An Evening With The Beast

On Sunday, July 18th 2010, I got the opportunity to see one of my favorite bands live for the first time. Needless to say, Iron Maiden did not disappoint. As my comrade who joined me at the show stated, "We can cross that one off the bucket list." Below is why this was such a memorable event.

Was it irony or destiny that while traveling to the show my odometer displayed the number of the beast? Regardless, I was ready for whatever the greatest metal act on the planet had to offer.


While never being a big draw in the United States, Iron Maiden has been a world wide phenomenon for the past 35 years. How good could these quinquagenarian metalheads be? Especially given the intense atmosphere at any metal show. I was crawling out of my skin in eager anticipation.

The concert was held at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater outside of Chicago. Upon arriving at the venue, we were quickly surrounded by people of all ages wearing denim, camouflage and black t-shirts. By the start of the show, we were a part of an 18,000 Maiden worshiping crowd. The stage was created to resemble an alien spaceship to go along with the release of Iron Maiden's 15th studio album "The Final Frontier" which is slated for a August 17th stateside release.


To kick things off, an Iron Maiden cover of UFO's 'Doctor Doctor' played over the sound system. Was the band indirectly speaking to me? Now I was sure it was destiny! As the lights dimmed and the song ended, music reminiscent of Richard Strauss' Sprach Zarathustra from 2001: A Space Odyssey chimed in. The crowds cheers were getting louder and louder when Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers suddenly blasted in with the opening song 'The Wicker Man' from 2000s "Brave New World". The place was erupting with excitement. The triple guitar threat was unreal and the sound was spot on. Bruce Dickinson ran out onstage and continued to rile up the already stoked crowd.

*Courtesy Village Voice

Even though the band has been around for 30+ years, it was great hearing this live as it was the first song that got me hooked on Iron Maiden just 10 years ago. The next tune, 'Ghost Of The Navigator' continued to highlight the guitar harmonies and the galloping bass sound of lead songwriter Steve Harris. Maiden then blasted into an oldie with 'Wrathchild' from their 1981 release "Killers". With this song the crowd was going ravenous!


Following a plug for the new album, Maiden played 'El Dorado', the first single from "The Final Frontier". Again, Steve Harris' bass was the driving force behind this throwback sounding tune. Nicko McBrain (such a fitting name for a heavy metal drummer) pummelled the hell out of his drums despite his age of 58. Already, the show and performance had me awestruck.

*Courtesy Village Voice

Following a few more songs from their two most recent albums, Bruce Dickinson took a break to talk to the crowd. The Maiden front man continued to talk about the recent loss of metals larger than life gentleman and one of rocks greatest singers, he was talking about non other than Ronnie James Dio. As Dickinson quoted "He did actually sing a lot of songs about the Devil, but there wasn't a bad fucking bone in his body". He then dedicated the next song, 'Blood Brothers' (again from "Brave New World") to his memory. This was a fitting tribute to the belated rock icon. The band continued the brilliant set with a few other newer tracks before ripping through some classics. The set ended with 'Fear Of The Dark' and 'Iron Maiden'. During 'Iron Maiden', an 8 foot alien rendition of Maiden's mascot Eddie came out on stage to terrorize the band.


For an encore, the band opened with 'The Number Of The Beast'. The crowd was amazing and the energy throughout the amphitheater was more than infectious. Amazingly, Bruce Dickinson continued to run back and forth throughout the stage and appeared as vitalized as the acne-riddled, pubescent fans he inspired 30 years ago. Band mates Steve Harris and Janick Gers also continued to rock with over the top, animated performances. Concert staple 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' was played next and continued to fire up the audience. I had long ago lost my voice but continued to sing along. The band closed the concert with 'Running Free' from their 1980 self titled album. We had most definitely received our money's worth.


For those who have not seen an Iron Maiden show, regardless of being a fan, their performance and stage presence is second to none. After being a part of this concert, there is no question why the band has continued to be one of the best metal bands and live acts in the world. Should they tour North America again, I will be in attendance along with my little metalhead who has been in training since the day we met!



Iron Maiden "The Final Frontier" Tour 2010 - Chicago set list:

-The Wicker Man
-Ghost Of The Navigator
-Wrathchild
-El Dorado
-Dance Of Death
-The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
-These Colours Don't Run
-Blood Brothers
-Wildest Dreams
-No More Lies
-Brave New World
-Fear Of The Dark
-Iron Maiden

Encore:
-The Number of the Beast
-Hallowed Be Thy Name
-Running Free

God Bless metal, Dio and Iron Maiden!

Up The Irons!
\M/ \M/