Halestorm was the support act in Europe (and London), but in Glasgow, we got The Raven Age. That was disappointing, as was The Raven Age (but more of that later).
As it was a resale, I didn't have OVO entrance access, so I joined one of the five lines queuing for Standing. Even though I'd arrived well before the doors opened, the lines were already long. Fortunately, they moved swiftly as soon as the doors opened. Note to self: check how many people are wearing backpacks in the line before you join. Those bag searches really slow down progress. The fan club was handing out cards to every ticket holder, which became a nice souvenir and an opportunity to win a prize. (I didn't win.)
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| A hidden individual QR code link was on the reverse |
Inside, I considered buying some merch. A tenner for a poster looked appealing, but where would I put it during the gig? I shelved that idea and headed into the arena.
Amazingly, despite the queues outside, I managed to find a position near the front, with about ten people between me and the stage. I had a clear view. The group of lads in front of me all wore the same T-shirt design: "UAIron Tour 2025, Brazilian Highlanders in Scottish Plains," with a list of names and locations. The shirt had its own Eddie-design mascot on the front. Pretty cool.
Then, when The Raven Age started, the lads rearranged themselves so the shorter chaps were in front of the taller ones. Bugger! My window of vision shrank to almost nothing. This irritation was further exacerbated by the stage lighting, with spotlight beams bouncing off my face and strobe lights sending painful signals to my brain. What a night to decide not to wear a cap.
The Raven Age did my head in. In other circumstances, I might have enjoyed their heavy but melodic music. But when the lead singer kept asking us to MAKE SOME FUCKING NOISE time and time again, I shut down. Fuck him and his crap banter. Away and find some new patter before you return.
At the interval, I decided to abort my pitch and took up residence near the back. This proved more successful. Although the band would be tiny figures in the distance, at least I could see most of the stage.
The excitement ramped up as UFO's "Doctor, Doctor" played over the PA, with the crowd singing along. As The Ides of March began, the lights over the audience went dark. The massive screen took us on an animated journey through London's backstreets, taking us around the band's historic early venues, with a mysterious figure appearing and disappearing as the streetlights flickered. Then the band burst onto the stage playing a rousing rendition of Murders in the Rue Morgue. The massive screen displayed a shot of Paris from above the rooftops.
This screen finally brought Iron Maiden into the 21st century. On previous tours, the staging consisted of backdrop curtains, which were gorgeous but static (they did toy with side screens on the last tour). This massive screen, complemented by additional displays within the set, enabled 3D imaging with clever lighting effects. Every song had a story to tell, with subtle animation, reminding us this wasn't just a picture. At times, it almost overwhelmed the band, given the grandeur of the scale. Bruce Dickinson, however, being such a dynamic frontman, despite his age, always managed to regain that attention.
As always, Eddie the Head played a pivotal role in the proceedings, appearing both in person and on screen. The person inside the suit was more comfortable moving, and as such, was able to give a less 'stilted' performance that brought out Eddie's personality, mimicking the guitarist's strumming, hitting himself in the nuts or miming a male personal activity that climaxed over the audience.
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| No, it's not Rod Stewart at Glastonbury. |
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| Ouch! |
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| The Trooper |
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| Iron Maiden |
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I have no regrets about buying a resale standing ticket. It was a great show, finishing at 11 p.m. on the dot. The atmosphere in the crowd, even this far back, was amazing, with lots of people jumping and waving devil horns. The 'no-cameras' instruction was mainly ignored, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. It couldn't really. I was one of them. I didn't take any vids, just photos.
Even the fact that it was pissing down afterwards didn't bother me, though I did wish I'd brought my jacket. It did sink the idea of buying a poster, though. I had a Toffee Crisp McFlurry from McDonald's instead.
Iron Maiden may be in their fiftieth year, but there is no sign of them stopping. They have promised to return. Based on the evidence here, I hope I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to see them.
Setlist
Resale Ticket ×1 £111.55 (Face Value £95)
Service Charge (inc VAT) £16.74
Handling Fee £3.25
Total Paid £131.54
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| Killers |
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| Murders in The Rue Morgue |
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| The Clairvoyant |
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| Powerslave |
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| Two Minutes to Midnight |
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| Rime of the Ancient Mariner |
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| Run To The Hills |
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| Seventh Son of a Seventh Son |
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| The Trooper |
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| Hallowed Be Thy Name |
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| Aces High |
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| Fear of the Dark |
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| Wasted Years |
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