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[Metallus Maximus]

Metallus Maximus � Metallus Maximus Forums � Metal On Metal (Moderator: Hellboy)
13 years ago I saw my favorite band for the first time (a true story)

[Klschmann]

This is going to be loooooooong, but worth it if you read the whole thing, I promise. 

Fear Factory / Iron Maiden
   -Hammerjacks, Baltimore, MD
      19 Feb 1996


I can’t believe it’s been that long.  I’m sure I’ve recounted this story numerous times, but I’m going to do it again because I think it’s a pretty cool story.

So, I’m 17 years old and a senior in High School and am in a metal band.  February rolls around and I start feeling sick.  I was rushed to the ER on Valentine’s Day only to find out that I had mono AND strep throat.  Needless to day, I knew I would be bed ridden for awhile.  All I did for about 4 days was sleep.  It’s easily the sickest I have ever been in my life.  I lost weight because I couldn’t eat anything, it was really bad.  I was running a fever no cowbell for cure for almost a week.

Now, I had a tape player in my room back then, years before I ever owned a stereo with a CD player.  Since I had a radio on this thing I would set it to DC 101 which was the only rock station I could get back then, and would sometimes just randomly turn it on to hear what they were playing.  What happened on this night I will never forget.

I went upstairs to my room to go to bed, it was probably 7 PM or thereabouts, and I switched on my radio as I often did.  Mere seconds after doing so I heard it:  “Appearing live at Hammerjacks in Baltimore on Tuesday, February 19, with full sound and stage, the legends Iron Maiden”. 

It took me about 3 seconds to realize what I had just heard, and when I did I started screaming like a 5 year old on Christmas.  Naturally, since I had been so sick, my entire family converged on my room since they though something terrible had happened, haha.  They were relieved to know that I was still alive and had heard “the news”.

Now, this sounds kinda lame now I guess, but back then I never paid much attention to when metal shows would come through town.  I was too young to go to Jaxx and most club shows, and the Washington Post never printed ads for shows in Baltimore.  This was obviously before every one was online, so I really had NO idea Maiden was supposed to play in the area.  If it wasn’t for the chance hearing of that ad I would have never known.

About 4 minutes after hearing “the news” I called the club to verify that I would even be able to get in at all, since I was only 17 and most clubs were either 18 or 21+ at the time.  Thank GOD it was 17+ for what reason I will never know, but I am forever thankful it was.

The next morning I went with my Dad to Tower Records to buy the tickets.  I just couldn’t believe that I had tickets with my favorite band’s name printed on them.  This whole thing seemed surreal.  From hearing “the news” to the date of the show would only be a few agonizingly sick days, but I knew I could make it.

Fast forward to the 19th.  It was a frigid February day.  Since it was President’s Day, we were out of school anyway.  My band was to jam at a friend’s house but I never made it for obvious reasons.  I ended up writing the lyrics to our 6 original tunes that day.  It was pretty cool.

So, the crew heading up to Baltimore consisted of my parents and my two band mates.  Everyone knew how sick I was, and they all though it was crazy that I even dared tried going to this, but I was not to be deterred.  I was so pumped up at the idea of seeing my favorite band in a club that my 101 degree fever mattered not to me.

We pulled up to the club parking lot and ended up parked under a bridge.  I’ll never forget it.  The club was demolished a few years later to make room for the Ravens stadium, but I just remember what a seedy and yet awesome location it was.  There was already a line outside the venue and I was getting pretty excited.  I nearly lost my shit when I saw Steve Harris jot from the club to the bus as soon as well pulled up.  I couldn’t believe this was actually going to happen.

This was my first club show.  As I said, I was still only 17 and couldn’t get into most club shows back then, it’s only in the last 5 years or so that they’ve made them all ages.  Not only that, but I had only been to 4 shows up to this point so the whole idea of actually seeing bands live was so still very fresh and new to me.

We stood in line what felt like forever.  It was really cold and I could barely stand.  All I could do is pop Cherry flavored Halls since my strep was so bad my breath was atrocious.  Now every time I have cherry flavored Halls I think of this night haha.   Finally we got in.  I managed to buy a shirt which was awesome as it was my first Maiden concert tee.  I nearly shat myself when I saw the Eddie backdrop behind the drums for the opening band .

Now, I had no clue who Fear Factory was, other than they were the openers.  They made me a fan with their performance that night, they were so good.  I just remember them playing a lot of Demanufacture tunes and how fat their guitarist was. 

