Storm Warnings: Iron Maiden Returns to Jersey

June 15, 2008 by George Koroneos Show Reviews

Iron Maiden
PNC Art Center, NJ
June 14, 2008

From the moment Winston Churchill’s legendary speech resonated over the PA, it was obvious that the evening was going to be a special one. Fans screamed as the first riffs of “Aces High” echoed through the amphitheater, rolled over the masses, and poured out into the rain soaked crowd. Last night, was a special evening, and for those that withstood the torrential downpour and startling lightning, it was worth it to see true legends in action.

Iron Maiden returned to New Jersey to perform some of their classic numbers, spanning a good chunk of the mid-’80s and they brought two Eddies along for the ride. Dubbed “Somewhere Back in Time” the British madmen pulled out decades old masterpieces such as “Powerslave” and “Moonchild”–songs that have only grown finer with age–and bookended them between old standbys like “Run to the Hills” and “The Trooper.”

The stage set was also historic, as the band dusted off the famous Powerslave set, littered with Egyptian gods and mummies. Singer Bruce Dickinson traipsed about in what appeared to be pants made out of shredded hefty bags and a ski cap. Odd costume choice aside, Dickinson’s pipes were on point, as he hollered out near supersonic wails. Steve Harris stood stoic in the front of the stage commandeering his metal troops and firing his bass out at the crowd. Maiden’s now famous guitar triple threat did what they do best–thrash and shred. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith dueled brilliantly as Janick Gers posed and strutted his stuff.

The high point of the evening had to be “Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner,” which hasn’t been played in aeons. The 13-minute opus was preceded by a short historical lesson from Professor Dickinson, before once again informing us that “this is what not to do when a bird shits on you.”

Halfway through the song, the stage lights lowered and smoke billowed in from the sides. Smith played center stage while smoke engulfed him on all sides and then blew past him like a living creature. After his seventh-inning stretch solo, the band returned to take the song home, tearing through the final verses with fierce intensity.

After a blistering version of “Iron Maiden,” featuring a building-size mummy Eddie protruding from the back of the stage, the band returned for a half-hour encore that included, “The Clairvoyant” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name.” Soaked to the core, the NJ audience begged for more, but alas the stage lights came back on with no band. The good news: The band promised to be back in the near future with a new record in tow. Up the Irons.

Listen to Radio Bungalo this Thursday as George and Chuck Nasty discuss this show ad nauseum.

30 Comments so far »

Donald Pudas said,

Wrote on June 17, 2008 @ 11:29 am

I flew from Tampa, FL to see this show. They won’t play down south anymore, since the late 90′s, and I haven’t seen them w/Bruce since Fear Of The Dark. So, I figured, “What the hell.”
I did not disappoint. Bruce sounded incredible even after all these years and the “show” was the biggest production they’ve ever done with many banks of moving lights, fire, explosions, walking Eddie and much more.
Hilights for me were Wasted Years and The Clairvoyant.
peter knight said,

Wrote on June 17, 2008 @ 3:26 pm

Funnily enough, I also flew from Tampa for this and the NYC shows!!!
A huge thumbs up to the NJ crowd who, in spite of the storm roared the boys on….fantastic all round.
Andy Farris said,

Wrote on June 17, 2008 @ 9:01 pm

My brother and I flew into Jersey from Punta Gorda, Florida and it was well worth it. The band was very tight and the sound and stage production was great. The crowd was soaked but in a very good mood. This concert rocked!
Chris Hell said,

Wrote on June 17, 2008 @ 9:16 pm

I drove nearly 3 hours to see Maiden, as I am from a bit further up north and my choices to see Maiden were either NJ, NY, or Boston, this Jersey show was the most convenient. I am not at all disappointed in the crowd or the band, both were fantastic. This was my first time at the PNC Bank Arts Center, and probably my 50th time seeing Iron Maiden (I’ve been seeing them since 1981), and let me say that when Doctor, Doctor comes onto the PA, I get goose bumps, every Maiden show is like my first, the Maiden fans are the friendliest, coolest fans in music, bar none. The show was great, the band was on, the weather was a bit raw and nasty, but lucky for me I was under cover in the seats. I love the huge theatrical show that only Maiden brings, they are the first and last of that type of band for me. I can’t wait until they come around again.

