have EVER seen. EVER.
It's incredible how much Iron Maiden continue to work at their craft. Whether it be technical playing, stage performance, or visual interpretations, Iron Maiden is getting better with every tour. I mean, they had the best stage in the fucking 1980's!
I might have had the worst seats I have ever had for an Iron Maiden show. That's a story in itself.. But that didn't get in the way of my enjoyment. I have about 6 or 7 top Maiden shows, and this is definitely one of them. The whole experience was really breathtaking.
Oh, Nicko at 67 is amazing. This was a demanding setlist and he was right on point. And in defense of Jannick. He is a true showman, but his playing was also right on point. He played some great passages, and with all of the jumping around, he was in total synch with Dave and Adrian.
Anyway, I did take a million pics, even though they aren't that great.
I did manage a meetup with my good friend Kingshmegland. Always a pleasure to talk to him in person, as I know many of you already know.
Topic: The Iron Maiden Thread v. The Merge of Souls (Read 572249 times)
