Mon 4 Jun – Iron Maiden @ Arena Muzika
One word - AMAZING.
Iron Maiden - 10/10
The Venue
Lokomotiv Stadium is located in the suburb of "Nadejda" (ironically translates as 'hope'). This is agurably one of the worst neighbourhoods in Sofia, full of 'pseudo-gangstas' and skinheads where even the air is hostile. The stadium itself is not one of the most impressive structures as you can see on the photos, BUT for the concert it was paved with special materials, which protected the grass, and in some cases - falling bodies. Security was relatively tight. The traffic in the whole area was sealed off and there was police everywhere. The stage was hugish, the lighting was on top level and so was the sound - something not really typical for Bulgaria. The weather, however, was not on our side - no wind at all and until one moment me and my friends were burning alive
The Band
What can I say ? Hell, it's Iron Maiden ! Apart from his amazing vocals, throughout the whole time Bruce didn't stop running around the stage. Dave's solos were amazing, Nicko also did a hell of a job on the drums. Thank God they were in the right mood. Eddie also appeared on stage. There was also a TANK (fuck yeah, a TANK) which even fired one out.
The Crowd and the atmosphere
We behaved quite well. Ofc on some songs there was moshing, but in acceptable dimensions. The crowd sang along with the band on every single song and that brightened up the band even more.
My Iron Maiden
Well I kind of disrespected the other sections so I could get to this one faster. The atmosphere was electrifying. I was planning to be with a lot of friends, but after a few misunderstandings and the raging crowd, i ended up with only 4 - three guys and a chick, who two of us took turns protecting and taking her up on our shoulders, so she could actually see the band. That may have spoiled MY overall Iron Maiden experience a bit, but I don't really regret it, because she had a really good time, and so did I - IT'S IRON MAIDEN FOR FUCK'S SAKE. I left her only for the fast part of Fear of the Dark to let loose some steam and energy. On Brighter than a thousand suns and Run to the Hills I screamed my lungs out at most, on the other songs not so much 'singing', just headbanging and air-guitarring. As i said before, this was the most amazing gig I've ever been to and was really lucky to share it with my friends. However, there was one disappointment - they didn't play my personal favourite songs - Aces High, Brave new World and The Wicker Man. Although I'm willing to forgive :)
WELL DONE, IRON MAIDEN!
SETLIST:
1. Different World - A Matter Of Life And Death
2. These colours don't run - A Matter Of Life And Death
3. Wrathchild - Killers
4. The Trooper - Piece of Mind
5. Children of the Damned - Number of the Beast
6. Brighter than a thousand suns - A Matter Of Life And Death
7. For the Greater Good of God - A Matter Of Life And Death
8. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg - A Matter Of Life And Death
9. The Number of the Beast - Number of the Beast
10. Run to the Hills - Number of the Beast
11. Fear of the Dark - Fear of the Dark
12. Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden
13. 2 Minutes to Midnight - Powerslave
14. Hallowed by thy Name - Number of the Beast
15. The Evil that men Do - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son