See also: The fans of Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden, Coheed and Cambria Gexa Energy Pavilion Friday, August 17
Talking to a number of people who saw Iron Maiden's last show back in June 2010, the common complaint was too many new songs and not enough old songs. The six-piece gave the nearly-filled Gexa shed 100 minutes of classic songs, including "2 Minutes to Midnight," "The Prisoner," "Run to the Hills" and "The Number of the Beast." On an arctic-themed set, along with several permutations of the band's mascot, Eddie, a handful of songs from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son were performed and the latest material came from '92's Fear of the Dark.
Frontman Bruce Dickinson still sounds as good as he's always has, hitting operatic note after note. Bassist Steve Harris throttled every one of his four strings while guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers tossed off solos. Harris and Smith did a fine job on backing vocals, especially the harmonies with "Can I Play With Madness." And drummer Nicko McBrain made playing look as easy as a basic jazz shuffle.
Earlier, Coheed and Cambria played a set that kicked into greatness towards the end. Surrounded by their Keywork logo, touching on material from all of their previously-released albums, they included their cover of Black Sabbath's "Heaven and Hell."
Personal bias: My first time to see both Maiden and Coheed, bands I've enjoyed since college. I certainly want to see a headlining set from Coheed after this show.
Coheed's set list: "No World for Tomorrow" "Gravemakers & Gunslingers" "Delirium Trigger" "Here We Are Juggernaut" "The Running Free" "Heaven and Hell" "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth:3" "Welcome Home"
Maiden's set list: "Moonchild" "Can I Play With Madness" "The Prisoner" "2 Minutes to Midnight" "Afraid to Shoot Strangers" "The Trooper" "The Number of the Beast" "Phantom of the Opera" "Run to the Hills" "Wasted Years" "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" "The Clairvoyant" "Fear of the Dark" "Iron Maiden" Encore "Aces High" "The Evil That Men Do" "Running Free"
