Guest appearances, I could see Blaze potentially doing something, Dennis I have no idea about... Clive I think it depends on what capability he has these days? (I'm not going to pretend to know much about MS, but I'd imagine it will make it difficult for him?) as for Paul... last I heard he was in rather questionable standing with the law. Again though, it's been a long time since I've heard anything and as much as I am a big Maiden fan, my trivia and knowledge only go so far so I'm not going to speculate any further into that.
Songs not played live, if H could get get the long section+solo sorted fro Alexander I think that would be an astounding success, I know he is a stickler for accuracy though and it would drive him nuts if he couldn't manage it. Although the quieter sound that the guitar has at that point on the album track may not work so well live and I worry having it at full volume would ruin it. I think the most truly mind-blowing thing they could do would be to have Janick play the rhythm part underneath, and Dave/Adrian play that nuts section in harmony!! (It would be bloody impossible I imagine
).
There are many I'd love them to do live which I don't believe they ever had, but I imagine a fair chunk of said songs are Epics, and that would make for a very awkward setlist, the best gigs are ones with a strong mix so that it flows well while still providing those "OMG" moments. Personally as much as I'd like to see Rime (I'm aware its been played live, just using it as an example
) I think I would find that central part rather tedious, so putting an entire concert of such things would push it.
Hmm.. let's see, Death on the Road comes in at 94minutes (that all?) on my media player, RiR at 118. I believe for the majority of acts 90minutes is probably about average, certainly at say a festival show where there are other bands playing constantly so the headliners tend to be on rather late. But.. I'll go with 2hours cos that would be awesome
Bleh, started trying to think of a setlist and got.. virtually nowhere, the only album opener that's never been played live is Invaders.. which isn't the best. I'm slightly biased with BNW being my favourite album, but from the live performances I've seen Maiden usually like to burst onto stage after the intro and I think Wicker Man is perfect for this as demonstrated on RiR, H on first with that intro riff and then the rest of the band charge out - a staggered impact, very effective.
So, much as its been played often, I think that would be the best opener. Best closer for me would be Only the Good Die Young (minus the acoustic "seven deadly sins" etc), it's got a proper rock ending on the album and it's never been played live. I'll try think of a proper setlist and post later... certainly would include Alexander, and possibly Nomad as a good shorter substitute for Rime/SotC while retaining that middle bit where half the band can go get a quick drink leaving Steve/Dave on stage without it being overly long and a constant build up to the re-emergence.
What?
