I have to admit it, I burst into uncontrolled tears when they played 2 Minutes to Midnight and Fear of the Dark. I have only been waiting for this for 20 years, and I know some within the crowd have waited for 30.
Singing Fear of the Dark with the Maidens isn’t about listening to a cool song or being at a good concert. Its being connected to everyone who has ever been to an Iron Maiden concert or have heard the song. I know exactly what you felt in that time and place. That sense of belonging is a powerful force, no wonder the religious groups have been exploiting it for thousands of years.
Iron Maiden opened with their new songs from their Final Frontier album, but they soon got into their stride playing the oldies that everyone knew and loved. Here is the set list. When Bruce Dickinson came on stage in his red English infantry jacket waving the flag, Singapore had not been more excited to see the Union Jack since 1945.
Steve Harris was running around on stage like a teenager, and Janick Gers was every bit the rock star guitarist, acrobatics included. Adrian Smith seemed to have a more subdued night, and Dave Murray was ever the solid anchor. While we saw little of Nicko McBrain, we never stopped hearing his handiwork. Bruce Dickinson was so full of life and energy that he lifted the crowd up a few notches. There were no slouches or lightweights on stage last night. They sound as good as they did in their 18 year old Real Live One and Read Dead One recordings. When the opening band Rise to Remain started to play, I was really glad, the sound would be great tonight, I thought. The Indoor Stadium’s sound is quite inconsistent, but the sound guys got it right this time. The clarity and balance was just awesome. The band did not miss a note or a beat. Perfectly executed as only guys who have been doing this day in day out for the last 30 years can.
Everyone knew the songs, there were as many over 40s as there were under 20s. I doubt anything has united Singaporeans quite like that. Everyone else who commands such wide appear that transcends the decades are mostly dead. So this was an experience that I would not likely get anytime soon. I had not known that there were so many black t-shirts in Singapore. There would be more after last night.
Yes it was fantastic. A lot of people have been slagging the sound quality, but i came out of there with my ears nearly bleeding, so as far as i am concerned they got it perfect. I first saw Maiden in August 1982 at The Reading Rocks Festival and they sounded better yesterday, or maybe my age has affected my Auditory memories.
Well, Reading Festival is outdoor. Outdoor and arena concerts are for the atmosphere, not the sound. I generally am not a fan of Fort Canning. Indoor Stadium sounds good if you’re in “Pen B” or seated behind Pen B. The sides and Pen A can have mixed results, from experience. Esplanade sounds great, but a small seated venue.