I wasn’t sure I’d post anything today, but why the hell not. We’re in LA for the 50th Anniversary Iron Maiden tour, with guests Anthrax and Megadeth. It’s been decades since I’ve seen Anthrax or Megadeth, and I last saw Maiden a few years back in Spokane while we were still living in Idaho. It was a great show as expected, and I was pleasantly surprised that they still had all the energy to put into the performance.
We’re getting ready to head out to Eddie’s Dive Bar but I thought I’d share a bit about the bands.
Iron Maiden
I’ve always had an affinity for Iron Maiden, and theirs was the first CD I owned (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son). My office is decorated with a lot of Maiden memorabilia – a large UK tour poster I got in the 80s, Trooper beer, an Eddie Funko, a Trooper duck (really for the Jeep but I keep it in my office), a framed collection of the UK stamps, and of course the Steve Harris signature P-bass. Hell, even my Jeep has an Eddie tire cover.
I’d have to say that Steve Harris has been the biggest influence on my bass playing. Finger style, galloping triplets – and that signature clanky sound. There are other bands that I am quite fond of, but thinking back, I’d have to say Maiden’s my favorite. They were always incredible showmen and the stage was always amazing.
I’ve heard they are doing away with the large stage setup for digital this tour. Not completely unexpected as Bruce can’t be climbing and jumping around like in days past, but I’m excited to see how they adapt to aging and new technology. They damn well better have a “real” Eddie come out on stage, and not some CGI crap.
Even Lucretia is a fan – or she just really enjoys the perch by the poster.
Anthrax
Anthrax was one of the first metal bands I really got into. I absolutely loved (and still do to this day) their 1987 release, Among the Living. I was a huge Judge Dredd fan and their song I Am the Law hooked me at the time. One of the first metal bass lines I learned was off that album, Caught In a Mosh. I would certainly say that Frank Bello has also been a huge influence on my bass playing.
The last time I saw them perform was in 1991, coincidentally opening for Iron Maiden as well. Danny Spitz isn’t with them anymore, but Jon Donais is pretty solid. Charlie has recovered and is back performing with them so it will be a great show. So great, that we are considering catching them Saturday night as well at The Roxy Theater.
Megadeth
My least favorite of the three, but still one of my favorite bands. I last saw them at the Real Rock Jamboree in 1999 and got to do a meet and greet with the band. I had a friend who worked for Tower Records and he hooked me up with the passes and an advance copy CD of Risk. While signing, Dave Mustaine commented that he’d better not see the album online. I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was terrible and there was no way I’d let it be tied to me in any manner, leak or not.
While I liked their music, I can’t say David Ellefson was an influence of mine. While he did have some great bass lines, I was pretty committed to finger style playing. I’m a bit bummed they didn’t try to put a more classic lineup together for their (so-called) final tour – I don’t even know who’s in the current lineup, except for Dave Mustaine.
Anyhow, it’s time to hit the road. Eddie’s Dive Bar shortly, and Iron Maiden tonight – UP THE IRONS!!!
Song of the day: Run To The Hills by Iron Fuckin’ Maiden (of course)
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