My anticipation and anxiety were high as I risked my life in freeway traffic venturing to the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA to see my first Iron Maiden concert. I knew it was going to be a huge show, but I had no idea what a spectacular event I was about to witness.

Trivium opened the night and got the packed venue pumped with their hits “The Heart from Your Hate” and “Strife.” Matt Heafy’s soaring vocals and the band’s high-energy, heavy riffs were a perfect opener for the show. The band ended their set with “The Shadow of the Abattoir” from 2021’s In The Court Of The Dragon.

The electricity was sparking in the crowd as “Transylvania” from Iron Maiden’s 1980 self-titled debut album and “Doctor, Doctor” by UFO began playing. Drapes were removed, the stage was rearranged, and the highly anticipated show got underway.

From the moment Iron Maiden hit the stage in a full frenzy with Senjutsu and a massive Samurai Eddie, I was mesmerized. For the next hour and a half, Bruce Dickinson prowled the stage along with guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers, bass player Steve Harris, drummer Nicko McBrain, and devilish band mascot Eddie taking everyone on an incredible flight of metal fantasy.

The band put together a rocking set list highlighting their 47-year career. “Sign of The Cross,” an 11-minute epic song, had the most visually stunning stage set with red lights beaming down on the eerie church backdrop. The crowd chanted along as Bruce slinked around the stage in a cape with a monstrous lighted cross.

“Flight of the Icarus” was another favorite of mine. The crowd went insane as a huge Icarus was spotlighted on the backdrop of the stage. I could feel the heat of the fire as Bruce ran around with a flame-throwing pack.

During “Fear of the Dark,” the entire venue had metal horns raised as the opening guitars began. The crowd sang along with Bruce, who for this set had donned a mask, top hat, and lantern. For the song, “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” Bruce was trapped in a cell, singing about waiting to be sent to the gallows while a long rope hung from the ceiling.

A massive version of Eddie devilishly growling, and lurking was the backdrop for the song “Iron Maiden.” One of the coolest moments was watching Janick wail on his guitar while spinning in circles. After two encores, “Aces High” ended the set in epic style with a plane flying on stage as an over-amped fan jumped on stage and had to be led off by Bruce.

Iron Maiden put on a colossal show that I will never forget. Bruce’s mind-blowing vocals, the band’s impeccable musicianship and the immense stage production proves the band’s iconic status. A concert is a collaboration between a band and their fans and I was blown away by the most enthusiastic and loyal fan base I’d ever seen at a live show. The fans in the pit singing their hearts out to all the songs, with metal horns raised high, truly showed the power of Iron Maiden.

Review by I’m Music Magazine Writer Meesha Walden

Photos:  © Kevin Estrada / @KevinEstradaPhotography