Sorry about the lateness of this review, but come on, you know the deal... It's Dream Theater and Iron Maiden. How can you expect anything less than amazing music? Best of all, there were no attractive women to distract me and only me at said show. What a relief, huh? That said, let's get to the nitty-gritty.
Having been a fan of DT for the last 20 odd years, it's pretty difficult for them to disappoint me live. I've never heard a bad show from these guys, even if the quality of their discography is a source of contention amongst its fans (for the record, I actually liked Falling Into Infinity a lot). Long story short, they played a nice mix of their catalog (A Rite of Passage, off their latest album, sounded great live), but no solos from any of the ridiculously talented members as they blazed through a good 45 minute show.
You can guess the quality of the mix being that they were the opening act. But for the most part, they sounded good, played their asses off to an ecstatic crowd and everyone came away from the experience happy from what I could see. I only wish I could have gotten me one of their 25th anniversary shirts before I left, but I will bide my time...
I've written so many times about Maiden before, and what can I tell you except that their show was another fantastic live experience from one of the best metal acts in existence. Think about it, Iron Maiden has been around since 1975 and they're still putting out albums that are able to stand on their own merit. I'm not saying they're breaking down any barriers or forging new ground in metal - shit, much of their music is some of the ground that other metal bands have stood on for years! But I'm simply attesting to the pedigree these guys bring to the table in terms of heavy metal concerts. They are simply one of the best touring bands in existence; you never feel like they're phoning it in, and these guys have been doing in since the early 80s. Rags felt like the set list was lacking, as they played more than a couple of numbers from Dance of Death, admittedly one of their weaker albums. I honestly didn't notice, as I was enthralled by yet another amazing set inspired by the sci-fi theme of their upcoming release, The Final Frontier. Alien monster Eddie was in full effect. And the irons? Bitches, they were UP!
Bottom line, if you've never seen an Iron Maiden show, but have been to other, newer metal bands' shows, go see the masters at their game. And get me a DT hat!
- Genghis is looking for some online t-shirt deals now...