Download Festival 2003
Saturday 31st May to Sunday 1st June 2003Donington Park, Leics, England MAP
£39.50 to £90
Last updated: Mon 24th Nov 2003
After watching so many decent rock bands all day, Murderdolls, Inme, Ministry, to name just a few, it was obvious that the mighty Iron Maiden would have to put on an impressive performance. No disrespect to Maiden, but they are about twice the age of the other bands that had played, and so I wasn't expecting too much from them.
Thankfully they demonstrated that they still know how to rock, and are still worthy headliners of Donington.
Number Of The Beast was the opening track. This sent the audience absolutely crazy, people were headbanging, waving arms in the air as well as throwing bottles of warm liquid into the open air. It was just like we had travelled back in time to 1992. Which was the last time Iron Maiden headlined.
Bruce Dickinson, who was showing signs of old age with his greying hair, was so energetic and running around the stage like a young 18 year old. The songs kept coming and coming, although it has to be said that the songs that got the best response were The Trooper, Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter, and Run To The Hills.
These have been around for such a long time that you would have thought that they would be tired of singing the clasic songs over and over again, but this wasnt the case at all. Iron Maiden seemed to thoroughly enjoy playing the old tracks. The audience also thoroughly enjoyed listening to them as well.
These rock gods decided to use their headlining appearance to announce the title of their new album. Which is to be called Dance of Death.
Iron Maiden came to conquer Donington and show the world that they can give the rest of the bands a good run for their money. They managed to exceed all expectations and put on a pyrotechnic stage show, which as always was spectacular. After seeing them live it is easy to see that Iron Maiden are clearly the mastrs of live shows and the rest of the bands are just beginners.
review by: Paul Heyes
photos by: Luke Seagrave / Phil Bull
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