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Whether its Metallica tearing through a complete 'Master Of Puppets' at Download or Slayer re-visiting 'Reign In Blood' in its entirety, trips into the past invaribly provide spectacular entertainment and iron clad memories that fans will cherish forever. But, in contrast such a reliance on material written two decades amounts to tacit admission that even legendary bands would struggle to engage an audience if they had to rely solely on new songs.
NEC, Birmingham
12.12.2006
KKKKK (INCREDIBLE)
Therefore, when Iron Maiden announced their intention to base their current tour around an end-to-end performance of 'A Matter Of Life And Death', the acclaimed 72 minute opus that emerged barely four months ago, we simply had to stand back and admire the size and weight of their enormous metallic balls.
The fact is, Maiden are not like other bands and their fans are not like other fans. The relationship between the two is so powerful that Maiden are in the unique position of being able to embark on this undeniably indulgent project without anyone raising an eyebrow. And, as they hit the NEC stage tonight, launch into 'Different World' and then follow it with the latest albums other nine tracks - in sequence - the response from the sold out auditorium is every bit as rabid and explosive as it would be if Maiden were wheeling out their greatest hits. Admittedly, there are plenty of challenging and elaborate moments during 'A Matter Of Life And Death' and at times the audience seem temporarily subdued, as if they are absorbing the songs through their eardrums and eyeballs, rather than surrendering to the standard sonic nobrainer. But as each song ends the familiar roar of a Maiden crowd erupts and its business as usual.
The new songs sound phenomenal brought to life; even more urgent, aggressive and dramatic than their studio counter-parts. If there's any justice, the best of them - 'Brighter than a thousand suns' , 'The longest day', 'The legacy' - will remain on Maiden set lists for a long time. Its an unforgettable bravura performance.
Yes, there are dazzling lights, stunning stage-sets, giant tanks and a machine gun-wielding Eddie. Yes, the night is topped off with a flurry of old favourites including a electrifying 'Fear of the dark' and the immortal 'Hallowed be thy name'. But tonight was about the power and excitement of the new, and the fact that unlike many much younger bands, Iron Maiden continue to set the pace. Still relevant. Still the best.
Review by Dom Lawson of Kerrang.
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2006 World Tour 
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