Iron Maiden: A Feast for Metal Fans

Photos & review written by Brian Curski

On Tuesday night, Iron Maiden returned to Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul and delivered as expected, playing to fans who came to rock out and witness their signature massive show. Even with the house lights on, when UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” came on over the PA, the crowd knew it was showtime and transformed into a sea of metal enthusiasts ready to revel in the music.

Metal it was—featuring triple guitars, multiple Eddie appearances, and each band member roaming the stage and engaging with fans. Bruce Dickinson, always one of my favorite metal frontmen, proved his prowess once again. He even led a moment of silence and appreciation for Iron Maiden’s original singer, Paul Di’Anno, who passed away on Monday.

The setlist catered more to die-hard Iron Maiden fans—which I am not—but I was still blown away by the performance and visuals. A third of the night was dedicated to their latest album, Senjutsu, and another third to Somewhere In Time. It wasn’t quite an “album playthrough” like many tours these days, but rather a tribute to fans who adore one of their most iconic ’80s albums.

Around 10,000 people soaked up the energy of one of the greatest metal bands last night in St. Paul. It felt as much like a massive family reunion as it did a rock and roll show. Great concerts give you both.