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Rating: I just got home. Matteo had invited me for a beer at his place, but I preferred to crash in bed: I'm exhausted! At the very least, tomorrow I’ll be without a voice, things that happen. Let's quickly recap the situation: Teo and I were at the Forum di Assago for the Iron concert. What a concert! For the sixth time, I had the chance to see Iron (strangely enough, the first time in Milan), and I must say they put on an exceptional concert.
The bold choice of performing the entire last album live (which sparked quite a few controversies, some even justifiable): the fans showed they already knew it by heart, singing all the songs at the top of their lungs. The sound wave that hit the Forum when Maiden started with "Fear Of The Dark" was impressive: Bruce even stopped singing, as his voice was completely drowned out by our screams (yes, I also sang like a randy, pimply fifteen-year-old at his first concert). The frenzy continued with "Iron Maiden" (the iconic opening line, played by Dave Murray in such a classic stance that it has become a true icon, was as exceptional as always). The three final encores were sensational: "2 Minutes To Midnight", "The Evil That Men Do" (always one of my favorites), and "Hallowed Be Thy Name". Apotheosis.
A few comments on the band's performance: Bruce Dickinson at the peak of his form (I've never heard him sing so well!), Steve remains the usual number one, while Nicko is still the most beloved of the band, and yet always precise and powerful. Moving on to the guitars: gems of class emerged from Adrian Smith's guitar (particularly inspired when wielding his Gibson), Dave Murray played his part honorably, and finally, the king of the scruffy ones, good old Janick, who did everything but play: it was a criminal act to have him perform the solo of "The Evil That Men Do", but oh well, let's take him as he is and that's it, I adore him too, and I'll keep him as he is, a true pillar of Maiden, period.
In short, an extraordinary concert, with musicians who have proven to be a veritable war machine live, a band that is insanely loved by its fans and deserves everything it has achieved over these years. A small detail: halfway through the concert, Rod Smallwood (for those who don’t know, he’s the historic manager of Maiden) positioned himself in the area dedicated to the sound and light technicians and thoroughly enjoyed the concert (at a certain point, I lost sight of him because I tried to propel myself to the front line...). This demonstrates how strong the Maiden "group" is, if it’s true that their manager still follows them live and listens to concerts in the front line, while he could comfortably be with his belly soaking in the office. At this point, there’s only one thing left to say: up the Irons!
P.S. Highly spectacular set design, with Eddie ruling far and wide. Even from this point of view, Maiden have proven to take no lessons from anyone: everything that revolves around their music works wonderfully, yet remains precisely "everything that revolves around their music", nothing more, nothing less. The impression is that if you saw them play in a crappy fourth-rate pub without any type of set design, lights, or mascots, the emotions and music would remain absolutely the same. Period.
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