michaellegge
Nomad
Mine was Earls Court, 2000. It took me THAT LONG!
(There’s no way this question has been asked here before, right?)
(There’s no way this question has been asked here before, right?)
Do You Remember The First Time?
- Thread starter michaellegge
- Start date
My first IM show I was a 15 year old kid and things got a bit feisty, some even called it a riot, but it was mostly standard drunk 80s festivities.
It was Somewhere on Tour and much later (2017) I recapped it on a hockey fan message board. These were my recollections:
I was there.
Can't believe it was 30 years ago, I am getting old.
I was 2 months shy of my 16th birthday and although 1987 was the year I started going to a lot of concerts, this one in March was only my third concert ever (the prior ones being Van Halen 5150 and Moody Blues/Fixx, both also at Byrne).
We went up early with a convoy of about 4 cars to tailgate. The first and most remarkable thing you noticed was that it was nothing but teenagers as far as you could see. It was like every high school in NJ sent all of its burnouts one big field trip without any adult supervision.
Lots of people passing around joints so I had one of my earliest pot experiences, I couldn't really keep up with conversations so I spent most of the pregame festivities sitting of the hood of someone's car just zoning out. At some point someone gave me a beer but I forgot I had it until about an hour later when the beer supply was running low, someone asked me for a sip and I split it with him but it was warm by then. Don't know why that particular detail sticks in my head but it does.
Also remember going to take a leak, there must have been crowds at the port o pots because everyone was just lining up along this chain link fence that divided that parking lot sections. A bunch of people were cheering off to one side so I looked over, one guy had a girl kneeling on the other side of the fence giving him a bj. To this day I wonder how that kid talked that girl into blowing him through a chain link fence in a crowded parking lot.
At some point people starting tossing empty bottles that were crashing around so we jumped back in the cars, some people smoked more and we just listened to tunes to prep for the show.
Inside was a zoo. Again, nothing but amped up teenagers in a sea of flannel and leather. I had Somewhere in Time and Powerslave on record/cassette so I knew all those songs, but some of the older ones were new to me. They put on an absolutely incredible, high energy concert. The crowd was loud and insane. People in the upper deck starting throwing stuff down on the floor seats, including firecrackers and a few bigger fireworks that were so loud they could be heard over the music. Even the guys in the band noticed them.
I'm pretty sure Run to the Hills was one of the encores. We had left our seats and were wandering around other sections by then. It was a wild crowd.
After the show the "Riot" wasn't really any such thing. Although it certainly was chaotic, I saw no fights or physical violence. Lots of car damage though. It was practically raining glass bottles by then so that was kind of dangerous. Lots of people were gathering anything that could burn and starting huge bonfires, and I saw one car getting flipped over. I didn't see any of the cars that got burned.
I got home that night exhausted and kind of nauseous so I was hoping I could slip in unnoticed, but my parents had heard about the "riot" and were understandably freaked. And that was about it.
In the end, there was no riot. But it was wild and fun for a teenager, and the concert itself was absolutely amazing. One of the best metal bands ever at the height of their power.
EDIT - Set List: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/iron-maiden/1987/brendan-byrne-arena-east-rutherford-nj-bd6c11e.html
It was Somewhere on Tour and much later (2017) I recapped it on a hockey fan message board. These were my recollections:
I was there.
Can't believe it was 30 years ago, I am getting old.
I was 2 months shy of my 16th birthday and although 1987 was the year I started going to a lot of concerts, this one in March was only my third concert ever (the prior ones being Van Halen 5150 and Moody Blues/Fixx, both also at Byrne).
We went up early with a convoy of about 4 cars to tailgate. The first and most remarkable thing you noticed was that it was nothing but teenagers as far as you could see. It was like every high school in NJ sent all of its burnouts one big field trip without any adult supervision.
Lots of people passing around joints so I had one of my earliest pot experiences, I couldn't really keep up with conversations so I spent most of the pregame festivities sitting of the hood of someone's car just zoning out. At some point someone gave me a beer but I forgot I had it until about an hour later when the beer supply was running low, someone asked me for a sip and I split it with him but it was warm by then. Don't know why that particular detail sticks in my head but it does.
