Opinions about the SBIT tour

[Forostar]

Although Maiden came to Athens last summer I decided not to go to the concert.  The reason?  The setlist.  I found it extremely disappointing and wasn't sure whether I wanted to pay the money to hear songs that I already had witnessed 3 times before.

Who knows you'll never see Maiden again. Next tour there'll be again songs you have witnessed 3 times before. Maybe the same amount of songs, or even more.

 

[SneakySneaky]

Who knows you'll never see Maiden again. Next tour there'll be again songs you have witnessed 3 times before. Maybe the same amount of songs, or even more.

It will depend upon a number of things.  See,  next tour will be in at least a year from now.  So that would be 3 years since the last time I saw them.  That's one reason I'd like to go.  Apart from that,  the set list will play some role upon my decision,  but basically it'll come down to my priorities at the time.  The venue/ticket price/promoters will be deciding factors.  Last year just seemed pointless.  The ticket prices were rather high,  and it just showed the promoter's money grabbing attitude using Maiden's name (they basically do that with every big name that comes here) and lack of respect to those paying by providing poor organization (a lot of fans complained about the dust and not being able to breathe).  People here will try to boycott this kind of behavior,    but obviously it's hard when bands like ACDC (they're coming this year and of course they're taking any chance they have to rip off the fans) come since you know it's pretty much a once in a lifetime chance to see them.  That wasn't the case with Maiden,  since I did not consider it such a chance. 

 

[Perun]

It must really suck to be in a band.

First, people complain that you don't play your greatest hits.

And when you do, people complain that you do.

And then when you don't, people complain that you don't.

And then when you do, people complain that you do.

That's pretty much been the cycle Maiden have been in for their last couple of tours.

 

[SneakySneaky]

That's trur".e,  but you have to realize that there are obviously two types of fans. The "only classics" ones,  and those who like variety in set lists.  But this is a discussion.  Everyone's entitled to their opinion.  I have the right to not like a set list and complain about it,  especially since I am going to pay for a concert.  Otherwise just create a thread named "you should like anything the band does,  go to the concert regardless of the set list and be happy whatsoeve

 

[Forostar]

But you complain about something you have not experienced yourself. You complain about a sheet of paper with 16 songs, but you haven't been to the gig. So it's impossible to (know if you) dislike the concert itself.

OK, enough wiseguy talk, let me seriously look at what you say. I read your complaints and the only one that truly has to do with Maiden's direct influence is (tadaaa) the setlist. As we know, there's not much Maiden will change about that.

Well, actually they did change their conservative policy once, and that was when you didn't go.
They played two songs, one not played since 1987 (Rime) and one not played since 1988 (Moonchild). I wonder how often something like this will occur again.

So, next tour there'll be again songs you have witnessed 3 times before.
Maybe the same amount of songs, or even more.

Solutions?
A - get more tolerant and demand less from the band (and yourself!) in order to have a great time, or
B - like you said and already did: go less often, or
C - don't ever go again

But complaining about promoters, the time of the year, poor organization, money... hm

We can also wonder why so many other people do go. They save time and money for the gig.
Why? Because they are dedicated (that's fan nr. 3).

 

[Perun]

Everyone's entitled to their opinion.  I have the right to not like a set list and complain about it,  especially since I am going to pay for a concert.  Otherwise just create a thread named "you should like anything the band does,  go to the concert regardless of the set list and be happy whatsoeve

Yes, you're right there. Then let me put it in another way: You missed a hell of a show. Sure, some songs were replaceable (e.g. Run To The Hills), but seriously, it didn't matter. First of all, there was the thrill of hearing songs such as Aces High, Powerslave, Rime Of The Ancient Mariner or Moonchild, none of which are setlist staples. Then, sorry to repeat myself, it was just one hell of a show. The band was on fire, the stage set was grand, the atmosphere was beyond things such as setlists or merchandise prices. A gig isn't just the songs played. It's about the bond of band and audience, the feeling that arises and puts you to a higher level.
As a counter-example: I saw Megadeth in February, and they really played nearly all my favourite songs. The setlist was great, near-perfect (I only missed Tornado Of Souls), but I still thought the gig was bad. Maybe not terrible, but really not special. There was nothing going on with the band, there was nothing that made me feel that I'm experiencing something with them. Instead, I just watched a band play.

I'm not saying you should like anything Maiden does, but maybe you should reconsider your expectations.

 

[SneakySneaky]

Ok so I missed a great show.  That I already know,  Maiden shows are awesome.  Last year I didn't consider it worth the money and trouble (the venue is a bit of a hassle to go to).  If that doesn't make me a "dedicated" fan,  fine.  I really couldn't care less.  I like Maiden,  love a lot of their songs (yeah,  I think they've done some crappy ones too) and their music has played a large role in my life.  It still does not mean I'll like anything they do,  and I will criticize it if I don't.  Otherwise I'll just jump forward and say :  "that next album they're releasing is definitely going to be awesome,  one of their best,  cause,  you know,  it's Maiden.  It can't be bad.  They never screw up".  Well,  sorry,  I'll have to actually listen to it first and then decide whether I like it or not.


Note:  Seeing where they're going with their most recent albums,  I guess the new one will be good.  I'm just trying to make a point.

But you complain about something you have not experienced yourself. You complain about a sheet of paper with 16 songs, but you haven't been to the gig. So it's impossible to (know if you) dislike the concert itself.

Well obviously I can't know that,  but how am I going to decide whether to go or not then?  It's obviously a risk I was willing to take.

Well, actually they did change their conservative policy once, and that was when you didn't go.
They played two songs, one not played since 1987 (Rime) and one not played since 1988 (Moonchild). I wonder how often something like this will occur again.

You really think they changed their conservative policy by playing those two songs?  Seriously,  it's the least you can expect from a tour that's supposed to be about songs they haven't played in a very long time (duh).  There has hardly been any person who saw the set list and said it's a fantastic one.  From what I recall the reactions ranged from "it's good but it could exclude a few songs" to really negative ones.  That is,  except for those who would be seeing Maiden for the first time.  They obviously wouldn't have a problem witnessing the classics.  I thought the set list was "ok" but no thanks.  They will be back,  they will play the same songs and a few new ones,  so I'll see them then.