Iron Maiden @ Copenhell 2022

"Are you fucking ready?!"

I'm asking myself in my quiet mind, and it's less of a rhetorical question than usual. But it might as well be directed at you guys, because you're in for a bit of a longer read here than usual.

Forgive the platitude, but during the last three years of not touring for various reasons, my all-time favorite band haven't been getting any younger. I'm trying to imagine the tangible difference that just ONE year might mean when you've turned 70 like drummer Nicko McBrain just did. – Especially seeing as how he's been the band's obvious weak link for several years now.

Hell, even after a long, wonderful day, duly kickstarted by Maiden's hearty countrymen Thunder, drinking beer with old friends on Copenhell's notorious hill, I'm still not sure if I'm ready – much less fucking ready. I know they're playing new songs from last year's blinding "Senjutsu" album, but I also know they're still doing Legacy of the Beast tour material. And yes: That's all I know; I never check setlists.

UFO's "Doctor, Doctor" is as butterfly-inducing with Maiden's fans as Ennio Morricone's "The Ecstasy of Gold" is with Metallica's ditto, marking the imminent show-start. And then, as aforementioned McBrain meticulouly builds up the opening title song from aforementioned album, tribal style, my aforementioned butterflies start fluttering.

We've seen some rocking out these last 4 days here, but in terms of out-rocking, Maiden's crowd is superior. And I mean by far.

And as the greatest living metal frontman, Bruce goddamn Dickinson, rips into the soaring chorus with a thundering voice defying both age and common sense, the butterflies give way for a sensation of relief and recognition I've only rarely known. And mark my words: This sensation is tangible throughout the crowd.

Also the second and third track from "Senjutsu" work surprisingly well live – of course, they've had plenty of time to mature with the fans. In fact, I've probably been looking forward to the uncannily effective "The Writing on the Wall" more than most of those other classics that I know will follow. And so, it seems, have a lot of the fellow fanboys and -girls around me.

"Revelations" remains one of metal's most obvious live songs, and tonight is no exception. The band is on fire; the crowd is on fire. We're singing, shouting, drinking, rocking, and crowdsurfing – in fact, people are fucking constantly crowdsurfing up in this one. We've seen some rocking out these last 4 days here, but in terms of out-rocking, Maiden's crowd is superior. And I mean by far.

This is more than the power of metal; this is the power of music.

At this point, you wouldn't think things could get any more awesome. But then "Blood Brothers" climax not only the concert and the evening, but the entire goddamn festival. Pure nostalgia is pouring down my cheeks to one of the band's most stupendous choruses ever (which is saying a lot!) And I'm not the only one, by the way. This is more than the power of metal; this is the power of music.

As for "Flight of Icarus", though, I've always considered it second-tier. But in a strange way, it's somehow gaining a bit of territory with me tonight. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Dickinson is wielding not one, but two flame-throwers on this one. Your move, Rammstein!

The inclusion of Blaze Bayley cuts "Sign of the Cross" and the second encore song, "The Clansman", is probably the most debatable element here. They take up a lot of space that could have very well been reserved for too many other songs to mention. But go ahead and try not to sing along with the "FREEEDOOOOOOOM!" from the latter.

In fact, say what you want about their length; about Bayley, and about '90s Maiden; these are irresistable live bangers. And with the predictable hit parade that we're obviously in for, I'm only glad to hear some more rare material.

And a hit parade it is. For those of us who've done this before, like yours truly, there is, paradoxically, not a whole lot to say about the quadruple classic-combo of "Fear of the Dark", "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "The Number of the Beast", and the band's titular song from their 1980 titular debut, during which their most demonic Eddie to date rises behind the drum kit.

There will be kids here tonight seeing Maiden for the first time. And it warms my metal heart to consider the mark that this show will leave on them.

These are some of not only metal's, but the world's greatest live songs of all time. And even though I've had this experience 17 times up until now, and even though it's pretty much only their setlist order that's changed, I'm still not taking them for granted. Maybe a bit in general, but not at a comeback like this.

Same thing goes for the encores. I've heard "The Trooper" and "Run to the Hills" more times than most people have gotten their bone on. And yes, McBrain is lagging behind in the former, and in final show-closer "Aces High". – Shit, in others as well. And Dickinson, as powerful as his voice remains in spite of age and throat cancer treatment, still saves a bit on some of the high notes.

But the band are their unmistakable, joyous, energetic selves, grateful to be back and live their boyhood dream on stage once again. Dave Murray constantly dons that charmingly indelible grandma-smile of his; Steve Harris holds up his bass guitar sniper gun style at the end of songs... Really, nobody could've asked for more.

There will be kids here tonight seeing Maiden for the first time. And it warms my metal heart to consider the mark that this show will leave on them. Some of those kids, who aren't as able and/or willing to follow Maiden around the continent on tours, might also be seeing them for the last time tonight.

In those hopefully few cases, it'll be a memory all the more treasured. Because this was one of the better ones.