Saw Iron Maiden last night......

[Ozz666]

They played the Rosemont (now Allstate Arena) here in the Chicago burbs last night.
Unfortunately, I haven't really been keeping up with many bands and haven't been following when any new albums are being released....so I haven't picked up the new album. That was a big mistake as I learned this was their album tour....they played the entire new album front to back. They sounded good, the guitars were right on, they always put on a great show. After they completed playing the album they played some oldies that I (and everyone else) was waiting for....Fear of the Dark, 2 minutes to midnight etc.... That was when the show began for me....the crowd REALLY woke up then....only one encore...they left Everyone there wanting more! All in all another great Maiden show....and I'm glad I had the willpower to hold off on getting sliders when we hit White Castle afterwards, I know I would have been REALLY hurting today!
If you're planning on seeing them when they come around...I'd suggest you go grab the album first and get familiar with the new material.

- Joel

[neilli]

Cool stuff Joel. I guess the best (only?! )reason to buy the new album is so you know what you're hearing if you see them live....

[StukaJU87]

Thanks for the review Joel, but I'll pass. I just feel lucky to have seen them in their glory days. I don't want those memories crushed.

[OnlineStageGear]

My Drummer and Bass player went to see them in Boston and said the same thing about playing thier whole new album. Honestly, what a way to bore and audience there to see the classics.

[Shawn Lutz]

I'd be bummed if they played the entire new album. I havent heard it yet but man ,unless the extend their set it cuts out some killer old tunes. At least it was their material they were playing

I'd be even more bummed out if I forked out $$ to see Dream Theather and they ended up playing the entire set of Metallica songs....I dont even like Metallica

[markD]

i wish i could see them on this tour. love it or hate it, maiden is at least trying to avoid being a nostalgia act. i personally like the new record and am happy that they still put out new music. it would be SOOOO easy for them to do the greatest hits tour every summer and fade into obscurity....

[vander]

I saw the Allstate show last night as well and thought is was excellent.

I did not like Dance of Death but think AMOLAD is the best album they have released in a long time. I love every song on it so seeing it played live in it's entirety was a treat for me rather than a burden.

I've seen Maiden a few times so it's nice to hear stuff other than the classics.

The live guitar tone was, as usual, outstanding.

[dg]

love it or hate it, maiden is at least trying to avoid being a nostalgia act.

+1

I prefer their old material, too, but I respect them for being committed to their current stuff & not trying to just coast on what they did 20 years or more ago. The best solution would be to play longer shows, like Shawn said.

[markb]

Thanks for the review Joel, but I'll pass. I just feel lucky to have seen them in their glory days. I don't want those memories crushed.

Eh?? I saw them for Piece of Mind, Powerslave, and Seventh Son and I also saw them about 3 years ago just before Brave New World came out. Let me tell you, that last time was the best I'd ever seen them. They tore the place apart, one of the best shows I have ever seen period. It was a sold out show in Montreal, and the band even mentioned on their website that it was one of the best shows of their career. Nicko said he just couldn't put the night into words.

Find another reason not to see them, cuz lemme tell ya that one doesn't fly.

On a side note, that tour was the first with Dickinson and Smith back. They opened the show with number of the beast, and when Adrian started the first couple bars of his solo the whole crowd went wild, drowned out the band, they were so happy that he was back. It was one of the coolest things I've seen. It even stopped Dickinson in his tracks for a few moments, he was stunned.

Having heard the new album a few times now, its pretty good, grows on you. I cant say Id want to hear it front to back, but it could be worse I suppose. Like they could play x factor front to back. Now that would be worse.

[StukaJU87]

Eh?? I saw them for Piece of Mind, Powerslave, and Seventh Son and I also saw them about 3 years ago just before Brave New World came out.
Find another reason not to see them, cuz lemme tell ya that one doesn't fly.

It flies for me, my friend. The first time I saw them was on Number of the Beast. I saw them on each tour through Powerslave and I think I even went to the Somewhere on Tour show.The last disc they made that I liked was Powerslave so yeah, to me there is no reason to go see them now.

I loved them from their self titled release through Powerslave. You'll never convince me that those early days can be somehow topped or relived. They cannot. I am too old a fan. And don't get me started on that leaping, flitting, 3rd wheel goof ball either. Only southern rock bands like the Outlaws, Molly Hatchet etc should have 3 guitars.:ROTF:

More power to you guys who still follow their music and enjoy it. They are just not for me anymore.

[markb]

I You'll never convince me that those early days can be somehow topped or relived.

They can't. my fave is Piece of Mind or Killers (depends on the day).

And don't get me started on that leaping, flitting, 3rd wheel goof ball either.

Oh yes, that goofball.

It's just that... for a band that old, they are just in fine form live. Amazing really. That doesn't happen very often, esp. in metal.

[khabibissell]

Hmmm... Iron Maiden was here Tuesday night, but I went to see Al DiMeola instead. It was a tough decision. I'm sure the show rocked!

[Newc]

I got the new album but haven't listened to it yet. I saw them in 84 for the Powerslave tour. That was great. Can't remember who opened for them, though

[markb]

I got the new album but haven't listened to it yet. I saw them in 84 for the Powerslave tour. That was great. Can't remember who opened for them, though

Probably Twisted Sister. they did most of the tour.

[Top Jimmy B]

Yep, Twisted Sister when I saw that tour. Dee was arrested after the show for being too vulgar on stage.