Response and unique pictures from Bruce Dickinson’s live performance within the Hungarian capital, a number of days earlier than his look on the Launch Athens Pageant.
Textual content – pictures: Pavlos Mavridis
Recent from final 12 months’s profitable try and see and {photograph} Iron Maiden in Krakow as a part of ‘The Future Previous’ tour, I could not resist the temptation to do the identical with Bruce Dickinson, on his first solo tour in 22 years. A tour that takes place within the context of the discharge of his new album “The Mandrake Mission”, which is able to cease in Athens on Sunday, July 21 at Launch Athens 2024.
Town of Budapest was a great selection for somebody who needs to mix the terpon after the utilitarian. On Saturday June 1st we landed within the lovely, vibrant however unpredictable capital of Hungary and that very same afternoon headed to the venue that may be internet hosting the live performance. Barba Negra’s packed Purple Stage is an enclosed area fabricated from a tent, with a capability of round 4,000 individuals. An awning that protected us from the rain that fell virtually all through the live performance.
In spite of everything the main points have been organized we headed to the overly snug picture pit with the remainder of the photographers, for the warm-up with Divided. Regardless of any technical points, the Hungarian band appeared skilled on stage, with very neat presence, costumes and usually very optimistic power. A perfect begin.
The clock reveals 19:55. All the time earlier than the band takes the stage, I “scan” the followers within the railing, whose anticipation-excitement is at an all-time excessive. I get the power too and my adrenaline can be excessive till the blackout occurs and the artist comes on stage. Every one in entrance of you might have simply come to have enjoyable, however different instances they could have their very own story behind the plain. Like the girl on the fringe of the stage, who all through the live performance holds his autobiography ebook as an icon Bruce Dickinson “What Does This Button Do?”. Or like Andy, who’s persistently posing for me and within the dialog we had after the live performance he informed me about his life.
Andy is 52 years previous and lives in Munich, Germany and with solely the assistance and companionship of heavy steel music, he was saved after seven years of abuse that led him to sure demise (see the documentary “Heavy Steel Saved My Life” which talks concerning the story of). He’s 28 years clear and noticed Iron Maiden for the primary time 40 years in the past, on the “Powerslave” tour and thru his private story and the documentary he needs to assist and encourage different people who find themselves going through related issues.
The band that accompanies him Bruce Dickinson, now also referred to as The Home Band Of Hell is in an excellent temper. From the spectacular Tanya O’Callaghan on bass (who has additionally performed within the final Whitesnake live shows alongside David Coverdale), the exuberant and energetic Mistheria on keyboards, to the guitar duo of Chris Declercq and Philip Naslund attempting to make up for the absence by Roy Z., his predominant composer and collaborator Dickinson all through his non-Iron Maiden profession. Let’s not neglect the “hidden” behind the drum package Dave Moreno, who has recorded the drums on the final two albums of the enduring singer.
And naturally we come to him Bruce Dickinson who does not cease plowing the stage all through the set. The final efficiency of everyone seems to be at a really excessive stage, however what captivates you is their ardour and temper. In a few of the tracks which are typically very vocally demanding, Dickinson appears to intentionally hold his energy with out it being significantly disturbing. As he commented in the direction of the top of the set, he was affected by a virus-laryngitis, which was confirmed by the announcement of the cancellation of the following live performance in Bucharest. If somebody performs like this on the age of 65 and with laryngitis, then I do not know what we will count on when he comes rested and wholesome to Athens…
His normal urge for food and efficiency Dickinson is at a particularly excessive stage. He exudes an superior thirst, on and off stage, which reveals a extra normal steadiness, as he appears to be having fun with what he is been doing for the previous few years. The promotion that preceded the tour, the numerous appearances, the interviews, the signing session occasions with followers everywhere in the world show the reality of the phrase. For a very long time, his presence musically was restricted, with him placing extra weight on his different, exterior of the music business, actions. However after his superb victory in opposition to most cancers, he appears to have returned for good to what everyone knows he is aware of tips on how to do with absolute success: music and live shows. One thing that one can simply perceive from the heavy schedule, with or with out Iron Maiden.
The setlist is especially based mostly on the latest The Mandrake Mission and the three albums he launched between 1998 and 2005 (Accident Of Beginning, The Chemical Wedding ceremony, Tyranny Of Souls). Skunworks (1996) and Tattooed Millionaire (1990) are fully ignored, however the massive hit of his private profession, Tears Of The Dragon by way of Balls To Picasso, couldn’t be missed.
Ready for his look Bruce Dickinson in Greece in a number of weeks, and extra particularly on Sunday 21 July 2024 at Launch Athens 2024 has grown much more. It’s virtually sure that with the competition and far bigger viewers of Athens, alongside Settle for and Judas Priest, we are going to expertise one of many strongest live performance nights of the summer season.
Extra pictures right here.
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