I
ron Maiden/Megadeth
September 5, 2013
Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Turning 40 to many is a sign of getting old. It’s like the ½ way point to the end. I never understood everyone’s hang up with turning 40 but I told myself, “Don, when you turn 40, it’s going to kick so much ass that you’re going to make everyone want to turn 40 the way you did.” That promise came true this year on September 5, 2013 when I attended the Megadeth/Iron Maiden show in Nashville, TN (best wife ever!). It’s not every day you get to turn 40 and it sure as hell isn’t every day that your favorite fucking band plays on your birthday. In some ways, I had to at least feel like they were the ultimate birthday party band.
Megadeth took the stage at 7:30 prompt and as the intro filled the room, the crowd just went 
insane. At this point, the venue was nearly at capacity which is usually an unheard of thing for an opening act. When your opening act is one of the biggest and best most legendary thrash bands ever, you’re going to see a full house. Megadeth kicked things off with “Hangar 18” which was a great surprise and right out the gates Dave Mustaine sounded amazing. I mean, it’s always going to be up for dispute as to how great a singer Mustaine is but I’ve always dug his voice. Slamming right into “Wake Up Dead” was another awesome treat and once again they were killing it. Mustaine pretty much kept his mouth shut most of the night and let the music do the talking which is something I think most fans wish he’d do more of.
Megadeth’s stage production has really taken on a life of its own over the years and the use of the video screens on and behind the stage really created an intense visual experience which enhanced the overall experience of seeing Megadeth live. Their set was a bit too short but they covered the bases as they dug deep for “Tornado of Souls” but surprisingly my highlight was “Sweating Bullets.” I know a lot of people hate this song but this is Mustaine’s Henry Rollins moment. I love the overall vibe of this song and it totally kicks ass live. Closing with “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” was a great choice and as the band did their bow and Mustaine paid his respects to the crowd, I felt like I had seen probably one of the best Megadeth performances I had seen in a long time.
When the ceremonial intro music of UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” filled the air, everyone rose from their seats just as loyal subjects would do when the reigning king would enter the arena. This is pretty much what it is to a “t” since Iron Maiden are without a doubt the reigning kings of heavy metal music. The intro to “Moonchild” brought on a roar from the faithful crowd and with a flash pyrotechnics the band was off. As I absolutely lost my shit like it was the first time I’d ever seen these guys, I knew I was once again seeing masters at work.
Iron Maiden delivered a set list that mirrored last years “Maiden England” tour to a “t” but that wasn’t a problem for me whatsoever. Iron Maiden has a way of always making you feel like you’re seeing them for the first time. Every time I see them they’re just a magical and fantastic as the last time I saw them and this show was no different. What I did notice was that while the boys were playing with some serious fire but they were also playing a bit loose which was really fun to see. Bruce was extremely playful with the crowd and at times missed a vocal cue or three as he couldn’t get to the mic in time. This at times brought on a sneer and smirk from longtime partner in crime Steve Harris. Bruce was his charismatic self and he stated numerous times throughout the show what an amazing time he was having and it really showed. Bruce gave 110% and the crowd reciprocated which brought on huge smiles from ol’ Bruce Bruce. Guitarist Janick Gers was his typical self as he danced and pranced around the stage as Bruce taunted him, covered him up with the giant Union Jack flag, and poked his head while delivering the few lead solos that he took throughout the set. At this point in the game, you either love or hate ol’ Janick. I made my peace with him years ago and have just come to love him for what he is: a total clown. The only one in the band that seemed noticeably off was bassist Steve Harris. He didn’t seem nearly as energized and mobile as usual and he looked a bit tired and worn down. These guys aren’t spring chickens so I can only imagine the toll that putting on a show like this can take on one’s body but still, even on a less animated day ol’ ‘arry still gives the younger shits a run for their money.
While the set list was pretty identical to last year’s set I have to say that I felt that they played 100 times better than they did last year. Eddie made his typical appearances throughout the night but it was during the epic “7th Son of a 7th Son” where I felt like Eddie was in his prime. That Eddie is so badass looking and the song itself is a treat that I know we’ll never get to see live again. Getting to see it three times in my lifetime is a pretty special thing. The absolute highlight of the show for me was once again hearing “Afraid to Shoot Strangers.” It’s crazy to think that this song has been pretty much the soundtrack recapping two wars and a third potential one. The performance of this song sent chills down my spine and much like “7th Son..” I felt as if I was getting a real treat. The band went out with a bang (literally) with “Iron Maiden” and then returned to the stage for an encore of epic proportions. “The Evil That Men Do” still reigns as one of their greatest pieces and I even found myself thoroughly enjoying the show closing “Running Free.” I never liked this song live much but I think because Bruce was having so much fun it was contagiously spread throughout the sold out venue and it was just a really fun way to send them off.
Seeing Iron Maiden on my 40th birthday was a truly special thing but seeing Iron Maiden in general is nothing short of magical. Every time I see them I’m 12 years old again. I can jump around, pump my fists, clap in unison, and sing and scream at the top of my lungs when beckoned to do so (Scrrrrrream for me Nashville!!!!). I couldn’t give a rat’s ass what anyone thinks because when Iron Maiden performs, they have a way of making you feel as if they are playing just for you. There were times during this performance where I was so fixated on the show that I literally forgot that there were thousands of people around me.
Iron Maiden proved once and for all to still reign as not just my favorite band but the greatest metal band in the world. Now that the show is over, I have yet another unforgettable Iron Maiden memory to add to the books. Will they tour next year? Will it be two years? Will it be 4 years? Who knows but all I can say is oh well, whatever, where I am, Iron Maiden’s gonna get me and I can’t fucking wait for the next time.
Megadeth Setlist
Hangar 18, Wake Up Dead, In My Darkest Hour, Sweating Bullets, Kingmaker, Tornado of Souls, Peace Sells, Symphony of Destruction, Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
Iron Maiden Setlist
Moonchild, Can I Play with Madness, The Prisoner, 2 Minutes to Midnight, Afraid to Shoot Strangers, The Trooper, The Number of the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, Run to the Hills, Wasted Years, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, The Clairvoyant, Fear of the Dark, Iron Maiden
Encore:
Churchill’s Speech/Aces High, The Evil That Men Do, Running Free
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