LA show reviewed by 'thrax's Scott Ian

[skrabsta]

I lost my voice at the Maiden show last night so the video-blog of the day is gonna have to wait.
Maiden were amazing. They were on fire and the audience reacted in a way that I haven't seen in LA in forever. The LA Forum was more akin to a sold-out show in Europe than the usual seen it/done it bored LA audience. The crowd was singing everything. And not just the words, the melodies as well. The energy in the room never waned and Maiden kept delivering knock-out blows. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner was my favorite song of the set. Lars leaned over to me and said the great thing about Rime is that we never have to worry about if our songs are too long!! The rabid crowd ate up all 12 minutes of it.
I was at the sound-board with Lars and we were 21 again singing every word. I have been going to Maiden shows since they opened for Judas Priest in 1981. Anthrax has played over 100 shows with them. What I'm saying is, I've seen a lot of F**king Maiden shows and last night was a special one. The band is at the top of their game, arguably better now than ever. Steve Harris, whose unwavering vision for his band has carried them in to that rarified air that only a few bands ever get to breathe, is an icon and an inspiration as a musician and a person. Ever the gentleman, and at the same time the embodiment of all that is metal. And Bruce, holy crap, what can I say? The "air-raid siren" nickname still holds true. He hits every note. Every F**king note. Not an easy task even if he was just standing there concentrating on the vocals. F**k that. The man rules that stage like Wolverine in a fight. He must log as many miles onstage as he does flying the Maiden jet!! It just goes to show how full of shit all these acts are that run backing tracks because they can't sing and move (or god-forbid dance) at the same time. I was completely blown away by Bruce and can comfortably say he is the best frontman alive. He showed me last night. Dave (let's play poker buddy!), Adrian and Jannick were ripping (i loved when there were 3 Strats onstage) and the triple harmonies were perfect.
I'm still buzzing from the show and I'm going to crank Powerslave as soon as I finish this. Lucky for the rest of the U.S that they're coming back in May and June for a full tour (i am officially submitting Anthrax for the opening slot!!!). I'm jealous of my friends in NJ that get to see them in a few weeks. Wear your diapers because you're going to crap your pants.
Was last night the re-birth of metal in LA? It's like KNAC never went away.
Up the Irons!!!!!!!!
Cheers,
Scott

[TROOPER71]

;D

[stormster]

Thats exactly what i think. I think they're in their prime now. Some people may not think that in relation to the music their releasing, but onstage performances tell me different. They're all so energetic, like F**k me!

[irondave]

Wow thats a really cool review. Funny that he was at the gig with Lars.... didnt think ol' Lars would even show at a Maiden gig after the all the verbal lashings the bands have shared over the last few years.

But i digress, a very cool review indeed, no doubt deseved by a great band who are as good as they've ever been!

[black_tooth_grin]

stormster said:

Thats exactly what i think. I think they're in their prime now. Some people may not think that in relation to the music their releasing, but onstage performances tell me different. They're all so energetic, like F**k me!

I agree, I haven't seen them this good since, ever.

Since watching Live After Death and DOTR and numrous other live performances I can honestly say their peak at the moment. ;D

[madeinoz15]

what we saw was better than anything we have previously seen on DVD etc i rekon, we are so lucky to have seen them like this!!