Iron Maiden’s The Future Past Tour thundered into Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center on November 1st, 2024, delivering a blistering performance that seamlessly blended their latest material with classic cuts. The British metal titans proved once again why they remain at the forefront of the genre, four decades into their illustrious career.
As the lights dimmed, the anticipation in the arena was palpable. The crowd, a sea of black t-shirts adorned with Eddie’s various incarnations, erupted as the opening notes of “Caught Somewhere in Time” rang out. Bruce Dickinson’s voice soared over the intricate guitar work of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers, while Steve Harris’s galloping bass lines and Nicko McBrain’s thunderous drumming laid the foundation for Maiden’s signature sound.
The setlist was a masterful blend of old and new, with tracks from their latest album Senjutsu sitting comfortably alongside classics from Somewhere in Time. “The Writing on the Wall” showcased the band’s ability to craft epic, storytelling tracks that resonate with modern audiences while maintaining their classic sound. The inclusion of deep cuts like “Alexander the Great” was a treat for long-time fans, demonstrating Maiden’s commitment to keeping their live shows fresh and exciting.
One of the night’s highlights was the performance of “Death of the Celts,” a sprawling epic from Senjutsu that allowed each band member to shine. The interplay between the three guitarists was particularly impressive, with harmonized leads and intricate solos that had the crowd headbanging in unison.
The stage production was nothing short of spectacular. A massive, shape-shifting backdrop transported the audience through various eras of Maiden’s career, while pyrotechnics and an appearance from a larger-than-life Eddie during “Stranger In A Strange Land” added to the sensory overload. It’s clear that the band has invested heavily in creating a visual experience that matches the power of their music.
Dickinson’s interaction with the crowd was as energetic as ever. Despite being in his mid-60s, he bounded across the stage with the vigor of a man half his age, hitting every high note with precision and passion.
While Iron Maiden’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, the opening act, The Hu, deserves special mention. This Mongolian folk metal band has been making waves in the hard rock scene, and their performance at Wells Fargo Center demonstrated why. Blending traditional Mongolian instruments like the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and tovshuur (Mongolian guitar) with heavy metal elements, The Hu delivered a set that was both unique and captivating. Their thunderous rendition of “Wolf Totem” had the crowd fully engaged, setting the perfect tone for Maiden’s headlining set.
Interestingly, The Hu recently released a cover of Iron Maiden’s classic “The Trooper,” which unfortunately they did not perform live during their opening set. The studio version of this cover, released on October 4, 2024, showcases The Hu’s ability to reimagine metal classics through their distinctive cultural lens. Directed by Odin Wadleigh, the music video for “The Trooper” is a visual feast that combines the band’s Mongolian heritage with the epic storytelling typical of Iron Maiden. This cross-cultural metal fusion exemplifies the global reach and adaptability of hard rock, proving that the genre continues to evolve and inspire artists across diverse backgrounds.
In the context of Maiden’s career, this tour represents a bold move. By focusing on their more recent material alongside deep cuts from their back catalog, they’re demonstrating a confidence in their newer work while still honoring their legacy. It’s a strategy that pays off, keeping long-time fans engaged while potentially attracting a new generation of metalheads.
For those wanting to experience a taste of the show, the official music video for “The Writing on the Wall” captures the epic storytelling Maiden brought to the Wells Fargo Center:
In a hard rock landscape that often feels fragmented, Maiden continues to unite generations of metalheads under the banner of epic, theatrical, and uncompromising heavy metal. This tour cements their status not just as legends, but as a still-vital force in the contemporary rock scene.
Iron Maiden Tour
Iron Maiden
The Hu
