It’s that time again for some heavy music to flow through my veins, it’s time for some Iron Maiden madness as The Iron Maidens trek across our great southern land once again. Openers and local Rock legends Ragdoll never fail to disappoint. Cranking ‘All I Want’ to open the show which has such a mean and powerful beat that the ground shook. They blasted immediately into ‘Tell Me’ which was a wild display of I’ve ever saw one. Have I told you before that I’m a big fan of these lads? Pretty obvious isn’t it? The audience were really into it despite the fact Ragdoll are hardcore rock n roll and a slight cry from Power Metal. ‘Rewind Your Mind’ was next and is the type of tune that makes you think about your life as you hear it. And probably makes you realize you aren’t as special as these lads.
Lead vocalist and bass Player Ryan Rafferty never ceases to amaze me with his fountain of youth vocals. He always sounds great. His voice never ages even if his beautiful beard gets a little greyer each time I see him. He’s like a hairy silver fox. ‘The Last Time’ was next up which just kept the world turning at the Amplifier Bar.
Drummer Cameron Barrett is probably one of the most reliable tubthumpers in Perth Rock. Even the word ‘talent’ feels insecure around him. ‘Break You’ was next and guitarist Leon Todd really is so good at what he does you think Ragdoll have two guitar players. They’re so loud and Leon has the power that’s too sweet to be sour. They’re just a fun band. This is why they open for major acts in this city because they are the preheating that the Amplifier oven requires.
I love when Leon talks to the crowd, he’s so genuine and comical even when he’s not trying to be. Yeah, it sounds like I have a man crush. ‘Love On The Run’ was on the menu next and it’s definitely one of their bangers. If love was to be on the run, then I’d believe these guys are correct in their analysis. The guitar wail, Ryan wails, Cameron is tighter than a tiger – everyone was well and truly lubed up for the rest of the proceedings. I love the part where the sound cuts and Ryan hits that last ‘Love on the Run’ vocal. ‘Shine’ was next and the pace never slowed down. No Power Ballads here. This is certainly not the crowd for it as they seek that frenetic pace being so ‘Iron’ clad. ‘Rust’ ended the set and they may as well end on what could very well be their best song. It’s hard to choose. Like me trying to choose my favorite band member. It’s like asking a 90’s girl who’s hotter out of Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder.
The time was near and the crowd lit up when the ladies started to get in stage. Also, props to the sound guy for pumping some decent tunes between the sets. The room was steamy from the body heat of men, as they started the set with the classic ‘2 Minutes to Midnight’. The last time they were here they played at Badlands, so they were on a more snug stage on this occasion, but the Maidens did not relent with their on stage assault. ‘Flight of Icarus’ was next up and the crowd were appreciative and there for every solitary second of it. The crowd became one. Especially the same smell as one another in this Amplifier sauna.
‘Die With Your Boots On’ followed and vocalist Kirsten Rosenberg really took the time to be possibly swarmed by a SWAT team after the proceedings for stealing the show. ‘Wasted Years’ was next and boy that’s a sing-along. The crowd really ate this one up and it’s a testament to the band for the fact if you close your eyes and listen, it sounds like Iron Maiden if Bruce Dickinson had a ladies voice. But then again, sometimes it actually did sound like Bruce was on stage too! Props to you Rosenberg you absolute gem. The beloved ‘Killers’ was next and the screech from Rosenberg to start the song really tore through the venues being, followed by ‘Revelations’ and ‘Deja Vu’ which was a few ball tearers that we nee-no. We craved. This was the spread of Maidenberry Jam we were hungry for. ‘The Trooper’ of course was next (I might have missed a song here) and you know what? Lead Guitarist Nikki Stringfield really knows how to wail. That crazy vixen really tears it up like I do when I hit the road on GTA V. Stringfield reminds me of the mannerisms of local guitar hero Krissy Sanfead.
The next highlight was the incredible ‘Fear of the Dark’ which had the crowd in unison chanting along like they were suffering from a sexy case of hypnosis. ‘Number of the Beast’ cranked next as we get to the business end of the night. Yowza! This was an electric display, The Iron Maidens have such strong stage presence that it’s no wonder they can your the world as the next best thing from the actual Iron Maiden. ‘Hallowed By Thy Name’ was the next addition to our untamed evening.
Drummer Linda McDonald and bassist Wanda Ortiz were straight up bad ass with their assault on stage too and with Courtney Cox away on Burning Witches duty, it was Jimena Fosado’s time to step up to the plate! Of course, to end the night on a high, no pun intended, we were treated to ‘Aces High’ and the wonderful ‘Run To The Hills’ which left the audience presumably unglued. It was a tremendous evening of wailing guitars in the Amplifier Bar and the Maidens of Iron should be so proud of the joy they brought our sweet little city.
The Rockpit would like to thank John Howarth and Silverback Touring for the media access. The Iron Maidens will continue touring nationally throughout May. Tickets available through Silverback Touring HERE
Photos by Hunter Brothers Media