Also remember going to take a leak, there must have been crowds at the port o pots because everyone was just lining up along this chain link fence that divided that parking lot sections. A bunch of people were cheering off to one side so I looked over, one guy had a girl kneeling on the other side of the fence giving him a bj. To this day I wonder how that kid talked that girl into blowing him through a chain link fence in a crowded parking lot.
At some point people starting tossing empty bottles that were crashing around so we jumped back in the cars, some people smoked more and we just listened to tunes to prep for the show.
Inside was a zoo. Again, nothing but amped up teenagers in a sea of flannel and leather. I had Somewhere in Time and Powerslave on record/cassette so I knew all those songs, but some of the older ones were new to me. They put on an absolutely incredible, high energy concert. The crowd was loud and insane. People in the upper deck starting throwing stuff down on the floor seats, including firecrackers and a few bigger fireworks that were so loud they could be heard over the music. Even the guys in the band noticed them.
I'm pretty sure Run to the Hills was one of the encores. We had left our seats and were wandering around other sections by then. It was a wild crowd.
After the show the "Riot" wasn't really any such thing. Although it certainly was chaotic, I saw no fights or physical violence. Lots of car damage though. It was practically raining glass bottles by then so that was kind of dangerous. Lots of people were gathering anything that could burn and starting huge bonfires, and I saw one car getting flipped over. I didn't see any of the cars that got burned.
I got home that night exhausted and kind of nauseous so I was hoping I could slip in unnoticed, but my parents had heard about the "riot" and were understandably freaked. And that was about it.
In the end, there was no riot. But it was wild and fun for a teenager, and the concert itself was absolutely amazing. One of the best metal bands ever at the height of their power.
EDIT - Set List: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/iron-maiden/1987/brendan-byrne-arena-east-rutherford-nj-bd6c11e.html
Last edited:
Flaming Blimp Crash
Ancient Mariner
Chicago 2016 at the United Center. Used to work at O'Hare International and our employee parking lot was on the west side of the airport by the hangars. I tried to see Ed Force One land and taxi - which I did, but I didn't get a very good view as it ended up parking on the east side of the airport.
The show was incredible. I remember thinking Nicko had a special bass drum head for the show as the four hearts on it looked very similar to the Chicago flag. I was mistaken.
The show was incredible. I remember thinking Nicko had a special bass drum head for the show as the four hearts on it looked very similar to the Chicago flag. I was mistaken.
Sth2112
Ancient Mariner
It was in Oslo in November 2006, on the A matter of life and death tour. I lived like eight hours away with car from Oslo, so I travelled with a friend, and we met up with a third friend who lived in the city. We were standing at the back, so I didn’t see very much actually. But very happy with the show and the setlist, when I’m thinking back, it was a very special show thinking how stale it has become with all these non-album tours.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
August 1996 Villarobledo - Albacete.
By the time they were filling big stadiums too LOL.
I liked the show but for sure i left the gig feeling that was not what i watched for years on the videos,thinking this band is not the same. I liked more Helloween.
By the time they were filling big stadiums too LOL.
I liked the show but for sure i left the gig feeling that was not what i watched for years on the videos,thinking this band is not the same. I liked more Helloween.
Attachments
When I was in the USA in 2019, I saw them in New Jersey. It was my first, and to see my favourite musicians live was an amazing feeling. Sadly, the terrible sound mix that night was disappointing. Dave's guitar was so high in the mix, Adrian was audible, whereas Janick's guitar was almost absent. When he played a lead or a solo, I literally heard nothing. I was hoping it would get corrected after the first 1-2 songs, but that stupid sound engineer (or whoever was in charge of the sound) was sleeping, I guess. Anyway, The Clansman, FTGGOG, TETMD, and FOTD were the highlights for me.
GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
My first Iron Maiden gig was in Miajadas, in 1996, on The X Factour. I posted about it at:
By the way, there is already a thread dedicated to the first Maiden gigs of forum members:
By the way, there is already a thread dedicated to the first Maiden gigs of forum members:
2005 in Toronto, which introduced me to Mastodon as well.