So, FF finishes and me and my buds make our way to the front.  Well, not really the front, but right behind the mosh pit area.  From what I can tell the club is packed at this point.  I have Eric on my left and Rick on my right making sure I don’t fall over or pass out as it was hot in there and I was already sick beyond belief.  I had no business whatsoever even being out of the house let alone in a smoky metal bar.

Now, this was the Blaze era of the band.  I loved The X Factor when it came out and still do.  It’s probably because I associate that album so much with this amazing night.  The lights go down and I see the shadows of the band members I have posters of at home standing on stage right.  My pulse is probably near 200 at this point, I just can’t believe what’s happening.

Maiden bust right into Man On The Edge and I lose it.  I was one with the whole performance.  It was loud, it was raucous, it was amazing.   Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Janick Gers and Blaze Bayley were there, right in front of me (Nicko was there too but I couldn’t see him).  They were larger than life yet at the same time so accessibly close I could reach out and touch them.   It was incredible.

I only actually remember small things about the actual Maiden show since it flew by so fast.  I remember Blaze singing his tunes really well, but how awful he was on the Bruce stuff.  Especially Clairvoyant and Hallowed Be Thy Name.  They played 6 X Factor tunes and this was again before set lists were available before shows so each tune they played received a “holy shit, awesome!” response (as opposed to the current holier than thou, they better play “x” song mentality that lots of spoiled metalheads seem to have these days).

Blaze pointed at me during Lord of the Flies and told me to “come on!” (his version of scream for me I guess).  I’ve come to realize that too was a stage mannerism of his after hearing countless bootlegs, but on that night I really thought he was pointing me out.  I remember the sweat taking away like all of his hair, dude was nearly bald by the end of the show.  I remember Janick climbing to the top of the stack of amps at the end of Iron Maiden.  There was no Eddie, no pyro, just 5 dudes and the METAL.  It was surreal.  I never expected to be there and yet I was. 

Thankfully, Eric and Rick did their jobs since I was close to passing out a few times during the show.  I left the hall drenched and fulfilled.  My dreams for the next few night consisted of trying to relive as much as my sick brain could remember from the night.

I always enjoy those “cotton ear” post show conversations.  Lots of “what” and “yeah, that was awesome” were bantered back and forth on the drive home.  The whole drive home we spent just trying to make sense of it all.  Both my parents had a great time as well, I think they got as much a kick out of the band as they did of seeing me act so crazy.

I was sick from home for another week, I didn’t tell many where I was that night since I knew it was pretty irresponsible and dumb of me to go, but I just knew I had to.

It would be another 3 ½ years and another pretty cool story until I was to see Maiden again (in Germany on the Ed Hunter reunion tour as I was on vacation) but that’s another story.

       

[Rickblood]

    wow thanks for the story

[Lynneaus]

haha i can't believe your folks let you go.... but very cool that they took you and you had friends care about your well being during the show as well!

i missed seeing MDB in 97 because of my folks and i will never let them forget it! hahaha

[Venom]

Awesome story!!  My first time seeing them was on the Powerslave tour!  My brother and I had come down from Asheville, NC to Gainesville, GA with out mom to visit our grandmother for the weekend.  We were playing in her backyard with our 2 cousins who lived in that town and we had a radio on to 96 Rock the Atlanta rock station that I always listened to when I visited my dad in Athens, GA.  I heard them play a promo for a Iron Maiden concert at the Omni in Atlanta with Twisted Sister opening and it was that Sunday night.  My brother and I went in and BEGGED AND PLEADED with our mom to buy us tickets and take us to Atlanta so we could see this show.  Now keep in mind, the Omni in Atlanta was 90 minutes from Gainesville and then 3 & 1/2 hours from home in Asheville, NC.  We promised to go to school no matter what time we got home (uh hell yeah, we had to tell everyone about the show!!).  So We went to the local Turtles Record store in Gainesville to purchase the 2 tickets and she drove us there.  My brother and I sat together while my mom sat over in the Omni International and read for the 3+ hours.  Twisted Sister opened the show, this was during the Stay Hungry tour and played a heavy as hell show. TS was just great!! Dee Snider was all over the place whipping the crowd into a frenzy.  But nothing prepared my brother and I for what was coming. Iron Maiden's stage was just elaborate as hell.  They put on a 2 hour show and we were just mesmerized the whole time. I will never forget that show. so I can sympathize with you K-dude (except for the being sick part and having to see Blaze ).  I must have been still 16 then because I was a junior in high school and my brother was 13 and in 8th grade.  We were KINGS with our friends on that Monday!!!

