Iron Maiden – Aces High In Manchester

Rising out of the so-called New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the early eighties, Iron Maiden remain one of the most successful rock acts of the genre.

Their current Run for Your Lives tour celebrates their formation fifty years ago. The request from the band that all mobile phones should be kept in the fans pockets was respected, with the audience becoming totally immersed in the show; it all felt like it could have been 1980 again as the faithful and a new generation of fans danced in unison.

The show was about as near to a Greatest Hits one as you could get, though surprisingly their only UK Number One single, Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter, was absent.

As lead singer Bruce Dickinson screamed out his trademark cry, “Scream for me, Manchester,” the Co-op Live arena roared back, like a lion being let out of his cage.

The band were always known for a high-production show; the sound system, along with a light show that would put Blackpool illuminations to shame, was dazzling, including a giant LED video screen with epic images alongside the appearance of their mascot, Eddie – a giant monster who is associated with the band.

The other trademarks of an Iron Maiden gig were all present too, from the pumping bass of Steve Harris – the band's main songwriter – to the energetic romp of guitarist Janick Gers, to the dual guitars of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, to the thundering drums of new recruit Simon Dawson.

The subjects of many of the tracks performed might seem unusual; Aces High is about the Battle of Britain, whilst the devil got the best tune with The Number of the Beast.

Run to the Hills was epic, whilst earlier tracks from their career, such as Wrathchild and Killers, were still performed with the energy and enthusiasm from their first time around.

The band concluded their flawless show with Wasted Years, ensuring Maiden's legacy endured.