Review of “Hi-On-Maiden”

At Woughton Centre, Milton Keynes

On: Saturday 25/11/05

By: Gaby

True devotees of Iron Maiden style Heavy Metal will no doubt know every tune and riff from the band’s most impressive and extensive back catalogue and true to form Iron Maiden have inspired a host of metal pretenders and wannabees over the years as well as some of the most influential bands of modern times.

So with this in mind it most certainly was a treat to catch once more their officially endorsed tribute band by the name of “Hi-On-Maiden”.

Playing a good selection of Maiden classics ranging from their 1^st album to their newer stuff, liberally sprinkled with their all-time classic stadium fillers such as: “The Number of the Beast”, “Run to the Hills”, “Bring Your Daughter….”, “Iron Maiden” and a song that really needs no introduction – “The Trooper”.

The band worked their way through an un-blemished set of all time Rock / Metal classics that the adoring mixed-age Woughton crowd lapped up only to want more and more.

No 2 hour set could ever truly cover the spectrum of metal grooves that this great band has produced but I felt that this tribute band did a fine job of recreating in a very small sense the electrifying nature of this super band, whilst making the gig as close, personal and intimate as you will ever have.

Vocally their lead singer was excellent delivering a powerful and gritty vocalisation perfectly complimenting some very fine axe work care of their twin guitarists whilst backing them up there was some really excellent bass and drum work. Add to this an excellently mixed sound and this was an awesome gig!

Appearance wise I felt the band perhaps tried too much to copy their real namesakes (a much frowned upon thing in my books) but in no way did it take away their superb musicianship and outstanding performance.

I suppose what we got this evening in Woughton was a sneaky peak into what an Iron Maiden concert is all about – the music and having been to the real thing – was I disappointed – not one jot! It just confirmed to me what a great band they are. They have stood the test of time and continue to break down the frontiers of Rock /Metal music with both class and sheer professionalism and their tribute band “Hi-On-Maiden” complimented that ideology and music perfectly.

A class act if ever there was one!