Had a fantastic time. Locked eyes with Janick just as somebody stomped on my toe (which was already injured), and I must've looked less than pleased about it. Maybe he thought I was in the throes of some kind of a weird catharsis.
Had tickets to see them a few years prior in Europe but that got cancelled because Mr Gers had fallen off the stage, in Germany if I recall correctly.
Had a fantastic time. Locked eyes with Janick just as somebody stomped on my toe (which was already injured), and I must've looked less than pleased about it. Maybe he thought I was in the throes of some kind of a weird catharsis.
Had tickets to see them a few years prior in Europe but that got cancelled because Mr Gers had fallen off the stage, in Germany if I recall correctly.
LosBastardos
Educated Fool
April 1993 in Arnhem, the Netherlands. When the tour was announced Maiden were going to play in the Paradiso in Amsterdam, which only holds about 1,500 visitors. But when it was announced that Bruce was going to leave the band, the gig was moved to the Rijnhal in Arnhem . I didn't really care about it at the time, but it would have been a great experience to see them in such a small and iconic venue.
I was 14 at the time and it's a long time ago, but I do remember enjoying it. It was also great that they added some unexpected songs like Prowler, Remember Tomorrow, Transylvania and Where Eagles Dare. Gigs were also a bit wilder in those days
I was 14 at the time and it's a long time ago, but I do remember enjoying it. It was also great that they added some unexpected songs like Prowler, Remember Tomorrow, Transylvania and Where Eagles Dare. Gigs were also a bit wilder in those days
Maiden Australia
Nomad
Brisbane 10th of September 2024 Future Past tour, on the floor (center stage 40m back) it was hot as hell in the arena though. It triggered an obsession resulting in me ranking 105th on maidens Spotify in 2025 (53 thousands minutes).
michaellegge
Nomad
I love this thread! Thank you!!
Ascendingthethrone
Ancient Mariner
Reading Festival 2005. I had an amazing time and the band were on fire. I will always defend that setlist. I thought it was perfect for representing their Early Days.
There was also the added bonus of buying Death on the Road the following day. Seeing Maiden on a Sunday night and buying their new album on the Monday morning. Top stuff!
There was also the added bonus of buying Death on the Road the following day. Seeing Maiden on a Sunday night and buying their new album on the Monday morning. Top stuff!
Christopher Baines
Ancient Mariner
GMex Manchester 1993, i was 15. I just remember it being very loud but I loved it
Randalf
Ancient Mariner
As I barely missed the ticket sale and couldn't quite make sure that I can get to see them in 2008 and couldn't make it for their festival appearance here in 2010 either, 2011 The Final Frontier tour was destined to be my first Maiden live experience.
Helsinki Olympic Stadium, 8th of July 2011
It was certainly a good one. Basically daylight all the way to the end of the set and the sound wasn't great (not super bad either), but an enjoyable show nonetheless! I liked The Final Frontier quite a lot at the time (I still enjoy many songs on it), so all the new stuff was very welcome. I'm also grateful for getting to hear Dance of Death live. The highlights of the show were, pretty much, the new songs and The Wicker Man, which I obviously liked a lot to begin with, but it kind of caught me by surprise. I found a totally new level of appreciation towards it that day. What a punch it has in a live setting!
The band performance was... good. Bruce wasn't at his best, but that part of the 2011 was pretty tough for him overall. It probably didn't help that Thin Lizzy performed in Helsinki on the previous night and I heard that the bands spend some time together in a hotel bar (or somewhere else), which probably explained Bruce's rusty voice and unshaven, slightly tired look.
Oh well. The Talisman, The Trooper and Hallowed were certainly tough that night and far from his best performances of those songs even at the time, but not too bad. I remember getting an impression that their performance altogether got a bit better towards the end of the set and When the Wild Wind Blows was probably my favorite moment in the set. It was nice to catch some classics too, but in all honesty, some of them felt slightly "auto-piloted" through.
I was happy, despite acknowledging even at the time that this wasn't quite the strongest performance they can deliver. The good thing in all that was that every single Maiden show I've seen since has been a lot better, in terms of both, the setlist & the performance (at least on Bruce's part, which I admit putting a lot of emphasis on)! I believe not everyone here can say the same, haha.
