Oregon Music News: Oregon’s all-genre music magazine since 2009

09/07/2019

Iron Maiden at the Moda Center on 09/06/19 Photos

By BRENT ANGELO //

Iron Maiden is a heavy metal band that emerged out of Leyton, London, England in 1975. Their heavy metal style would go on to lead the way in the new wave of British heavy metal during the late 70s. Iron Maiden's popularity really would take off in the early 80s with the success of their rock albums "The Number of the Beast" (1982) and "Piece of Mind" (1983). Over the course of the band's nearly 45-year career, their music catalog would grow to 39 releases including 16 full length records, various live albums and various EPs. Through those years, they would go on to sell over a staggering 100 million records worldwide even without the help of radio airplay. With that, Iron Maiden really made a name for themselves because of their intense live concerts and strong work ethic of playing over 2,000 shows over the course of their career.

Iron Maiden just returned to Portland's Moda Center. It was their first time in Portland since February 11, 1987. It’s been a long time. The current Legacy of the Beast tour is actually inspired by their video game of the same name and would feature a set list strong in fan favorites. The band’s lineup includes its founder and bassist, Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson (vocals), Dave Murray (guitar), Adrian Smith (guitar), Janick Gers (guitar) and Michael “Nicko” McBrain (drums), who kicked off their show strong with “Aces High”.

An inflatable war plane emerged overhead and would fly over the band as they performed the shows opening track. This would be one of many visuals used throughout the night. Iron Maiden has always been a band strong in imagery. Their mascot, “Eddie” for example is one of heavy metal’s most recognizable characters. The show at the Moda Center would see heavy mood lighting, massive fireballs, explosions, but at the heart of this show was the music. Bruce Dickinson made jokes to the crowd that the band is getting really old, but their performance was far from old, washed up rockers. Iron Maiden came out fierce from the start with high energy and never let up. In truth, there was a vibe felt in that building I have not felt in a long time at an arena rock show. Gone were the sad, boring floor seats and it was time to see the open General Admission floor back. Iron Maiden fans are dedicated, hard core and at the Moda Center they showed up in force.

The sold-out show’s capacity crowd and excitement level would fuel the band’s fire. The intensity in songs like “The Number of the Beast” and “Iron Maiden” would even get the most hard-core fans moshing and crowd surfing. The show’s closer “Run to the Hills” was truly a show highlight. When the band reached the chorus, the crowd joined in to such a level it took the show to a whole another level. It was an intense and powerful moment for the band and its loving fans.

Iron Maiden remains one of rock n' roll's most beloved and respected rock bands. The show at the Moda Center proved that and showed Iron Maiden is far from done. They still got it big time. The Legacy of the Beast was a tour de force in heavy metal music and stage theatrics. Iron Maiden is a band that earned every bit of their successes through hard work, great songwriting, the respecting of their fans and putting on some of the highest energy, live shows around.

Iron Maiden “Legacy of the Beast Tour” 2019
Moda Center, Portland Or 09/06/19

Setlist -
Aces High
Where Eagles Dare
2 Minutes to Midnight
The Clansman
The Trooper
Revelations
For the Greater Good of God
The Wicker Man
Sign of the Cross
Flight of Icarus
Fear of the Dark
The Number of the Beast
Iron Maiden

Encore:
The Evil That Men Do
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Run to the Hills

Check out the game that inspired the tour -
Legacy of the Beast (video game for Android and Apple devices) official link
https://ironmaiden.com/play



Post a comment:

Your Name:

Your Email Address:

Comment:

2000 characters remaining

Captcha:

Comments

Web Design and Web Development by Buildable