By Ben Doy

Artist: Iron Maiden

Date / Venue: Sunday May 1st, 2016 - Vector Arena, Auckland

Iron Maiden returned to Auckland last night, playing a howler of a set to the thousands in attendance at Vector Arena. 

Fresh from their performance in Christchurch on Friday, the Book Of Souls World Tour kicked off in North America this past February, and has seen front man Bruce Dickinson fly the band from city to city in the impressive Ed Force One. 

The arena was packed and looked not far off a sellout. Giant video screens took us on a journey through the Mayan jungle as Maiden kicked off the show with the epic If Eternity Should Fail, the opening track from their latest album The Book Of Souls. 

Dickinson is a bundle of energy, running all over the stage and is obviously loving every second of it. His vocals sounded amazing and it was pleasing to see how well he looked considering his recent scare with tongue cancer. 

The three pronged ax attack of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers were spot on with their licks and complimented each other brilliantly on stage. Bassist Steve Harris and drummer Nicko McBrain held everything together, working as a well oiled machine. 

And the hits were all there! Children Of The Damned, Trooper, Powerslave, Hallowed Be Thy Name and Fear Of The Dark... each song was greeted by a thunderous crowd reaction. Maiden's mascot, the giant 'Eddie' made his presence felt as he dominated the stage. 

Throughout the night Dickinson yelled "Scream for me Auckland... scream for me New Zealand!". And with the Union Jack flag being waved strongly he told us "Kiwis never bothered with an empire... unless it was beer, rugby, women or sheep". 

For the encore Dickinson proudly wore his All Blacks top, given to him when he was in Christchurch. Maiden finished up the show with Number Of The Beast, Blood Brothers and possibly my favourite song from the band Wasted Years. 

It really was a fantastic show, a real exhibition. I've been lucky enough to see Iron Maiden a few times now and haven't failed yet to disappoint. Ed Force one heads to Australia now where the tour continues on.

But please, come back again soon Iron Maiden!

Setlist

If Eternity Should Fail

Speed of Light

Children of the Damned

Tears of a clown

The Red and the black

Trooper

Powerslave

Death or glory

Book of souls

Hallowed be thy name

Fear of the dark

Iron maiden

Encore

Number of the beast

Blood brothers

Wasted years