Iron Maiden

16 years we've all waited. 16 very long years since Iron Maiden toured here in the "Fear of the Dark" tour. In that time they've toured the world many times, played Rock in Rio, had singers come and go and come back again. But did we mind? not at all.

This tour has been dubbed "Somewhere back in Time" and is loosely based on the almighty "World Slavery Tour" from 84-85 with the addition of a few Somewhere in Time and Seventh Son songs. Yet this wasn't a reformtion tour, this was a celebration

From the moment we arrived at the Homebush bay brewery and joined in the singalongs to the Iron Maiden tracks that the friendly DJ was spinning we knew it was going to be a special night.

A couple of beers later we headed in to the arena and took our positions on the floor and saw the end of Behind Crimson Eyes. They tried to warm the crowd with a cover of Motorheads classic "Ace of Spades" but failed. Really, the crowd were here to see one band tonight, and after a short break, they arrived.
The lights dimmed and Winston Churchill's famous "WE SHALL FIGHT ON THE BEACHES" speech comes on followed by the first song "Aces High"......and the crowd goes nuts, myself included, a quick hello followed by "2 Minutes 2 Midnight" has the entire arena screaming like crazy and grinning from ear to ear.

Classic after classic followed, Revelations, The Trooper, Wasted Years,The Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills....Every word to every song screamed by the crowd.

But the best was to come. Rime of the Ancient Mariner my be 13 minutes in length but it was without a doubt the highlight of the night. The backdrop was changed to look like a 17th century sailing ship, Bruce donned a tattered cloak and the song began. By the end of it everyone was exhausted , except the band. They my be getting on in years but I have to say, they are more energetic than most guys half their age, especially front man Bruce Dickinson. He jumps around like a man possessed with limitless energy and the way he engages the crowd should be taped and studied by front men everywhere. When he says "Scream for me Sydney, SCREAM FOR ME SYDNEY", you just have to.

Fear of the Dark was a surprise inclusion as it was released in 92 and this tour was a supposed to be a celebration of their 80's catalogue. But, to be fair, I'm glad it was. The singalong was the best of the night. The sellout strong crowd almost drowned out Bruce at points and kept in perfect time....ahhhhhh.

The closing song, "Hallowed Be Thy Name" was a great choice. The tale of a man on death row awaiting to die starts slowly but builds into one of their most powerful songs. Any energy left was soon taken from us all.

This was the best concert Ive ever been to and believe me, my list since 1989 is extensive. The sound quality was amazing, the lightning and pyro on the stage more so and the musicianship on display just couldn't be faulted.

Bruce and co, please don't make us wait 16 years again

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