On the way to Greensboro, Oct. 25, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a band who had been playing for almost 50 years, but they delivered a performance I never could have imagined on the “Legacy of the Beast” (“LOTB”) world tour.
Iron Maiden is a well-known heavy metal rock band known for their dynamic performances featuring giant monsters on stilts and references to the devil himself. They have an updated version of their mascot and monster “Eddie” for new albums, but the original comes back on T-shirts and posters frequently.
Iron Maiden’s unique world tours are known for intricate props, vigor and actually going further than the U.S. and Canada. The band consistently visits Asia and South America to be met with packed stadiums of fans used to being ignored by the music industry for their location.
I’ve seen many concerts before, but I hadn’t ever seen something so distinctive to one group as this. The skill level was absolutely off the charts and the performers seemed happy to be there, something that makes every show so much better.
The nearly sold out stadium was full of dedicated fans wearing Iron Maiden T-shirts full of graphic designs and the number of the beast. Spooky.
Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson started off the show by saying the band hadn’t been to Greensboro since 1987 but was excited to get back to rocking.
The iconic song “Blood Brothers” was played with a preface that every member of the crowd was joined together through their love of music. It has become a unifying anthem for fans since its release in 2000.
Toward the middle of the show, during “Flight of Icarus,” flames erupted from the bottom of the stage and Dickinson ran around with a flamethrower. At the end, indoor fireworks were released from the ceiling while a giant prop of Icarus was raised behind the stage and crumbled to the ground after the last note.
Dickinson’s specialized tone and recognizable vocal style rang throughout the stadium as fans cheered until they lost their voices. Every party was devoted in the fullest respect. Whether fans were jumping up and down in the pit or in the nosebleeds, the audience was fully entranced by the unique experience they were getting.
Iron Maiden is still bringing their A-game even after decades of their career; they don’t ever stray less than their best for their fans. This concert was incredible.
★★★★★★★★★☆
Photo by Ananya Cox/The ECHO