[MetalShock]

Great story. With Blaze they were doing the small club scene, but once Bruce came back is was back to the stadiums.  I think they were supposed to play at a club called "Daytonas" in Pasadena, Maryland during the Blaze era.  That was a very small club which no longer exists, but the show was canceled because he had some throat issues.

My first time seeing Maiden they opened up for Priest.  It was the Number of the Beast.  Have seen them on Number of the Beast, Peice of Mind and Powerslave tours. Peice of Mind was my favorite tour [probably becuase that's my favorite Maiden album].  Don't believe I have seen them since Powerslave.  Awesome band live though 

[Release]

VERY COOL STORY!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!

The first time I saw Maiden was surreal as well.  It was the Powerslave tour and I had bought 2 tickets.  I was in College then, about 2 or 3  hours away and didn't know anybody who wanted to go.  I figured I'd just give someone the extra ticket if they would drive.  So I looked everywhere for anyone into metal.  Nobody.  For weeks.  I finally saw some guy in a Saxon t-shirt in the basement of a keg party, I walked up to him, asked him if he liked Maiden and if he had a car. Pretty bold for a shy kid like myself.  He drove, we made it and I never saw that guy ever again.  The show was a blur and seemed to be over before I knew it.

[Lynneaus]

My first time seeing Maiden they opened up for Priest.  It was the Number of the Beast.  Have seen them on Number of the Beast, Peice of Mind and Powerslave tours. Peice of Mind was my favorite tour [probably becuase that's my favorite Maiden album]. 

 
 

my first maiden show:  They were playing in my town on my 25th birthday!!  I couldn't believe it ...i was so excited....  i immediately got a hold of all my friends and they all replied "oh cool...have fun we are going to be in Myrtle Beach"  i was crushed.... and as time started to pass i realized i didnt have money for the $50 tickets.... well about a week before hand a friend gave me an early birthday card with $50 in it that said "have fun at maiden".....  i bought a ticket and went by myself.... it was an awesome show.

[MetalShock]

My first time seeing Maiden they opened up for Priest.  It was the Number of the Beast.  Have seen them on Number of the Beast, Peice of Mind and Powerslave tours. Peice of Mind was my favorite tour [probably becuase that's my favorite Maiden album]. 

 
 

my first maiden show:  They were playing in my town on my 25th birthday!!  I couldn't believe it ...i was so excited....  i immediately got a hold of all my friends and they all replied "oh cool...have fun we are going to be in Myrtle Beach"  i was crushed.... and as time started to pass i realized i didnt have money for the $50 tickets.... well about a week before hand a friend gave me an early birthday card with $50 in it that said "have fun at maiden".....  i bought a ticket and went by myself.... it was an awesome show.

Very cool.  At least you didn't miss them.  I go to shows all the time by myself.  I'd prefer not too, but none of my friends from way back are into my kind of music.

[moshdrum69]

I've seen Iron Maiden live just one time,,,,,on the Somewhere In Time tour (I think I have mistakenly stated previously that I saw them on the Powerslave tour),,,,,it was in a small arena,,,,,decent show,,,,,not enough room for the "big" stage set,,,,,the music was actually a little too loud for the given venue,,,,,and the opening band was awful,,,,,

[Klschmann]

Great story. With Blaze they were doing the small club scene, but once Bruce came back is was back to the stadiums.  I think they were supposed to play at a club called "Daytonas" in Pasadena, Maryland during the Blaze era.  That was a very small club which no longer exists, but the show was canceled because he had some throat issues.

I had tickets for the Virtual XI tour, they were supposed to play the Capitol Ballroom here in DC.  They canceled about 2 weeks prior because Blaze was sick.  I'm not sure if waning ticket sales didn't also play a part.  I was so bummed as I planned a good deal of my summer that year around seeing that show.

With regards to my experience, my Dad is a doctor and Okayed me going.  He told me just not to pass out.  EVERYTIME I have one of those Halls it takes me there. 

I've seen Maiden more than I could have ever imagined- 1999 in Germany, 2000 in Scranton, 2003 in DC, 2006 in Philly and NY, and 4 times last year.  Still, the one that remains my favorite experience is the first one, probably always will be.

Showing up to the venue the day of the show and getting floor seats in Germany was pretty close though. 

[Venom]

I've seen Iron Maiden live just one time,,,,,on the Somewhere In Time tour (I think I have mistakenly stated previously that I saw them on the Powerslave tour),,,,,it was in a small arena,,,,,decent show,,,,,not enough room for the "big" stage set,,,,,the music was actually a little too loud for the given venue,,,,,and the opening band was awful,,,,,

Who was the opening band??

