Bruce Dickinson, the iconic Iron Maiden frontman, brought his solo tour to a sold-out Rockefeller Music Hall, proving that age is just a number. Backed by a formidable band, Dickinson delivered a dynamic set that spanned his entire solo career, showcasing both classic tracks and cuts from his critically acclaimed new album, The Mandrake Project.
High-octane start and stellar band
The show kicked off with a high-energy triple shot of “Accident of Birth,” “Abduction,” and “Laughing in the Hiding Bush,” each delivered with precision and power. Dickinson’s hand-picked band proved to be more than just backing musicians. Guitarists Chris Declercq and Philip Näslund traded scorching solos, while keyboardist Mistheria (sporting a memorable cowboy hat) supported with layers of keyboard from the back of the stage as well as flashy keytar solos up front. Bassist Tanya O’Callaghan provided a rock-solid foundation, locking in perfectly with drummer Dave Moreno.
Unexpected delights and gems
The setlist offered several surprises. Tongue-in-cheek Dickinson introduced “Faith” as a George Michael cover. This was revealed to be a Skunkworks track, much to the delight of longtime fans. Skunkworks was released by Dickinson in 1996. He initially intended this to be the self-titled debut album of a band by the same name, but his label refused. The song is noticeably more hard rock than heavy metal and stood out a bit in the setlist.
Led by a drum solo, the whole band joined in for a rendition of “Frankenstein” by The Edgar Winter Group, complete with Dickinson on percussion and theremin at the back of the stage. There were enough solos here for every band member to shine, and this added a touch of the unexpected to the setlist.
Fan favorite “The Tower” showcased O’Callaghan’s driving bass line with the crowd bobbing their heads in unison. She’s not a flashy player but more focused on laying a steady foundation for the music, while always wearing a smile that rubs off on the crowd.
The air raid siren still screams
Despite a few notable absences (“Darkside of Aquarius,” “Killing Floor,” and “Book of Thel”), the setlist was a potent mix of fan favorites and deeper cuts. The Mandrake Project was well-represented, with “Resurrection Men” bringing a touch of Spaghetti Western flair and “Rain on the Graves” offering a bluesy verse juxtaposed with a powerful Maiden-esque chorus. If Dickinson was ever to write a song in the style of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” this would be it.
Most impressive, however, was Dickinson’s voice. At nearly 66, he delivered each song with incredible power and range, silencing any doubts after his recent health scare. There was some uncertainty related to his performance due to the fact that he canceled the June 3rd show in Bucharest, Romania, due to health-related issues. Even though he assured the audience that he was still “getting rid of civilizations” in between the songs, you could not tell from his performance. Here, Dickinson seemed more focused on pure singing than the theatrics he employs with Iron Maiden, showcasing the full depth of his vocal talent.
A night to remember and a promise for more
The sold-out crowd roared with approval throughout the night, and Dickinson’s parting words promised a return to a larger venue. This show was a testament to Dickinson’s enduring legacy as a solo artist. Despite not having toured with his solo material since 2002, he didn’t give in to the temptation of adding an Iron Maiden song or two to the setlist. The crowd didn’t seem to mind, which is a testament to Dickinson’s strong solo catalog. The singer was in a great mood, delivered a powerful vocal performance, and is a clear contender for the best show in Oslo in 2024. Bruce Dickinson is a force to be reckoned with, and his solo career continues to soar.
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