The opening night of Iron Maiden’s Book of Souls World Tour kicked off last night in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Brainfart reader, Hal, checked in from the show last night to report that after letting about 50 people into the venue, the paperless ticket system’s credit card scanners all crashed leaving everyone stranded outside. At 10 minutes to show time, the arena was still 90% empty but things got working and opening act, The Brazen Age (featuring Steve Harris’ son), played to a trickling in crowd. Playing what was described as “generic hard rock that wasn’t even very good”, The Brazen Age didn’t seem to blow anyone’s mind. Brainfart reader, Mike, even went as far as to say, “Sometimes you have to tell your children “NO you can’t do this!””
Iron Maiden took the stage to a sold out arena and, according to Brainfart reader, Mike, Bruce’s energy definitely was slightly lower than normal and he also seemed to sound very strained while trying to sing the higher register notes in the songs. I’ve been saying this for years. TUNE DOWN, BOYS. Even just a half step would make it easier for Bruce to utilize the power that he still has without sounding so strained. Look, it worked for Judas Priest. Anyways, the show featured a walk on Book of Souls Eddie during the title track “Book of Souls” and the big finale Eddie the Head made an appearance during “Iron Maiden.”
From all the reports I got, the band played flawlessly but age definitely seems to be catching up to them. I totally wish I could’ve been there to see it regardless but I’m so glad to hear that everyone had a great time regardless of technical flubs in the ticketing system.
Below is the setlist from opening night!
If Eternity Should Fail
Speed of Light
Children of the Damned
Tears of a Clown
The Red and the Black
The Trooper
Powerslave
Death or Glory
Book of Souls
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden
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Number of the Beast
Blood Brothers
Wasted Years
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