Well.
Well well well.
Some unexpected surprises, and some unexpected not-so-surprises.
I think the headline grabber for most people will be the exclusion of the ever present Hallowed Be Thy Name, which now means only Iron Maiden has been played at every concert since the corresponding album's release.
I'm pretty certain that it will turn up for 2013, as they will probably get some flak for missing it off; it will probably replace Aces High in the encore, but who knows?
Other points to make:
+The press release stated that the set would feature "around two thirds of Maiden England." We got nine out of fifteen tracks, although Run to the Hills and Running Free were also part of the original encore from the tour which was never present on the media release. They have also included The Trooper which had been dropped for the UK leg. So, theoretically, we have actually recieved twelve songs which recieved outings on the tour.
+A return to a seventeen song setlist. And a return to a short encore; the last few years of encores have featured a 7min+ song, although it's perfectly concieveable that Running Free will now serve as an elongated version.
+Glad to see that we did get one of the SIT songs from Maiden England. By the same deduction, I see that Wasted Years will be replaced by Heaven Can Wait for 2013, something I will grumble about (based in UK, and would much rather grab the former rather than the latter).
+The outing of Afraid to Shoot Strangers threw some people, but not me. I think I had previously predicted it would make the setlist; however, I think it would be wrong to presume that we will recieve any more songs from NPFTD-onwards. With the possible exception of Daughter/Slaughter, I highly doubt any more ninties songs would be played.
+I had hopes for Infinite Dreams, and I can imagine the outrage from the US if it turns up in 2013. I can imagine increased outrage if it was to replace Fear of the Dark. However, I wouldn't yet rule it out making an appearence.
+The Trooper is selected ahead of the two other Piece of Mind tracks from Maiden England because it was not played in North America during The FFWT.
+Aces High seems like an unconventional choice to start the encore with, but no complaints; secretly, I hope that it remains for 2013, even if it is moved from its current position. 2 Minutes to Midnight however is a bone of contention for me. Heard it in Sheffield last year; was the weakest song of the night IMO, something that has disuaded me from hearing it again.
+You lucky US fans have recieved The Prisoner. You may complain of the lack of Still Life, Die With Your Boots On and Killers, but I would bet some substansial amount of money that come 2013, it will make way for Hallowed Be Thy Name.
I think I have nearly exhausted my list of references for the concert. So, some pretty nice tracks (The Prisoner, Wasted Years, Aces High), some glaring omissions (Hallowed, Hallowed, Infinite Dreams and Hallowed), some give or take tracks (2 Minutes to Midnight, Can I Play With Madness). However, it still remains a strong set, drawing from all but one of their eighties albums. Roll on 2013.
