The opening band wasn't too bad. They were certainly a diversion, but they said they were grateful and honored to share the stage with the likes of Iron Maiden, and they recognized the crowd's impatience, so the act went smoothly. I don't think they sounded too great, but I might look into them further if I get the time.
Maiden eventually started playing, and Bruce lept out of nowhere to start singing Different World. I guess I finally appreciate just how great they are at showmanship. The crowd was really into the new album, and it seemed like people were doing pretty well with getting the cues and lyrics right. I think that 'The Longest Day' has some of the best potential for being a crowd favorite, it's got such a perfect chorus for huge chanting audiences. Things got a little slow during the last few songs of A Matter of Life and Death, but they picked up immediatly once the band began playing Fear of the Dark. That was probably the high point of the show actually: the crowd's elation at hearing FOTD. The action continued through Iron Maiden wherein Eddie came out of the tank, then the encore after a minute or two of solid applause.
The setlist was a little strange, and it wouldn't have been my first choice. A Matter of Life and Death is good enough to stand on its own, there's no doubt. But, as far as giving a good show, it would have been nice to hear some classic songs in the mix. All the old ones that have been played to death? Yeah, they're so overplayed because everyone knows them, and everyone loves them. When everybody in a room the size of a stadium knows and loves the same song, the feeling is incredible. Once the new album has been out for a few years and everyone knows it by heart, then there'll be some good live action. I'd certainly be thrilled if the band played Brave New World in its entirety some day, and soon enough, I'll feel the same about this album.
Now here are some pictures I took for your pleasure:
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