Rock News
Iron Maiden Live Review Of Melbourne Concert At Hisense Arena Post by: Ronny Lerner at Hisense Arena 24 February, 2011 - 12:26 AM
(Photo: Triple M)
Everything about Iron Maiden is big.
From the album sales (now in excess of 85 million) to the specially-commissioned 757 jumbo jet ‘Ed Force One’ to the band’s standing in music history.
And as Melbourne fans witnessed on Wednesday night at Hisense Arena, the legendary British heavy metal band’s show is just as grandiose.
Not only were thousands of fans treated to a dose of metal just the way metal should be delivered, but the elaborate, futuristic-themed stage set-up was nothing short of gobsmacking.
While the spaceship setting, generous assortment of giant backdrops and two huge screens were mighty impressive, nothing compared to the robotic 12-foot version of the band’s iconic mascot ‘Eddie’ that walked on stage and interacted with band members.
Iron Maiden was in town in support of its 15th studio album ‘The Final Frontier’ and, aside from some gentle ribbing about Australia’s recent capitulation in the Ashes series, lead singer/band pilot Bruce Dickinson and Co. wowed a rabid audience.
The 16-song set was evenly split between newer and classic material - the band’s latest release was afforded the most attention with no less than five of its tracks blasted out.
While classics such as ‘The Trooper’, ‘Fear Of The Dark’ and ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’ whipped the crowd into a frenzy, the biggest reaction was reserved for none other than one of heavy metal’s greatest tracks – ‘The Number Of The Beast’.
And after the final song ‘Running Free’ came to an end, fans would have left the arena mighty satisfied with the performance they were given.
All six band members might be in their 50s but they looked anything but their age.
Guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers were sublime, bassist Steve Harris was at his thunderous best, Nicko McBrain didn’t miss a beat behind the drums and while Dickinson’s voice certainly wasn’t like it was at its prime, it still delivered in spades and was capable of hitting many high notes with precision.
The good news for most fans who attended the concert is that the fun hasn’t stopped yet with Iron Maiden set to headline the Soundwave Festival beginning next Saturday in Brisbane.
Were you at the Iron Maiden concert at Hisense Arena on Wednesdsay night? What did you think of it?
Setlist
Satellite 15... The Final Frontier
El Dorado
2 Minutes To Midnight
The Talisman
Coming Home
Dance Of Death
The Trooper
The Wicker Man
Blood Brothers
When The Wind Blows
The Evil That Men Do
Fear Of The Dark
Iron Maiden
Number Of The Beast
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Running Free
Leave your comment
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Lainger says
OMFG!!!! What a great concert, I was in front standing area and had an absolute ball! It was a great set with a good mixture of old and new. I was surprised and delighted to hear "The Evil that men do".
Those guys sure know how to put on a show and put other younger bands to shame with their energy!
UP THE IRONS!!!
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 8:08 AM -
simmo says
what an insane concert!! these guys are still in there prime in there 50s. worth every cent!!
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 10:14 AM -
Jo says
Loved the gig last night - 2008 show was a bit better though. They are still great and Eddie looked awesome! Disappointed there was no "Run to the Hills" - it's my fav and was really looking forward to it. I wish I could get tickets to Soundwave!
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 10:21 AM -
Mike says
Really dissapointed in the mix,,,,maybe it was the arena,,,but the drums went up and down as much as the vocal mic,,,,,,
Oh,,,and that cock rocker on the right should concentrate on playing,,,,,Maiden fans appreciate the music,,,not the wanky guitar moves''
great to see the boys again
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 10:22 AM -
Michael says
Iron Maiden are one of the greatest bands in the world. So why on earth do we not hear them being played on Triple M????????
"the biggest reaction was reserved for none other than one of heavy metals greatest tracks The Number Of The Beast." So where is it, Triple M????
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 10:23 AM -
Susan says
Loved last nights concert!! They sure do know how to entertain. The stage set up is amazing, and seeing Eddie come out on stage was magnificent. I was a little surprised they didn't play Run to the Hills or Aces High, but enjoyed the varied setlist, especially The Evil That Men Do & Hallowed By Thy Name. Running Free at the end was a nice surprise too. My throat is sore today from all the singing!!
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 10:29 AM -
Melanie says
I'm so looking forward to seeing them in Sydney! Do we know what time they actually start?
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 10:40 AM -
kris & emma says
another outstanding performance, iron maiden are like a fine wine, they keep getting better with age.
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 11:02 AM -
Peter says
I was on the from row barrier watching Dave and Adrian churn out thos guitar anthems. Best concert experience ever.
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 11:05 AM -
Mr S says
These guys are THE Rock Gods. It was an awesome concert and a good mix of classic Maiden and songs from the new album. To hear Coming Home and When The Wild Wind Blows live was amazing. These guys know how to put on a good show with a vibrant, energetic sound and spectacular stage show. Long live Maiden. After all these years these guys still dish it out in spades.
Posted Thursday 24 February, 2011 11:09 AM
