Whilst Australia may have missed out this time round, Iron Maiden paid a visit to the land of the long white cloud in February. With sold out shows in both Auckland and Christchurch, all us Aussies could do is live vicariously through our New Zealand cousins.
In their first New Zealand performance in 16 years, more than 18,000 die hard Iron Maiden fans turned out to be apart of their Somewhere Back in Time tour. Whilst the band whipped out all of their classics including Seventh Son of the Seventh Son, Fear of the Dark and Powerslave - ShowFX were front and centre with a massive pyrotechnic and Fire FX display!
Typically, Iron Maiden never do anything by halves - and this tour was no different. Whether it be their outlandish set designs including a giant version of band talisman ‘Eddie’ or their customised Boeing 757 christened Ed Force One (captained by lead singer - Bruce Dickinson, of course). Iron Maiden are the consummate performers and ShowFX are the consummate special effects company, what better a partnership?
Head Pyrotechnician, Nick Burcul was the lucky ShowFX representative on tour. Whilst we are sure he put in solid 20 hour days and worked tirelessly to ensure the show ran perfectly, the job did come with its perks including hitching a ride in Ed Force One from the first show in Auckland to the second show in Christchurch. It’s a tough life for some!
29 years after the release of their first album, Iron Maiden are going from strength to strength, taking in a mere 37 countries on this tour alone. It’s this relentless dedication to touring that has seen them be named the Best British Live Act at the 2009 Brit Awards.
Iron Maiden fans were united as one as they experienced their own slice of 80’s metal revivalism. After what was an unforgettable night for all involved, highlighted was the fact that Bruce Dickinson promised to their devoted fans that it wouldn’t be another 16 years before they returned again!