The only sad thing is that they no longer tour as they did back in the 80′s and 90′s, when I had a chance to catch them 5-6 times on a tour in my local area, but hey they deserve the break, and as long as they keep coming around I will be happy.
Bob said,

Wrote on June 17, 2008 @ 9:22 pm

My friend also flew up from Tampa to come and see the show with me. We were soaked to the bone but it worth it. UP THE IRONS!!!
Hovig Jarkezian said,

Wrote on June 17, 2008 @ 11:11 pm

This concert was my first ever concert to go to. Iron Maiden was just amazing, and the fact that it was thunderstorming was even better. I LOVE IRON MAIDEN!!!!!!
Louie Koehl said,

Wrote on June 18, 2008 @ 1:47 am

This show rocked from start to finish! Bruce was in top form, running around the stage like he owned it(he did!). Murray Smith and Gers were incredible on guitars and Harris and Nicko held down the fort. Truly one for the ages, and I’m glad I was there.
greg chance said,

Wrote on June 18, 2008 @ 3:47 am

just git in from the camden,nj show.(6/17) i took my 2 sons g.t. who is 15 and jeremy who is 7. my oldest loved the show, it is my 3rd time taking him to see maiden in less than 2 years. this was my 7 year olds first real concert and he loved it. i put him on my shoulders and he was screaming and air drumming and i asked him if he was having a good time, his response ” this is fantastic” the songs were the same from the meadowlands show march 19th, but it doesn’t matter…they kicked ass. they get no radio play or real promotion from the record companies, i think they just connect with their fans. every show they do is awesome. they never disappoint…ever! can’t wait to see them again and again and again. one sad note, at the end of the show i tried to get my little one a shirt, but the small was to big on him and he started crying. he wanted the shirt with eddie riding the motorcycle and the route 666 on the back. it was great feeling 16 again (certain songs just take you back to the good ol’ days ) and for 2 hours i didn’t have a care in the world, it was my sons, me and the greatest band ever iron maiden. perfect!
billy said,

Wrote on June 18, 2008 @ 7:27 pm

show rocked I got all wet head to toe but was worth it and I got sick from rain but the best I have seen them since 88 loved the show had a blast
chris houdart said,

Wrote on June 19, 2008 @ 1:29 pm

I saw the band June 17th in Camden,NJ. The show rocked out(really killer.)
Alex Lecza said,

Wrote on June 19, 2008 @ 5:38 pm

I was at the Camden show.My first Maiden show in 15 years.Holy crap.I think the years only have made them better.Even with technical isses like Bruce’s mike cutting in and out,and feed back it was absolutly one of the best shows I’ve ever been to.Funny part at the end they went to play the encore but they could’nt shut the lights down.Bruce played into a pretty good comedy bit about someone having to to get the lights working.He said they usually cut off the lights to make us wonder”do you think there will be an encore?”It was awesome to see them play the stuff they had’nt played in a longtime.I don’know why I paid for a seat because I was’nt in it the whole time they were on.It was absolutly electric.”scream for me Philadelphia!!!”(even though we were across the river in Camden,but who gave a crap about that anyway
SCOTT M. said,

Wrote on June 19, 2008 @ 8:33 pm

The Camden N.J. show ROCKED!!!!!!! I was there with my buddies who saw them several times before and this by far was the best!!! Up the IRONS!
Col. Hanibal Smith said,

Wrote on June 19, 2008 @ 8:35 pm

UNREAL!!! NICKO KICKS ASS!!!!!!! CAMDEN SHOW WAS AWESOME!
Nicholas said,

Wrote on June 19, 2008 @ 8:36 pm

Yea I saw them they were amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
Vivek said,

Wrote on June 19, 2008 @ 11:52 pm

I also flew up from Miami to see the Meadowlands show 3/14.
I will do it again next year
shawn l said,

Wrote on June 20, 2008 @ 1:40 am

we flew up from tampa also had 9th row on the floor show was awesome wish they would come down south sometime in future
bishop said,

Wrote on June 21, 2008 @ 1:16 am

My son and his girlfiend bought me tickets to the Camden show for Father’s Day, what a pleasant suprise. It was my fourth time seeing the band and they still sound as good as they did in 1986 when I saw them for the first time. Great show and keep rocking.Up The Irons!
Christian K said,

Wrote on June 21, 2008 @ 5:53 pm

I flew up from Miami (and met a buddy of mine who flew up from Atlanta) to see the 6/17 show at Camden. Without a doubt this was the BEST concert I’ve ever seen. I saw them for the first time 5 years ago, and THAT was the best concert I had ever seen. But, this one just blew that away. I’ve been a Maiden fan since the early 80s, and must have watched Live After Death several thousand times. And I felt like I got to be there in person almost 25 years later.

Maiden is just a band that never disappoints. There’s no ‘rock star’ ego there. They come out with the intention of blowing the doors off the place and playing the best gig for the fans, and they succeed marvelously. The energy that emits from the stage is indescribable unless you’ve seen them play. These guys are in top form and I can’t wait to see them again. I’m having major Maiden withdrawal now after that gig. There’s also something to be said for Maiden fans as well. They are the most loyal, yet friendly crowd I’ve ever seen.

Sorry if I’m gushing.. That was a night I’ll never forget, and I cannot wait to see them again. Up the Irons!
Dennis M. said,

Wrote on June 23, 2008 @ 5:24 pm

Just seen the Maiden show at Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA. All I have to tell you people is to beg, steal or whatever you have to do to get to see the boys! Two solid hours of pure Metal at it’s finest. I can’t wait to see them return. I’m there!
Geno T said,

Wrote on June 24, 2008 @ 1:45 am

I’ve been to every area appearance in jersey and nyc. ALL HAVE BEEN BETTER THAN THE LAST! we got pounded by the storm on the way in, but all in all one of the best shows I’ve seen and just as powerful as the March 14th show…. KEEP ROCKING! It was a throwback to one of my first concerts ever at the philadelphia spectrum for the power slave tour (original) with special guest twisted sister…. for $14. bucks!!! Anyway can’t wait for the new album and tour.
Geno T said,

Wrote on June 24, 2008 @ 1:48 am

UP THE IRONS!!!! Greatest show yet, every year they just get better…HERES TO THE BEST METAL BAND EVER!!!! CHEERS Thanks for the shows, I have been going to them since you had twisted sister open for you in philly back on the original power slave tour! I can’t imagine the summer without MAIDEN at the ART Center
Chuck Nasty said,

Wrote on June 24, 2008 @ 4:39 pm

That Saturday was more intense than the 2 tours I did in Vietnam.
Jake Denton said,

Wrote on June 27, 2008 @ 5:17 pm

This was a great show! I didnt much enjoy sitting through Trivium’s set. But after Waiting MAIDEN finally came on! This was my first Iron Maiden concert i flew to new jersey from Ft.Lauderdale FL and it was worth it. I got soaked but i dont care id do it again! Ive already got atleast 20 comments on the special event shirt i got there the one with eddie as the staute of liberty.
Alex said,

Wrote on June 27, 2008 @ 8:04 pm

O Iron Maiden é a melhor banda de heavi metal do mundo para mim , fiquei muito feliz em poder estar presente no show realizado no brasil em março 2008 , sou mais um maidennatico pelo mundo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Raf said,

Wrote on June 27, 2008 @ 10:54 pm

as soon as I heard the Live After Death album back in ’85 I knew I was going to be a Maidennatico – as the brazilian guy put it above- for life.. seen maiden on 3/14 and 6/14.. and when Bruce told the crowd that we’ve all been at the Long Beach Arena show, he wasn’t bullsh*ting. it might have taken me 23 years to be there but, what a show.. the coolest thing is seeing all the cameras and cell phones taking pictures each time Eddie struts his stuff on stage, is just awesome. definitely, the best band to listen to and see on tour, can’t wait for their next album and experiencing the euphoria all over again..
Juan said,

Wrote on June 28, 2008 @ 4:05 am

I’m from Caracas and the last time I saw Maiden was back home in ’92. This show was all I’ve dreamd of for years, when I was 15 years old I’d play the Live After Death video at home every day after school, that night at Jersey a dream came true, thanks guys. This trip to the US has already paid up by watching such metal giants as Maiden. They are by far the biggest band in the whole f*cking world. Watching the band with Adrian again was amazing. They will be always my favorite band no matter what musical roads I take and that night at PNC Bank Arts Center made me certain of that.

UP THE IRONS!!!!
FOREVER!!!!!!!
Srini aKa Metaldigger said,

Wrote on June 30, 2008 @ 10:17 pm

I saw maiden in 07 as part of their India gig.In Fact this was the first METAL Gig in India.All I can do is agree with the people above that it was one of the best nights of my life.I’m waiting to see them again and again…Its been almost 16 months since I saw them live but If I think of that day,I still get that Goosebump…Sometimnes tears too…Maiden you rock !!!
chris jordan said,

Wrote on July 7, 2008 @ 8:01 pm

i’ve seen iron maiden 5 times from 1992 to 2003 and theses tickets were a bithday present. It was the best birthday preent i have ever had. It was well worth the money travelling down to London and waiting all day to hear the band was worth it because when they came on they just blew me away. when i got down there strve’s daughter was playing and then the other bands came on but overall i went to see iron maiden and no one was in the same league music wise. cheers boys up the irons hope to see you soon with the new album.
beans said,

Wrote on November 15, 2008 @ 8:09 pm

Ive been a huge fan since 1980 and ive seen maiden every time they have come through the tristate area and the 2 shows they did at izod and pnc where two of thebest ive seen Iron Maiden in my humble opinion is the best band ever and when they come this way again you can bet your ass ill be in the crowd
fLeShTwIsTeR said,

Wrote on December 22, 2008 @ 7:01 pm

I also flew up from Tampa to see Maiden at the “Meadowlands”. Killer show and production!! I hadn’t seen Maiden since 2000′s Brave New World Tour when I flew to Houston to see them. I too wish they would come down south like in the glory days but as long as I can aford to fly I would see them again in the NY/NJ area.
Rime of the Ancient Mariner gave me chills to see this song live again!!!

UP THE IRONS!!