With the lights still on the music was pumping as UFO’s ‘Doctor, Doctor’ whipped up the atmosphere. With UFO being the spiritual influence and inspiration for Ausland181 this was indeed a good omen. As demonstrated by the beginning of the ‘offical’ intro Steve Harris equally holds praise of this unit and in particular the mad, mad Way. As the song closed the lights went down and the Blade Runners theme set the scene before the Maiden burst upon the stage. First impressions was the strength of Bruce Dickinson’s vocals and the energy he displayed as his flowing grey locks flew around the stage. Steve Harris was equally momentous through out the night. The skilful interlocking and interwinding guitars, with in particular Janick Gers throwing beautiful guitar shapes stage left. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith were in your face and supporting in equal proportions. All this of course was fuelled by Nicko’s hammering and dexterous fills. Eddie made an early appearance in the fittingly ‘Somewhere in Time’ cowboy outfit as the first two numbers were from the said opus. Then it was time for the latest release to flex it’s musical muscles with the heavy and harmonious ‘The Writing on the Wall’ leading into ‘Day of Future Past and ‘The Time Machine’. Bruce took time out to share a hilarious monologue about the Rottnest’s Quokka’s and indeed it showed highlighted the pleasure and enthusiasm the band as a collective approached and engaged on this opening tour night. Bruce is indeed growing graceful with the aging years. A surprise captain’s pick came from the seminal ‘The Number of the Beast’ in the form of ‘The Prisoner’. By now Bruce had Perth screaming for Him at will with the packed arena (noted by Himself) in full voice. ‘The Death of the Celts’ showcased that, in my opinion, Iron Maiden have found their ‘Emerald’. The duelling guitars were magnificent as the lead rip was swapped around the prowling six string slingers. Then it was back to the gemstones of a back catalogue – see set list below – before the closing ‘Iron Maiden’, confirming that this band can’t be fought and They Are gonna get you no matter how far. So it came to pass the most isolated city in the World had been captured by this magnificent display of Heavy Metal rock. An encore was not a given and after an inordinate wait and much audience exhortation the Maiden reappeared for a burning hot ‘Hell on Earth’. With flames jumping out, where you could feel the heat up in the upper seating area this was indeed a musically mental Hell on Earth. Another backdrop change heralded a rampaging rendition of ‘The Trooper’ followed by ‘Wasted Years’ closed the night with Monty Python’s ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ guiding us back into the night. To close off I am going to indulge and be honest that my seventh Iron Maiden gig was the best (each was an unique experience that has spanned five decades, two weeks shy of forty years in three countries with the first 1984 being the next in contention. A meeting with Nicko paying the bandit in the pub next door to the Edinburgh Playhouse adding some colour) In the same year a trip ‘down south’ to witness the Dio band (remember the Killswitch Engage connection) at the legendary Hammersmith Odeon was augmented by the fact Iron Maiden was also playing there the next night. A return trip to the UK in 1992 was timed for the Monsters of Rock, Castle Donnington, with the headline being Iron Maiden. But I need to go back further to 22 Feb 1980 and to my first gig. That being Rainbow at the cavernous Ingleston Hall. However the support, and first band I witnessed being Samson. Which in historical context many will know was fronted by one Bruce Dickenson. Thus despite the ups and downs, the raging torrent of the rigours of Life, The Circle Remains Unbroken. Set List: ‘Caught Somewhere in Time’ (from ‘Somewhere in Time’, 1986) ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ (from ‘Somewhere in Time’, 1986) ‘The Writing on the Wall’ (from ‘Senjutsu’, 2021) ‘Days of Future Past’(from ‘Senjutsu’, 2021) ‘The Time Machine’ (from ‘Senjutsu’, 2021) ‘The Prisoner’(from ‘The Number of the Beast, 1982) ‘Death of the Celts’ (from ‘Senjutsu’, 2021) ‘Can I Play with Madness’(from ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son’, 1988) ‘Heaven Can Wait’ (from ‘Somewhere in Time’, 1986) ‘Alexander the Great’ (from ‘Somewhere in Time’, 1986) ‘Fear of the Dark(from ‘Fear of the Dark’, 1992) ‘Iron Maiden’(from ‘Iron Maiden’, 1980) Encore: ‘Hell on Earth’ (from ‘Senjutsu’, 2021) ‘The Trooper’(from ‘Piece of Mind’, 1983) ‘Wasted Years’ (from ‘Somewhere in Time’, 1986) Iron Maiden are:- Vocals – Bruce Dickinson Bass – Steve Harris Drums – Nicko McBrain Guitar – Dave Murray Guitar – Adrian Smith Guitar – Janick Gers Scroll down for more …..