Concert Review: Iron Maiden - 'Somewhere Back in Time' at the Meadowlands (3/14/08)
Published March 17, 2008
8:00 arrived and the opening act came to the stage. Led by Lauren Harris, daughter of Iron Maiden's bassist Steve Harris, the band launched into nearly thirty minutes of power-pop tunes that were not bad by any stretch, but are a far cry from the metal goodness that is Maiden. Lauren worked the crowd and showed off the decent voice that she possesses. Like I said, she was good, the band played well, but all it did was make me more anxious for the main event.
At 9:00, the lights went down and were replaced with a blue glow that only illuminated the stage. The two screens hanging on either side of the stage came to life, running footage of the band's gear being loaded on the custom painted jumbo-jet, Bruce prepping for lift off, and other pre-arrival footage. Those images were replaced with footage from WWII, accompanied by Winston Churchill's war speech, leading directly into the arrival of the band and the launch of "Aces High."
As soon as the band arrived onstage a distinct feeling of magic permeated the air. It is hard to describe what it is like to be there witnessing this band. Being in the presence of these metal legends is absolutely mind-blowing. I have seen bands that have had great and long lasting influence before, such as Judas Priest and Slayer, but neither of them come close to matching the Iron Maiden experience.
As the band ripped through their set, the crowd was into every single moment, note, word, you name it. I was there, singing, yelling, pumping my fist and having an absolute blast. How could you not? The band was on point, not a note out of place.
Iron Maiden is a legendary band with so much history, influence, and amazing music. This evening saw them reaching back into their catalog, pulling out so many of the songs that built their legend over the decades.
Bruce Dickinson was a seemingly endless pit of energy. He ran around the stage a like a madman, imploring everyone to join it. I can honestly say that I have never seen a frontman quite like him. He is able to personally get each and every person involved, make them feel ike it is a private show just for them. Whenever he looked up towards my section, it was as if he was looking right at me. It was unbelievable.
Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about entertainment when he isn't sitting in a movie theater. He is known around the office as the "Movie Guy" and is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Interests include science fiction, horror, and metal music. His writings can be found at Draven99's Musings and Draven99's Media Center. 
- Concert Review: Iron Maiden - 'Somewhere Back in Time' at the Meadowlands (3/14/08)
- Published: March 17, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Live Concerts, Music: Metal
- Writer: Chris Beaumont
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Comments on this articleComments
"What else can be said"
Did Eddie show up?
Knew I forgot something!!
Yes, 'Somewhere in Time' cyborg Eddie made an appearance during "Iron Maiden."
I saw Maiden w/Dio and Motorhead back in 2003. One of the best shows ever. Metal or otherwise. Glad to hear you finally got to see them.
If they hit Dallas again anytime soon, I'll be in attendance for sure.
iron maiden is the best and i am going to the seattle concert
Great review. My kid brother is a big Maiden fan (I guess I rubbed off on him) and has never been to ANY rock concert in his life, so I'm taking him to the show for his birthday when they hit San Antonio in May. Glad to hear they're still kicking ass. Oughtta be a hell of an experience for his first concert.
Jerry, I also saw Maiden on the '03 tour. Now THAT was a lineup. I just wish Motorhead had a longer set.
Good news! (well, for me anyway)
I'll be seeing Maiden again in June when they play MSG!
I had the fortunate experience of seeing them in 1981 when no one, I mean no one knew about them. They were great. There were awesome on the World Piece Tour in 83 as well. I will be seeing them again for the first time in a LONG time next month. I am looking forward to IT!!!
I saw Maiden at the Sheppards Bush Empire in London (2001?) doing a low key, no theatrics warm up gig for the Brave New World tour...the stack of amps at the back of the stage put out so much sound it shock your innards - no joke, I felt sick for days - was awesome...
I saw Iron Maiden on 6/02/08
They were justas good , if not better then when I saw them 18 years ago...EDDIE RULES!!!!
Wife and I got to see the June 2, 2008 show in Seattle at the White River Ampitheatre. I was a huge Maiden fan in high school in the early 80's, still love the music from that era, and was very excited to find out that the setlist centered around the songs from that time. I got to see them on the Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind and Powerslave tours way back when. They have not changed a bit, at least until the jumbotron shows close-ups, haha. Maiden STILL puts on the best live show I've ever seen, hands down. Amazing band.
I was front row for PowerSlave in 1984. Eddie's bandages touched my head! What a memory. Can't wait for the Garden I will be there with my concert jersey!
WE WILL NEVER SURRENDER!
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I've seen Maiden 7 times since 1982, and have tickets for the May 31 show in L.A. .... no metal act on stage comes close to an Iron Maiden show, this band is the benchmark for all others!!