Let me first state that this three DVD collection is massive. If you are a fan of Bruce, Maiden, or rock and metal in general, this may be something that you will want in your collection. I am not terribly familiar with the majority of Bruce's solo work. I remember hearing "Tattooed Millionaire" many years ago, and I recently heard and reviewed his Tyranny of Souls release.
To make matters worse, I was also a late adopter of the genius that is Iron Maiden. That doesn't stop me from trying to make up for lost time with great releases such as this, and recognizing Bruce as one of the greatest frontmen of all time. Well, enough of my babbling, let's take a look at this treasure trove of metal goodness.
Disk 1
First up is the concert video Dive! Dive! Live!. The concert is listed as being 70 minutes long on the back of the case, but it is nearly 90 minutes. It was recorded at the Town and Country Club in Los Angeles on August 14, 1990 during the Tattooed Millionaire Tour. His band was made up of future Iron Maiden member Janick Gers on guitar, Andy Carr on bass, and Dickie Fliszar on the drums.
This is not Iron Maiden, and for that I think I would have to say that I am happy: it shows a different aspect of Dickinson. This is stripped down, straight up rock. It was very different seeing him in this atmosphere, as my other live experience has been with the Rock in Rio and Death on the Road releases. This concert is devoid of any big stage set, no crazy lighting, and a lot less stage space. Dickinson took his band on a club tour, meaning smaller stages and crowds, but increased intimacy. The performance is a lot looser than I am used to from the technically precise Maiden, and that is not a bad thing as they sound incredible.
Watching this first concert reminded me of when I went to see James Labrie (of Dream Theater) during his solo tour last year. I was not familiar with the music, but I was with the voice, and the quality of that voice and the songs he delivered came together for a great show. Even not knowing those songs did not keep me from loving every second of it.
Right from the start the atmosphere is electric. The fans know they are in for a good show and Bruce is definitely going to deliver. Highlights of the set include "Born in 58," the WWII inspired "Dive Dive Dive," which is followed by an impressive drum solo and the bluesy "The Ballad of Mutt." Bruce and crew also deliver a rocking, sped up, version of the David Bowie/Mott the Hoople classic "All the Young Dudes." The highlight of the set would have to be the insanely high energy "No Lies," which features a wild solo from Janick Gers. That is where the main set ended.
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Article comments
1 - Triniman
Nice review. I tuned out Bruce during his solo years but this looks like a good way to catch up.
2 - Tom Johnson
Been waiting for something like this for a long, long time. I remember when Dive Dive Live came out on VHS way back when and it was only available as a very expensive import. I passed on it and it quickly disappeared. I only knew of the existence of Skunkworks Live, being, again, another very expensive import videotape - despite Skunkworks being a favorite of mine, I just couldn't shell out the cash for it, either. I had a feeling something along the lines of this would be in the works when his entire solo catalog was reissued in such a slavish fashion last year (two-disc remasters for all but one.) So I obviously have a copy of this on the way from Amazon, preordered quite a while ago when I caught wind of it. Can't wait to check it out!
3 - Aaron Fleming
Sounds like a massive and excellent set, lets all say it together now: "Bruce Dickinson rules!"
4 - name
A most excellent review.
His official site is www dot screamforme dot com by the way, worth visiting if only for the discussion forum conversations.
Thanks for the review, be sure to see him live, it's a life changing experience.