Former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul DiAnno has announced that he will be touring the US once again. Paul had a great run of small venues earlier this year and was backed by American metal revivalists Icarus Witch. It was his first extensive US tour in over 15 years and he was delivering some great performances on this tour. I know a lot of the reviews of his tour were mixed but in my opinion, I got to see a living legend perform and while his voice was a bit rougher than it was in the past, I thought it added some grit and heaviness to those classic Maiden tunes. Besides, DiAnno on his worst day is still far better than most on their best day.
DiAnno announced that on this tour he will be performing the debut Iron Maiden album in it’s entirety. In a recent interview with Australia’s PressRecordOnline.com, Paul Di’Anno was asked what the reaction has been like to his current setlist, which consists mainly of songs from MAIDEN’s “Killers” and “Iron Maiden” albums. “Always get a good response for the old MAIDEN stuff,” he replied. “Seeing as it’s 30 years since the first MAIDEN album, we thought it would be a good idea to play the whole LP for the fans. I [am] also doing a fair bit of ‘Killers’. I also add a lot of my own songs from my various projects. There a lot heavier and in your face. But yeah, obviously ’cause of the MAIDEN thing, people always react well. I just get in shit if I miss some people’s favorites. (laughs)” When asked about his past objections to playing IRON MAIDEN songs and what made him change his mind about performing the material in concert, Di’Anno replied, “Ah, well, you know, I’m always gonna get asked to do them; I’d be strung up if I didn’t. But this time round with the 30th anniversary and what-not, I thought I’d play the whole bloody album. Some of these songs I haven’t played since 1980, so I am having to re-learn a couple like ‘Charlotte the Harlot’. But it’s all good; makes them fresh again to me ears.”
You can bet your sweet ass I will be all over this one and if possible will even do multiple shows. This is going to be one hell of a ride and I cannot wait to see The Beast bring it back around to us. This is going to be a real treat! Below are the confirmed dates so far. Note that more dates will be trickling in and as soon as they start adding dates I will be sure to update you all. Up The Irons!
Dec. 20 – Foxboro, MA @ Showcase Live
Dec. 21 – New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
Dec. 22 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
Dec. 23 – Baltimore, MD @ Bourbon Street
Dec. 24 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Ballroom
Dec. 25 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies
Dec. 26 – St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
Dec. 28 – [to be announced]
Dec. 30 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Jan. 05 – West Hollywood, CA @ Key Club
Jan. 06 – Santa Ana, CA @ Galaxy Theatre
About The Author
