IRON MAIDEN Wants You Wells Fargo Center; Future Past Tour Comes To Philadelphia!
Iron Maiden is ramping up their Future Past World Tour, extending it into late 2024. The tour’s final leg will feature performances in arenas worldwide, including a sold-out show tonight at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, part of twenty US dates.
As the venue lights dimmed and the stage was revealed, the audience in the City of Brotherly Love eagerly prepared for an unforgettable experience. They were set to enjoy an electrifying performance by Bruce Dickinson [vocals], Adrian Smith [guitar], Steve Harris [bass], Dave Murray [guitar], Janick Gers [guitar], and Nicko McBrain [drums], complete with powerful riffs, driving basslines, soaring vocals, and the iconic mascot, Eddie.
The stage design echoed the futuristic city from the band’s 1986 album cover, Somewhere In Time. Fans anticipated a setlist rich in tracks from that album, some of which hadn’t been performed in decades, kicking off with “Caught Somewhere in Time.”
Dressed in black-out goggles and a beige trench coat reminiscent of a character from
Blade Runner, Bruce commanded the audience’s attention as a dynamic performer. He served as a captivating ringleader, narrator, actor, and singer, guiding fans through a mesmerizing experience. With each verse and chorus, he created vivid imagery, moving across the stage with theatrical flair whether leaping off the drum riser or engaging dramatically with the crowd. His electric presence and almost operatic vocal power kept the audience spellbound.
The band delivered a two-hour set featuring 15 songs, each infused with the same passion and energy as when they were originally composed. They included five tracks from senjutsu, such as “The Writing on the Wall,” which transitioned from a Western-style acoustic intro to the grand arena anthem “Days of Future Past,” as well as “The Time Machine.” From Somewhere In Time, they played five songs, including “Alexander the Great” and “Wasted Years,” highlighted by Adrian’s iconic tremolo-picked introduction.
Founding member and bassist Steve’s fingers danced across the fretboard in a mesmerizing display of technical mastery on songs like “Can I Play with Madness” and “Iron Maiden” bordering on the supernatural as he unleashed the roaring low-end. He owned the front of the stage as he pointed his Fender Precision bass like a shotgun while bringing his signature ferocious and almost primal bass playing to the performance. His two-fingered right-hand technique and unconventional trebly tone on “The Trooper” set his bass tone apart from the guitars in the mix. Beneath the surface-level brutality of his playing, there’s a deep well of soulfulness and musicality beyond mere technical showmanship most evident while on the stand-up acoustic bass for “Hell On Earth.”
Together with Nicko, Steve formed an unstoppable rhythm section, creating a unified, pulsing heartbeat, especially evident in “Stranger in a Strange Land” with its galloping shuffle. Last summer, it was revealed that Nicko had suffered a stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed on his right side and jeopardizing his career. Many feared that his days of masterful drumming were over.
Fortunately, Nicko’s performance tonight was as thunderous and commanding as ever, his limbs moving with impressive speed and precision despite his recent health challenges. His signature drum fills and swing-playing style were perfectly executed, resonating throughout the venue, even if those in the general admission area couldn’t see him behind his massive kit.
High school friends Dave and Adrian collaborated seamlessly, giving the songs a powerful, muscular depth that enhanced the galloping rhythms and soaring melodies. Dave’s fluid, blues-infused solos blended beautifully with Adrian’s aggressive, high-gain riffs, creating a rich tapestry of distorted metal. Their distinct playing styles, rooted in the hard rock of the ‘70s, underpinned Iron Maiden’s signature guitar sound and helped define heavy metal in the ‘80s.
In 1999, Iron Maiden made a groundbreaking decision to become a three-guitar band. This setup has proven effective, with one guitarist following the vocal melody and harmonies while the other two handle rhythm. The guitar arrangements are meticulously crafted, with each guitarist adjusting their roles for different songs. The three-guitar attack reaches its peak on “The Trooper,” where the guitarists and Steve stand side by side, with a banner of Eddie in the background depicting the Charge of the Light Brigade a truly electrifying moment.
Janick kept the crowd entertained by marching around the edge of the stage and playfully tossing his Fender Strat like a toy. He handled many solo sections, including “Death of the Celts” and “Caught Somewhere in Time.” The playful banter between him and Bruce brings a bright smile to Bruce’s face whenever they stand together.
Colorful thematic backdrops enhanced the musical experience, immersing the audience in each song. Unlike the inflatable props from The Legacy of the Beast Tour, this tour aimed to keep the focus on the musicians and their performance. However, the band still delivered a thrilling spectacle with smoke and towering flames that erupted into the air during “Hell on Earth,” reaching toward the arena’s ceiling.
No Iron Maiden concert would be complete without the iconic mascot, Eddie, making three appearances throughout the night: first as futurist Eddie in a cowboy hat early in the show, later in a duel with Bruce during “Heaven Can Wait,” and finally as a Samurai Warrior on “Iron Maiden.”
As the performance drew to a close, the audience was fully immersed in a relentless wave of sound, their senses captivated by the sheer energy and technical skill of Iron Maiden. It was a master class in live performance, leaving the crowd exhilarated and eager for more.
Looking ahead to 2025, the band is set to launch their Run For Your Lives Tour. Their unyielding touring schedule and dedication to providing the ultimate live metal experience have solidified their place as one of the genre’s most legendary and influential bands.
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