Iron Maiden return to the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre as part of their 50th anniversary celebratory Run For Your Lives World Tour.
When you see that a show is sold-out, you know it’s always going to be heavy traffic and require more than usual effort to get there on time. Regardless of the best laid plans, by the time Megadeth took to the stage to open the show, cars were still lined up for miles in standstill traffic, trying to slowly filter into the venue’s parking lots, therefore missing their set. It’s no wonder that so many of the audience started to run to their cars before the encore in the hope of not having the same experience when leaving.
Regardless of the stress incurred when arriving, when it was time for Iron Maiden to take to the stage, it was huge smiles all around. The moment UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” began to be piped through the venue’s sound system, the fans knew it was the call to battle, and were locked in and ready to rock. As they sang whole heartedly, their voices rang out so loud, you could barely hear the recording. If this didn’t get you excited for the night ahead, then nothing will. Rock horns in the air – they were more than ready! By the time the visual introduction began on the big screens, the excitement that rippled through the venue, all the way to the very back of the packed lawn area, was palpable.
When this tour was announced, they said it would be a once-in-a-lifetime setlist with state-of-the-art production. I mean, would it ever be anything else? But we can confirm – everything they said was true! This tour is a celebration of the band being together for 50 years, which is impressive in anyone’s book! Since it isn’t tied to a new album release, they were able to dive deeper into their back catalogue than usual. After 50 years, they have more than enough to choose from. The 17-song set pulled from their first nine albums, from their 1980 debut Iron Maiden to 1992’s Fear of the Dark. Of course, you know they’re going to include “Fear of the Dark,” “The Trooper,” and “The Number of the Beast,” but this deep dive sees them including songs such as “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” “Killers,” “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” and even “Infinite Dreams,” which they haven’t performed in about 38 years. The metal opuses “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” and “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” are such lengthy songs that typically you wouldn’t get to see both performed in the same setlist, but both were a show all in themselves.
At 68 years old, Bruce Dickinson still proves he has more energy than most performers half of his age. The show lasted more than two hours, and his energy didn’t dip once. He would bounce around the stage, utilizing both the main stage and the upper platform area, at lightning speed. It was impossible to keep track of where he was at all times, as he would disappear for a moment and pop up somewhere else! His command of the audience was outstanding. Even when caged at the back of the stage, one lift of this hand and the audience reciprocated with a mighty roar. His voice sounds as great as ever at a time when many others younger than him are struggling to maintain their range and power. All of this after surviving a battle with throat cancer makes it all the more impressive. No matter how many times you see him sing live, you can’t help but be blown away.
The camaraderie between guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, Janick Gers, and bassist Steve Harris is a treat to see. None of these guys ever look like they’re phoning it in. Janick definitely comes in a close second to Bruce’s energy, as he could be seen spinning his guitar around his neck and twirling, all the while, not missing a single note. Throughout the evening, they performed at the highest level. While this is a guitar-heavy lineup, it is never overpowering. No one is competing to out riff the other, with each getting their moment to shine. They are joined by drummer Simon Dawson, who has stepped in for Nicko McBrain. The main difference between the two drummers is the size of their kits. You can actually see Simon behind his! Judging by the cheers that erupted when he stepped out from behind his drums, the fans have more than welcomed him into the very established fold.
Of course, we can’t forget the sixth member of the band – Eddie. It’s always a treat when the band’s mascot makes an appearance. While he appeared on stage in his Killers outfit early on, luckily it wasn’t the only time he came out to steal the limelight (and almost the heads of the band members).
The Iron Maiden fans are in a league of their own with the excitement, passion, and enjoyment they have at every show. Some were there for their first-ever show, while for others it could easily have been their 50th. Everyone is accepted into the family as they rock out without a care in the world, bringing to mind the quote, “Dance like there’s nobody watching.”
The tour has dates scheduled through until November, including more North American shows before heading to South America, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. While Bruce did tease at the end of the show that they will hopefully be back, you do not want to miss this 50th anniversary tour.
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