Description

Limited triple album Iron Maiden recorded at Gaumont Hall in Ipswich, England on the 8th of May 1983. This release looks to be from the master which was taped by Smiler using a Aiwa walkman recorder and is of excellent quality, probably in the top three recordings from the tour. The sound is clear emphasizing on the top end and is well balanced with very minimal crowd noise. The performance is typical for 1983, The band is firing on all cylinders in support of the (not yet released) Piece Of Mind ,the record was released on May 16, 1983. After the Intro the band launches into the opening track of the album and concert, Where Eagles Dare, inspired by the 1969 Richard Burton / Clint Eastwood movie of the same in which the allied forces must seize control of a Nazi mountain top fortress, the music twists and turns with many time changes and is an excellent choice for a starter. No time is wasted as the band plows into Wrathchild short and intense the song is honed by years of playing and flows effortlessly. The nice thing about this recording is Steve Harris bass is very clear and we can enjoy his playing. After a quick good evening Bruce introduces a new The Trooper. The crowd is pretty silent as the band goes into the second of seven tracks from the new record that were played showing the belief in the new music. We got a new album coming out very shortly starts Bruce’s intro to Revelations as a short break is taken to adjust the equipment. I love the version from 1983, slower and plodding like the original as opposed to the versions recorded the next year that was released on Live After Death. The first single from the record is next, Flight of Icarus short and quick but gets a nice ovation and the band almost immediately goes into Die with Your Boots On, with its lyrics that seem to bring Nostradamus to mind is a personal favourite. Bruce gives the history on the next tune, about a prostitute called Charlotte who lives on Acacia Avenue and the first of four tracks from the Number Of The Beast is played. A classic all around live the song shines with a great vocal by Bruce. The Number Of The Beast is next and very well received. The Dave Murray written Still Life is next, with its surreal lyrics and Hendrix inspired playing is excellent, at times mellow and at times heavy. Drain your Strength away indeed. Then comes the EPIC Too Tame A Land, inspired by Frank Herberts Dune Bruce does a good job explaining all about authors who don’t like denim and leather. After a similar opening to Still Life the band launches into a heavy majestic riff that dominates the song. At seven minutes in length it is the definite predecessor to later Maiden Epics like Rime Of The Ancient Mariner. Dave Murray’s solo is up next, heavily inspired by Hendrix with is air plane sounds that go into a short guitar drum jam before a blistering flash of notes is unleashed that lead into newcomer Nicko McBrain’s drum solo. After a short drum solo the band goes into the trilogy of terror: Phantom Of The Opera, Hallowed Be Thy Name, and Iron Maiden that concludes the end of the main set. The first two encores are common fair but the last two are very enjoyable, The classic Drifter gets a loud cheer from the crowd and gets the clapping going. The final track is the classic Prowler, pretty much retired for many years after this tour is interesting to hear with Bruce’s vocals. I have to admit I prefer the Di’Anno versions but this still satisfies and is played with passion. A great show through and through and a welcome addition to the collection this is an excellent title to obtain to hear the band before the massive success of 84/85 as they play with a determination and belief in the material that is now considered classic line up of the band that would produce their largest selling records. The packaging is great and its highly recommended due to great performance and excellent sound. UP THE IRONS! Track listing: 1. Intro Where Eagles Dare Theme 2. Where Eagles Dare 3. Wrathchild 4. The Trooper 5. Revelations 6. Flight Of Icarus 7. Die With Your Boots On 8. 22 Acacia Avenue 9. The Number Of The Beast 10. Still Life 11. To Tame A Land 12. Guitar Solo 13. Drum Solo 14. Phantom Of The Opera 15. Hallowed Be Thy Name 16. Iron Maiden 17. Band Introduction 18. Run To The Hills 19. Sanctuary 20. Drifter 21. Prowler