Well, one thing for sure. You can't say Maiden always does the same thing.
Yes, they are stubborn on some things, they don't rotate their setlist from night to night, they don't post different concerts on their Youtube account, they're not perfect.
But playing AMOLAD in it's entirety, touring with a setlist dedicated to reunion era, playing songs from least succesful albums. Also, having album cover with black background (or Dance of Death computer figures or alien monster Eddie for other significant examples) was totally new and unexpected for them. And yet, many of us still would have liked to see (and still to this day post different styled) album cover with lots of details. Or having Satelite 15 demo as an album opening track. Or playing Aces High as concert closer. Some might not like it, some might find it weird or even unnatural, but for me it shows they aren't afraid do to something untraditional.
And same goes for opening the concert with Senjutsu. Yes, easy way out and logical choice would be to start with short rocker as they have done countless times. But as I can see it, they don't want to do things always the same old way and for that I like and respect their approach.
And finally what's funny, lots of fans moan about Maiden's unusual decisions and yet they want Maiden to do something new and different.
I say, we should appreciate their bold and untraditional decisions to give us something new and unfamiliar.
