Some impressions from Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam last night.
I did not look up the setlist but the guys then posted each song on FB so I kind of knew what to expect. Still didn't watch any videos to enjoy the novelty. I think it was a good combination. Some people around me were announcing the next songs anyway so surprise would have been impossible.
Bruce's voice was a bit muffled first 3 songs before they figured it out, some guitar sounds were a bit too sharp. The messy instrumental sections in Celts and The Time Machine just felt like a wall of noise, but these are
the only complaints sound wise. Bruce sounded much more sure and strong in the newer material, you could feel the songs were written when he was older.
Some other points:
The crowd was going insane for the CSIT, HCW, and Alex of course.
Celts and Time Machine are my less-liked songs on the Senjutsu, but they worked very well live! I think I will appreciate them in the new light now.
Adrian was FANTASTIC during all the old SIT solos. Just fucking through the roof, unbelievable.
During The Prisoner latter choruses they set Steve's mic too loud. The result was he took the sound away from Bruce and it sounded like a sick dog barking I'M NOT A PRISONER! IMA FREEMAN! all in all it was funny so I enjoyed that
CIPWM I think I saw for the first time live. Not comparable to epics on 7th Son but works so amazing live!
Could have lived without hearing The Trooper and Fear again, but I understand it's what the crowd demands.
Bruce also fucked up the first part of the Hell On Earth chorus to the point that I doubted he can redeem himself. Somehow he got back on track, I was surprised hehe.
Didn't hear any weakness from Nicko, his right foot is reinforced with some secret alien technology. Those double kicks oh my god, how can it be humanely possible at the age he is.
PS and I really liked that I was quite close, just on the edge of the crazy moshpit people.
All in all unbeliavable they can pull it off still. Most pleasureable night of 2023, I cried during CSIT.
Maiden is love, Maiden is life.
PS Reading back it sounds like I complain mostly but I am not! I don't have to tell this forum how good this band is, so just pointed out some unusual things and observations. Thx for reading