[moshdrum69]

I've seen Iron Maiden live just one time,,,,,on the Somewhere In Time tour (I think I have mistakenly stated previously that I saw them on the Powerslave tour),,,,,it was in a small arena,,,,,decent show,,,,,not enough room for the "big" stage set,,,,,the music was actually a little too loud for the given venue,,,,,and the opening band was awful,,,,,

Who was the opening band??

UFO,,,,,and they were awful,,,,,

[Hellboy]

Very cool story Kisch   

Although to be honest, I've seen Maiden on that same tour when they played Toronto and was utterly disappointed, especially with Blaze's performance. 

Then again, my first ever concert, only 2 days after my 15th birthday, was Iron Maiden touring for Number Of The Beast on June 26th 1982 at the Verdun Auditorium. Needless to say the memories of that show have been imprinted on my brain forever!
Bless my parents for letting me go unsupervised with some friends, which I'm sure was nerve wracking for them at the time!
I've seen Maiden in concert 9 times and that is still the concert I fondly remember with Piece Of Mind a close second...
That's probably why I always get such a kick watching the Beast Over Hammersmith concert from the early years dvd!

Up The Irons! 

[Klschmann]

Man, I can only imagine seeing Maiden back in the 80's. :drool:

I did have two chances to see them before 1996- they played the Patriot Center in 1991 but I was out of town on vacation at the time, and 1992 they were supposed to play in Chicago (I was in Iowa at the time) and cancelend at the last minute I believe.

I have a few video bootlegs from the Xfactour and Blaze is pretty bad. 

[zekeyou]

Great story, klsch-- I love reading stuff like that...

My first Iron Maiden concert (they were also my favorite band at the time, slightly beating out Judas Priest and Metallica)-- the World Slavery Tour-- also my first metal concert:

It was spring 1985, and I lived in SW North Dakota-- needless to say, we didn't really get concerts in the ENTIRE STATE more than 3-4 times a year, and even then, it was at least 100 miles to the closest show.

I remember my mom and dad saying that if I wanted, I could go to the Night Ranger/Van Zant  show that was coming to the State Fair that summer, so we were pretty close to ordering tickets.  Anyhow, one day I rode my bike down to The Music Hut (where that same year I blind bought, based on cover, Pile Driver's Metal Inquisition) to pick up a cassette, and while I was there, ran into a guy a few years older than me who also liked metal.  He told me, "Hey, did you hear who is coming to Fargo this summer?  Iron Maiden!"

I raced home on my bike and told my mom about it.  After some deliberation, they decided I could choose between that and Night Ranger-- there really wasn't too much choice involved for me, as over the previous 2 years I'd gotten into total Maiden mania.  My parents ordered tix-- one for me, and one for my mom-- the chaperone...

Anyhow, I remember the day in June when we drove the 300 miles over to Fargo-- as we hit West Fargo, we could see two or three huge cranes in the air-- they were actually holding the lighting/speaker rig, as the show was outdoors at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds-- at the racetrack...

We got to the hotel, went next door to Pizza Hut, ate Priazzo (remember those?) for the first time, and then went to the show.  I remember my mom hating the fact that while everyone was in line waiting to get in, tons of cops were everywhere and were also up on scaffolds taking pictures of the crowd.  We got in, got a seat, and I made a beeline for the merch-- I picked up a shirt, a tour program, and a 5-pack of Maiden buttons.

Back to the show-- Ratt opened, and my mom wasn't impressed, as every other word out of Stephen Pearcy's mouth was "fuck" or some variation...

Anyhow, when Maiden hit the stage I was pretty much in my own zone for the whole set-- my mom kept being badgered by one guy in a group of high schoolers (that seemed really, really old to me, being 13)-- the group kept drinking beer and passing joints back and forth and were keeping to themselves, but one leather-clad fella kept slurring stuff to her, and kept putting his hands in front of her whenever she'd look through the binoculars she brought...

Anyhow, my parents put out a shitload of cash (for them) at the time for letting me go to the show-- they paid for both tickets, the hotel, food, gas for a 600 mile round trip, and my mom, in her wisdom, broke her wax earplugs in half and got one lodged back in her ear canal, and had to get it removed by an ENT doc the week following the show.

A great memory that my mom and I still share-- I used the anecdote as a speech at one point in high school, and when I saw Maiden the next time (Fear of the Dark tour, Red Rocks, Denver, CO with Testament/COC in support), I called her from a convenience store on the way to the venue and we laughed about the ear plugs...

The venue:


My son wearing the shirt I bought back then:




Maiden stubs: