Just got back from the Tacoma gig. I was really exhausted before the gig, and I almost fell asleep at the bar during the opening act, so I wasn't sure how I'd do when the ladies got on. Well, I was wide awake and fully energized as soon as they hit the stage. And I wasn't the only one - the crowd in front of the stage were as enthused as any other I've seen. With the size of the crowd, you'd never guess that The Iron Maidens were competing with Queensryche for the Seattle-Tacoma area's choice for entertainment tonight. The ladies went up against Queensryche and a full crowd at the Station 56 showed they could pull it off.
The setlist was:
DIFFERENT WORLD
2 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT
THE TROOPER
ICARUS
INFINITE DREAMS
CAN I PLAY WITH MADNESS?
WASTED YEARS
IDES OF MARCH/ WRATHCHILD
CAUGHT SOMEWHERE IN TIME
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
# OF THE BEAST
CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED
22 ACACIA AVENUE
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
RUN TO THE HILLS
Of course, the highlight of the set list was Alexander the Great. That's one thing I love about the lady Maidens - they play songs live that Iron Maiden never has or no longer does, and I know the fans appreciate it. The Tacoma fans were thrilled to hear the ladies play one of Maiden's greatest epic tunes. I think a close second for the highlight of the set list is Infinite Dreams. That's a great song often overlooked by many fans.
There were a few things to note - Linda played the wrong drum intro before Infinite Dreams (I think it was Wasted Years she played), but did a good job of making it seem like a warmup. I was half expecting her to pull a Nicko by jumping up from behind the kit and saying, "Ha! Fuck me old boots!" Sara had some guitar issues, so Aja had to really step into Bruce's big shoes and keep the crowd going while she fixed them. She did pretty good telling the crowd about the LA gig and Mexico. Linda also had some tech issues, but of the beer kind. As Aja was introducing her, she pulled out a Heineken to take a refreshment break, only to find out she needed a bottle opener. She obviously was displeased.
Near the end of the show, I was beginning to get worried that something I expect to happen at every show was not going to happen. Then, after Children of the Damned, I believe, it happened. A male fan clawed his way to the front to profess his love for Wanda. Normally, this happens all throughout the show, but it seems the fans were better behaved than normal. There were only a few knuckleheads in the crowd, but their antics were pretty tame, such as requesting songs to be played while Aja was talking or rocking out so vigorously in the front as to cause the equipment to shift around.
I filmed the gig and got a lot of interactive shots of the band, especially Aja speaking/looking into/pointing at the camera. For a change, I got some really clear shots of Linda behind the kit. I tried as much as I could to get some more Sara shots, but it's difficult since I always film from the right side of the stage because I am right-handed. I got plenty of Heather and Wanda since they were right in front of me.
That's about it. I need to get up for work in about 3 hours, so I need to get some rest. Thanks for a great show ladies! Aja - sorry I couldn't stick around to talk very long. Between early work call tomorrow and my back (lots of pain and my right leg was partially numb through most of the gig), I had to get home soon. Good luck on the rest of your tour, and make sure to play Alexander for the Athens crowd. They'll go absolutely nuts if you do! I hope to see you gals come up to Washington again this summer or sometime soon.
The setlist was:
DIFFERENT WORLD
2 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT
THE TROOPER
ICARUS
INFINITE DREAMS
CAN I PLAY WITH MADNESS?
WASTED YEARS
IDES OF MARCH/ WRATHCHILD
CAUGHT SOMEWHERE IN TIME
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
# OF THE BEAST
CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED
22 ACACIA AVENUE
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
RUN TO THE HILLS
Of course, the highlight of the set list was Alexander the Great. That's one thing I love about the lady Maidens - they play songs live that Iron Maiden never has or no longer does, and I know the fans appreciate it. The Tacoma fans were thrilled to hear the ladies play one of Maiden's greatest epic tunes. I think a close second for the highlight of the set list is Infinite Dreams. That's a great song often overlooked by many fans.
There were a few things to note - Linda played the wrong drum intro before Infinite Dreams (I think it was Wasted Years she played), but did a good job of making it seem like a warmup. I was half expecting her to pull a Nicko by jumping up from behind the kit and saying, "Ha! Fuck me old boots!" Sara had some guitar issues, so Aja had to really step into Bruce's big shoes and keep the crowd going while she fixed them. She did pretty good telling the crowd about the LA gig and Mexico. Linda also had some tech issues, but of the beer kind. As Aja was introducing her, she pulled out a Heineken to take a refreshment break, only to find out she needed a bottle opener. She obviously was displeased.
Near the end of the show, I was beginning to get worried that something I expect to happen at every show was not going to happen. Then, after Children of the Damned, I believe, it happened. A male fan clawed his way to the front to profess his love for Wanda.
Normally, this happens all throughout the show, but it seems the fans were better behaved than normal. There were only a few knuckleheads in the crowd, but their antics were pretty tame, such as requesting songs to be played while Aja was talking or rocking out so vigorously in the front as to cause the equipment to shift around.I filmed the gig and got a lot of interactive shots of the band, especially Aja speaking/looking into/pointing at the camera. For a change, I got some really clear shots of Linda behind the kit. I tried as much as I could to get some more Sara shots, but it's difficult since I always film from the right side of the stage because I am right-handed. I got plenty of Heather and Wanda since they were right in front of me.
That's about it. I need to get up for work in about 3 hours, so I need to get some rest. Thanks for a great show ladies! Aja - sorry I couldn't stick around to talk very long. Between early work call tomorrow and my back (lots of pain and my right leg was partially numb through most of the gig), I had to get home soon. Good luck on the rest of your tour, and make sure to play Alexander for the Athens crowd. They'll go absolutely nuts if you do! I hope to see you gals come up to Washington again this summer or sometime soon.
Would we be able to discuss a trade when you've got it ready please?
Ta Jim!
