It was about 8:50PM when the lights dimmed at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA. The temperature was extremely hot inside the theatre and rose even higher when Iron Maiden took the stage. The band's energy coupled with a sold out crowd of enthusiastic fans, made for an incredible evening. No one seemed bothered by the heat after Maiden started jamming. Fans were singing throughout the show and a few had even managed to climb onto the stage before being escorted out by security.
Maiden opened the show with "Aces High" and continued performing nonstop with hits including "Wrathchild", "Two Minutes To Midnight", "Phantom Of The Opera", "Wasted Years", "The Evil That Men Do", "The Clansman", and "Fear Of The Dark", despite the absence of guitarist Adrian Smith, who had to fly home due to personal reasons. Eddy (Maiden's mascot) appeared at one point to fight with the band members on stage. Highlights included singer Bruce Dickinson coming out on stage wearing a tribal mask during the song "Powerslave" and the fans went wild. The band closed with the song "Iron Maiden" at which time this gigantic Eddy emerged from behind the drum kit of Nicko McBrain.
Maiden came back to perform three encores, "The Number Of The Beast", "Hallowed Be Thy Name", and "Run To The Hills". The band put on an incredible show. They were full of energy and excitement. Bruce told the crowd to wait until next year for a heavy new album and a world tour.
Check out our recent interviews with Bruce and Adrian for details and info on the new Ed Hunter CD. It looks as though Iron Maiden is back and better than ever.
More pix:
Steve Harris
Dave Murray
Review and photos by John Perry
1999, 1998, 1997 Rock Notes On-Line - http://www.oocities.org/SunsetStrip/5014/
