Unfortunately I didn't get into Maiden until only 5-6 years ago. So i have only seen them twice, both in Chicago in 2008 and 2010 (and soon to be 2012!). But both times were very memorable, and I shall now rant about them because I am in the typing mood. So for any and all who are interested:
The first Iron Maiden song I remember listening to was The Trooper in 2006, and I remember loving every second if it (especially the refrain where Bruce yelled), so I asked my dad if he had the CD. He then hands me the entire set of Iron Maiden albums, and I immediately put them all on my Ipod. I also looked through all of the booklets from the albums, and was intrigued by the artwork.
Anyways, fast forward to 2008, I found out they were coming to Chicago and immediately begged my parents for me to go see them (as I was only 17 years old and still in school). At first, they said no (DAMN IT!), but after never dropping it and constantly bugging them about it, they agreed that I could go as long as I could find a driver and a friend to go with. Well the friend was covered, as me and my best friend had planned to go together. And I found a driver in my uncle, who also loved Iron Maiden, and wasn't too hard to convince for the drive. (We live on the southern tip of Illinois, so Chicago is roughly a good 400+ mile drive).
Anyways, June 11 2008, we journeyed to Chicago where we awaited to see Iron Maiden at the Allstate Arena. Lauren Harris was alright, but let me just say we weren't exactly paying attention to her voice... After she was done, me and my friend went walking around for a bit, only to return to our seats when we heard the crowd's loud cheering during "Doctor Doctor"... Since I had never been to a Maiden concert before, I had no idea the significance of Doctor Doctor, so I thought "Oh shit!," maybe they unexpectedly appeared on stage already. Upon returning to our seats, I didn't understand why everyone was cheering during a simple PA song... until Doctor Doctor finally ended and instantly the lights went out. The cheering was deafening. Intro video played with Transylvania, and then Churchill's Speech went on. I was so excited. Then Aces High began and a short 20 seconds later my heroes jumped out on stage and the fun began. Biggest highlight of the night included the back to back performance of Rime and Powerslave, and definitely Hallowed Be Thy Name at the end.
My life was plagued with bad events soon after that amazing night. My mother passed away just 4 days later, on June 15. And I had a suffering senior year in high school over the unexpected and tragic loss. Failed some courses, but still managed to graduate by the grit of my teeth (and the teachers kind of laid off me that year, as they knew what happened). But the whole experience made me closer with Iron Maiden, as I listened to them constantly. Their music, for some reason, actually made me feel better. This is why I love Iron Maiden so much now.
Anyways, had to see them again when they returned to Chicago in 2010. July 18, 2010, this time at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater. Loved that we were going to be hearing a lot of the newer stuff this time. Highlights of the night included The Wicker Man (I don't know how many times I'd watched Rock in Rio and thought that was the greatest concert opening ever!) and The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg. There was just something about hearing Ben Breeg live that was... mystical. Dave Murray's guitar intro is absolutely fantastic. Was so sad when the concert had ended that I actually got a bit teary-eyed. People just can't seem to understand how important Iron Maiden is to me.
Anyways, sorry for rambling. Can't wait to see them in July. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son is probably my favorite Iron Maiden album, so this sure will be a magnificent treat to see live!
)
missing! I looked all over the floor (a football field), but there was no real hope of finding it there. I tried calling the person who gave us the passes, but thanks to my crappy old cellphone, I only managed it a few moments before HCW, and it was very much too late. I remember talking to Wally Grove who was in charge of letting people pass through a side barrier to go backstage, trying to explain to him that I lost the stage pass, but to no avail ("I'm sorry mate, I can't let you in without the pass!"). And that was it, other people passed through and went backstage. All I could do was stand there, thinking how big of an idiot one must be to have this happen to them.