Review: IRON MAIDEN Lives On

T'cha Dunlevy of the Montreal Gazette is reporting that the entire crowd jumped to its feet screaming the moment the lights dimmed during IRON MAIDEN's headlining performance in front of 12,000 diehard fans Saturday (August 2) at the Bell Centre.. "The familiar introduction to the band's 1982 classic 'The Number of the Beast' came over the sound system, and the festivities were under way.

"The number 666 flashed in blinding lights at the back of the stage. Singer Bruce Dickinson bounded out. His incredible energy would last the duration of the show. He sprinted about like a crazed leprechaun, lurching, arms waving and his powerful voice ringing loud and clear.

"The crowd cheered deliriously, singing every lyric, arms pumping in perfect unison like a vast, rowdy army. The frenzy didn't relent for a whole half-hour.

"Chants of 'Mai-den! Mai-den!' broke out after the fourth song, 'Revelations'. The band soaked it in for a few moments, then Dickinson spoke:

" 'On a fait un concert à Madison Square Garden,' he said. 'C'était un beau concert. Mais il y a les autres concerts - et il y a les VRAIS concerts.'

"The ensuing uproar lasted nearly five minutes, during which Dickinson sat in wonder, staring out at the audience.

" 'OK,' he said, finally, 'c'est nécessaire de jouer de la musique, oui?'

"He introduced 'Wildest Dreams', off the coming album. It was the only new song of the night, and it was quickly obvious why. The crowd cheered when it was over, but people seemed at a loss without the familiarity of their lifelong metal anthems to guide them." Read more.