Helsinki Olympic Stadium, 8th of July 2011
It was certainly a good one. Basically daylight all the way to the end of the set and the sound wasn't great (not super bad either), but an enjoyable show nonetheless! I liked The Final Frontier quite a lot at the time (I still enjoy many songs on it), so all the new stuff was very welcome. I'm also grateful for getting to hear Dance of Death live. The highlights of the show were, pretty much, the new songs and The Wicker Man, which I obviously liked a lot to begin with, but it kind of caught me by surprise. I found a totally new level of appreciation towards it that day. What a punch it has in a live setting!
The band performance was... good. Bruce wasn't at his best, but that part of the 2011 was pretty tough for him overall. It probably didn't help that Thin Lizzy performed in Helsinki on the previous night and I heard that the bands spend some time together in a hotel bar (or somewhere else), which probably explained Bruce's rusty voice and unshaven, slightly tired look.
Oh well. The Talisman, The Trooper and Hallowed were certainly tough that night and far from his best performances of those songs even at the time, but not too bad. I remember getting an impression that their performance altogether got a bit better towards the end of the set and When the Wild Wind Blows was probably my favorite moment in the set. It was nice to catch some classics too, but in all honesty, some of them felt slightly "auto-piloted" through.
I was happy, despite acknowledging even at the time that this wasn't quite the strongest performance they can deliver. The good thing in all that was that every single Maiden show I've seen since has been a lot better, in terms of both, the setlist & the performance (at least on Bruce's part, which I admit putting a lot of emphasis on)! I believe not everyone here can say the same, haha.
AncientMariner_Essex
Ancient Mariner
November 1995, Brixton Academy, London on the X-factour.
My dying bride supporting.
Fantastic show. Was already a big fan of my dying bride and hadn’t seen them live yet so was excited to see both bands.
Thought blaze sounded great and never really had an issue with him singing the older songs. Only negative thing I’d say about Blaze, and it really is a minor point, was you could see he was really nervous on stage and just stood rooted to the spot fist banging lol.
Hus stage presence was better on the VXI tour which was my next iron maiden gig back at the Brixton academy in 1998. Helloween supporting who were another favourite band of mine at the time.
My dying bride supporting.
Fantastic show. Was already a big fan of my dying bride and hadn’t seen them live yet so was excited to see both bands.
Thought blaze sounded great and never really had an issue with him singing the older songs. Only negative thing I’d say about Blaze, and it really is a minor point, was you could see he was really nervous on stage and just stood rooted to the spot fist banging lol.
Hus stage presence was better on the VXI tour which was my next iron maiden gig back at the Brixton academy in 1998. Helloween supporting who were another favourite band of mine at the time.
harrisdevot
Priest of the Holy Wristband
1986, nov. 29th, Paris, Wasp and Vulcain opening. Everything was perfect. It was my first concert ever, and I think I only watched Steve Harris, except during the beautiful guitar duet. The setlist was great and the inflatable Eddie might have been a bit silly, but I loved it. Couldn’t sleep the night after. I was overexcited.
CA Bryers
Ancient Mariner
I so wish we'd have gotten MDB here in the States. Instead, we got Fear Factory. Which was fine, I liked them well enough at the time. A few years later, MDB did come to open for Dio here at a club--spent most of Dio's set chatting with the singer (at the time) Aaron in the lobby.
As for the Maiden show, that was at a club in Minneapolis called the Mirage in February of 1996. I'd met the band earlier that day at a signing at the Mall of America, and then went to the show a good few hours later. Fear Factory was great--tight set and very punchy as usual. Maiden came onto the fairly small stage with Man on the Edge, of course, with amps covered with the stage dressing and that was about it. VERY raucous crowd had me fighting for my spot up front the whole time, but it was a great show, I thought. When you're there and in the middle of it, you sometimes don't hear how well Blaze was doing on some material, so my memory is that he did well. No walk-on Eddie, no electric chair Eddie though, which was a big-time bummer being my first Maiden experience. Although, seeing them up close and intimate in a club setting is one I'd never trade, and it's something we'll never see again.