So. I've had some time now to digest the two Stockholm shows and wanted to write something about my feelings afterwards. For context, this is the first time I'm going two days in a row for this type of bigger show, and I was curious about how that would feel, how my energy going into the first night versus the second night would feel. And work in between and all that.
But it was amazing. Loved walking toward the arena and seeing all different kinds of Maiden fans, both younger and older. Many parents + kids combo which always warns the heart. The younger Metalheads were out in force, and it's nice to see the newer generation starting to take more place. I'm speaking like an old man I know, but with this being my 7th and 8th Maiden show, I feel like a bit of a veteran now.
I got two shirts, the Nordic Event Tee and the Powerslave one. The Dive Bars were great, loved the community feeling that Metal shows and Maiden shows provide. I went solo the first night, and with my mother and best friend the second night and they loved every minute of it. Amazing weather especially during the friday, and I had good energy going into both nights. Skipped Halestorm the second night, they were good but not something I needed to see twice.
The performance was amazing, I've already commented on Simon but wanted to give him some praise also, he killed it on Rime both nights. And the band as a whole was much tighter on the Friday show, especially Dave, it really felt like his show, he was on fire both nights!
I hope it's not the last time I see the band, it really feels like there's still fire in the engine, but after everything with Nicko you can't take anything for granted, so I was really focused on taking it all in and really just being in the moment.
There were some phones out, but it was far less than usual, and only during specific songs, so the message seems to work for most of the audience.
Sorry for the rambling, just wanted to get my thoughts out. This is my favourite band of all time, and I always feel a bit sad after a show, you wait for almost a year and then it's over like that. But now I just focus on trying to relive the memories and enjoy the fact that my favourite band of all time performed live in 2025, and with this type of performance! This is a special tour, and I hope you all get to enjoy it when it's your turn.
