Iron Maiden Rocks The Woodlands

On Sunday, September 22^nd, Iron Maiden rocked the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in the Woodlands with their Legacy of the Beast tour. The tour celebrates the band’s rich history in the world of metal, and promotes Iron Maiden’s video game of the same name.

The show kicked off at 7:30 with opening band The Raven Age. Formed in 2009, they consist of George Harris (son of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris), Matt Cox, Jai Patel, Tony Maue, and Matt James. The band played through songs off their new album Conspiracy, as well as hits from their first album, Darkness Will Rise. After an hour long set, The Raven Age left the stage, making way for Iron Maiden.

Just before 9:00, the house lights went out, and Iron Maiden burst onto the stage with a barrage of lights and massive stage props. As the guitarists began the opening riffs of “Aces High,” singer Bruce Dickinson leapt onto the stage beneath a full size inflatable Spitfire. With multiple backdrop changes, an appearance from the band’s mascot Eddie, and an ever-changing variety of props (including an actual flamethrower), there wasn’t a dull moment to be had. Iron Maiden filled the show with hit songs from throughout their career, including “Fear of the Dark,” “The Number of the Beast,” and “The Wicker Man.”

In recent years, many of the rock and metal bands who rose during the 1980s have embarked on global farewell tours, but not Iron Maiden. Despite every member of the band being over 60 years old, they still manage to run and jump around the stage like a bunch of teenagers. Guitarist Janick Gers spent most of the show with one foot propped up on a speaker stack, stopping at times to spin his guitar around his head, Steve Harris mimed a machine gun with his bass, and Bruce Dickinson spent more time running around the stage than standing still.

With a hit-studded setlist, wild props, and the same youthful energy they have been bringing for years, Iron Maiden put on a show to remember for everyone in attendance. The tour may be called “Legacy of the Beast,” but the band left little doubt that they will be touring for many years to come.