8/23/2000 - Blossom Music Center
I was blown away. This was the 5th time I have seen IM since the Piece of Mind tour in '83. Every time I have seen them, it has been a great show. Each very memorable in it's own way. The show I saw tonight topped them all. First I had great seats. 4th row, way on the right. I was so far right, I couldn't even see the drum kit. Luckily, by the 3rd song I was much closer to the middle. Everyone in the front sections pushed the seats to the side and crowded around the stage in a chanting fist pumping mob. I was so close, I could see the guitar strings moving.
From the beginning, the band was in motion non-stop. Leaping over their monitors and getting up close and personal with the fans. Bruce was his usual blur of motion from beginning to end. Steve was everywhere. I don't know how he moves all around the stage, hammering out that bass, while mouthing every word to every song. This is the first time I've seen Janick perform. He fits right in with the rest of them. He was everywhere as well. He really likes to fling his guitar around too. Usually teasing us fans right in front of him. Actually at the end of the show, he stood there holding his guitar out, asking us if we wanted it. Of course, we are all screaming YES. So he tosses it out over the crowd, then at the last second, he yanked it back by the strap. Adrian was more animated than I remember him being before, still didn't move around too much. He is an awsome guitar player, but not much of a performer. Never even made eye contact with the crowd. Nicko seems to have almost pin-point accuracy when throwing drum sticks. And Dave was his usually happy self. Just playing away, moving around and having a good old time.
They all were great together. The way they moved around and interacted on-stage was classic. They all worked the crowd into a roaring frenzy. The way they made eye contact with the fans, and tried to get everyone involved was just awesome. As far as the music itself. It rocked. The songs were tight, they played together seamlessly. The solo's were awesome, Bruce's vocals great (they don't call him the air raid siren for nothing). One disappointment was the lack of a drum solo. Would have been nice if Nicko could have had a few minutes to show off his talent.
Eddie was great. The way he and Janick go at it was hilarious. The pyro was perfect. Not too much, but plenty of it at just the right times. When you're that close to the stage, you can actually feel the heat from it too. I'd hate to imagine how hot it gets for the band. This show was the best concert I have ever been to. I didn't want it to end. I wish they could have played all night.
Iron Maiden setlist
Intro
The Wicker Man
Ghost Of The Navigator
Brave New World
Wrathchild
2 Minutes To Midnight
Blood Brothers
Sign Of The Cross
The Mercenary
The Trooper
Dream Of Mirrors
The Clansman
The Evil That Men Do
Fear Of The Dark
Iron Maiden
encores
The Number Of The Beast
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Sanctuary