Stacey LimConcert Review: The Iron Maidens
To shoulder 40 years of eminence from one of the biggest heavy metal bands and claim to be the world’s only female tribute band to them may seem like walking on a precarious tightrope. You will have to be more than careful to not anger the loyal fan base of metal heads but The Iron Maidens easily conquered that with sheer hard work and talent.
Warming up the stage of St James Power Station on June 14 was the opening act of The Simon Yong band. Fronted by an eccentrically idyllic guitarist Simon Yong himself, the local band belted out song after song of bluesy rock instrumental music reminiscent of the likes of Dream Theater at one moment and Incubus in another, showcasing their musical versatility.
Singapore’s rock goddess, Shirlyn Tan, was also invited to join the band for a few songs. The meek and unassuming lady was a powerhouse on stage, and her vocal prowess was exemplified when she killed Led Zeppelin’s 1970 hit, “Since I’ve Been Loving You”. Any given Led Zeppelin fan would definitely agree that it was one of the rare moments where a cover was better than the original. They need to record it and make it available for digital download, pronto. If you need to know what I’m talking about (oh yes you do), a video of this live performance has just been released! Praise.
Who came after the opening act though, needed no introduction. The iconic guitar riff of “Aces High” rang out and the crowd immediately roared at the Maidens’ appearance. If anyone had any of doubt about The Iron Maidens’ capability to pay homage to the legendary Iron Maiden, the first song would have quickly dismissed it.
Arguably the best performance of the night was none other than “Flight of the Icarus”. When vocalist Kristen Rosenberg dragged the last note to perfection, the audience instinctively clapped in admiration.
Before kicking off the 1986 hit single, “Wasted Years”, Rosenberg told the crowd that sharing the stage with talents worldwide had been one of the best parts of touring and commanded the audience to cheer for opening acts, adding that Tan “kicked ass”.
But midway through the song, bassist Wanda Ortiz’s G&L glitter blue bass wasn’t wired up properly and the soundman had to make an appearance on stage. It was apparent that the technical problem had caught the attention of the rest of the band members, with Rosenberg stealing cursory glances at Ortiz to check if she’s all right.
The Iron Maidens’ togetherness was also evident in their little stage antics throughout their set. We couldn’t help letting out a chuckle when we noticed guitarist Courtney Cox mouthing an apology as she bumped into Rosenberg.
When it was time to play all-time favourite “Fear of the Dark”, the lights were aptly dimmed and the audience hummed in unison to the beloved tune. A fan from the front row whipped out a banner of the title track’s album artwork. Eager to show it to the rest of the audience, Rosenberg leaned forward to borrow it and it was swiftly responded in kind with a resounding holler from the crowd.
Aside from the eerily uncanny replication of the studio tracks, The Iron Maidens’ gig too offered a visual treat. No, we are not referring to the eye candies that the Iron Maidens themselves already are, but the appearance of the famous Iron Maiden mascot Eddie for “Wasted Years” and several miscellaneous others such as the Grim Reaper for “Hallowed Be Thy Name” and a demon for “The Number of the Beast”. The stage set up was definitely intentionally fashioned to emulate an Iron Maiden show.
Despite playing at a venue that was barely half filled, The Iron Maidens remained at the top of their game. These ladies were troopers indeed, showing absolutely no signs of lethargy, especially drummer Linda McDonald. But as a bonus, intimateness of the gig showed that the ladies were extremely friendly when it came to smiling for the cameras.
It was a sight to behold, an all-female band that is not just vastly good looking, but also musically talented and living up the irons’ name. If you have led your life believing that heavy metal’s only for the lads, you probably need to watch these lasses in action the next time they are back in town.
Setlist:
- Aces High
- Die With Your Boots On
- Flight of the Icarus
- Revelations
- 22 Acacia Avenue
- The Trooper
- The Duellists
- Wasted Years
- Alexander the Great
- Flash of the Blade
- The Number of the Beast
- Phantom of the Opera
- Fear of the Dark
Encore:
- Hallowed Be Thy Name
- Run to the Hills
Photos courtesy of Steven Chew
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