British metal legends Iron Maiden brought the heat to Adelaide last night with an evening of nostalgia and fire power.
The heavy metal icons were visiting the South Australian capital for the second stop of their long-awaited Australian tour, at the sold-out Adelaide Entertainment Centre (4 September).Kicking off their Future Past world tour, and first shows in 2024, in Perth just days before, the band left no doubt that even as they approach their 50th anniversary, they've lost none of their legendary energy, power and death-defying showmanship.
As the arena filled with the familiar strains of UFO's 'Doctor Doctor' and the lights dimmed, excitement was fever pitch.
The elaborate, neo-dystopian stage design that hails back to their legendary 1986 Somewhere In Time tour was initially hidden behind black fabric, only to be dramatically revealed to showcase artwork blending the eras of their 'Somewhere In Time' and feudal Japan-themed 'Senjutsu' albums.
Image © Mike Lockheart
Vangelis' 'Blade Runner' theme followed this euphoric pre-show ritual playback, also echoing through the venue amidst glowing neon pink and blue lights, setting the stage for the explosive opener 'Caught Somewhere In Time'.
The crowd's anticipation spilled over in pure unadulterated joy as Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, and the rest of the band stormed the stage with the energy of men half their age, indeed reducing many in the crowd to a state of child-like bliss. From the get-go, it was clear Iron Maiden had come to remind Adelaide why they remain at the top as one of the most formidable forces in heavy metal.
With Nicko McBrain's thunderous drumming leading the charge, and Harris' bass locking in with a pulsating rhythm, the band delivered a sonic assault that was both precise and powerful.
Image © Mike Lockheart
Dickinson, ever the charismatic frontman, was in playful form, engaging the crowd with his exuberant gestures and cheeky banter, even musing about the local wildlife and reticence about reanimating animals long since extinct, a brilliant and unexpected segue into song 'The Time Machine', from their latest album 'Senjutsu'.
During the show, Dickinson couldn't resist poking fun at the band's longevity, humorously pointing out the collective age of the band now exceeds 360 years, and that many in the audience weren't even born when some of the band's classic albums were released. This self-deprecating humour was met with cheers and laughter from the crowd, further endearing this iconic and tireless band to their devoted fans even more so.
As the band launched into further selections from 'Somewhere In Time', such as 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'Stranger In A Strange Land', it became evident this night was going to be something special. The crowd roared in approval as Dickinson, sounding as powerful as ever, commanded the stage with ease.
The first of the new tracks, 'The Writing On The Wall', was met with rapturous applause; even Eddie made his first appearance during 'Stranger...', much to the delight of the fans, and teasing a return later in the set.
Image © Mike Lockheart
'The Time Machine' showcased the depth of Iron Maiden's recent material, but it was the opening notes of 'The Prisoner' from their 1982 breakthrough album 'The Number Of The Beast' that truly ignited the crowd.
The trio of guitarists: Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, and Janick Gers were in top form, effortlessly ripping through solos and riffs, with Gers' antics, including his signature guitar spins, adding an extra layer of spectacle and wonder.
A particular highlight of the set was 'Alexander The Great'. After years of anticipation, fans finally got to experience this epic track live, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The intricate guitar work, paired with Dickinson's powerful vocals, made this performance one of the most memorable of the night.
Image © Mike Lockheart
'Death Of The Celts' was a masterclass in Maiden's ability to blend technical precision with dramatic flair, even 17 albums into their illustrious career. A humorous anecdote from Dickinson about an ex-girlfriend from Sydney led into a crowd-pleasing rendition of 'Can I Play With Madness', the first of the widely recognisable hits that were to follow.
'Fear Of The Dark' brought the arena to its feet, with the crowd joining Dickinson in a spine-tingling sing-along. The signature track 'Iron Maiden' saw Eddie again take to the stage – a 12-foot samurai version wielding a sword, and a towering 25-foot head that nodded approvingly at the ecstatic crowd.
As the set reached its climax, the band launched into 'Hell On Earth' accompanied by an epic pyrotechnic display that lit up the entire room, with front rows feeling the heat as the band members fiercely aimed their instruments at the enthralled crowd.
Image © Mike Lockheart
Flames shot skyward, dancing in time with the music, creating a mesmerising visual spectacle. Even those seated far from the stage could feel the intense heat, a testament to the sheer scale of the production. The combination of fiery visuals and the band's thunderous performance made this moment one of the evening's most unforgettable.
Any concerns about skipping encores were quickly put to rest with a three-song set that left Adelaide breathless. 'The Trooper' received the loudest cheers of the night, and while Dickinson may have swapped his red tunic for a more casual look, his youthful energy as he dashed across the stage was pure 1986. 'Wasted Years' closed the night on a high, leaving the crowd spent but utterly satisfied.
As the lights came up and Monty Python's 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' played, 14,000 fans slowly filtered out, buzzing with excitement and sharing their favourite moments.
Iron Maiden once again proved why they're the gold standard for stadium rock, delivering a show that was both a trip down memory lane and a powerful reminder they're far from finished.
More photos from the concert.
Iron Maiden 2024 Tour Dates
Fri 6 Sep - Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne)Sat 7 Sep - Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne)
Tue 10 Sep - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Thu 12 Sep - Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney)
Fri 13 Sep - Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney)
