Iron Maiden at Honda Center – Live Review

Iron Maiden, Honda Center, Anaheim. CA., September 21, 2022

The legendary Iron Maiden made their way into the wilds of Orange County, performing two sold out shows at the Honda Center. Hitting the road in support of their critically acclaimed Senjutsu album on their Legacy Of The Beast World Tour, Iron Maiden unleashed a truly rapturous set of hard rock and heavy metal, demonstrating why they remain one of the most compelling live acts in the universe. After a dynamic performance from support band Trivium, it was time for Iron Maiden to take over the stage, and music fans of all ages united together to cheer on what would be a captivating live performance for the ages.

The commencement was absolutely wondrous to behold, as Iron Maiden swept the listener into the mystical world of Senjutsu, performing the first three epic tracks from their recently released magnum opus. This was modern day Iron Maiden at their most thrilling and adventurous, and the audience response to these new Maiden compositions was thunderous. Revelations from their 1983 album Piece Of Mind was then unveiled, starting up a mighty barrage of the much-revered Iron Maiden classics. The almighty refrains of Blood Brothers from Brave New World raged into the crowd followed by Sign of The Cross which originally appeared on the vastly underrated The X Factor masterwork. It must be noted that Blaze Bayley performed vocals on the original version, and the interpretation as presented by Bruce Dickinson transports the composition into the stratosphere.

And the slamming reveries kept on arriving, from the triumphant Flight Of Icarus, to the chilling reverberations of Fear Of The Dark, and on to the powerhouse Hallowed Be Thy Name, Iron Maiden unleashed their trademark songs with the fer1ocity of a band still very passionate about the sonic artistry and keeping the fans very well entertained. The Number Of The Beast and Iron Maiden would conclude the set, along with impassioned calls from the audience for a whole lot more – and Iron Maiden would grace their fans with not one, but two very well-deserved encores. A triple slam of The Trooper, The Clansman, and Run To The Hills would send the fans into a frenzy during the first encore. And Aces High would close out the night when Iron Maiden returned for the spellbinding grand finale.

Bruce Dickinson has it all – the soaring vocal abilities and the massive stage presence enveloping the entire Honda Center arena – what a remarkable showman! The triple guitar team assault was epic in scope, with Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and the especially energetic Janick Gers delivering the shredded goods with a ton of imagination and skill. And then there’s that iconic rhythm section of bassist Steve Harris and drummer Nicko McBrain driving it all home with a staggering vengeance. With origins dating back to 1975, in the post pandemic year of 2022, Iron Maiden is a collective at the very height of their career, and their live shows are colossal events that are not be missed! Kudos must also go out to the stage design and special effects – all positively first rate! If you are anywhere near the remaining The Legacy Of The Beast World Tour dates, do not miss this concert of a lifetime!

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)

Iron Maiden Official Home Page

Check out the Complete Jack Lue Photo Gallery of the Show here!