Paul Di'Anno

Paul Di’Anno is the ex-lead singer of Iron Maiden, full stop. Despite forming new bands and releasing plenty of new material over the subsequent decades, the two seminal Maiden albums ‘Iron Maiden’ (1980) and ‘Killers’ (1981) remain what he is best known for. And for good reason - his powerhouse edgy punk influenced vocals contributed significantly in catapulting Iron Maiden into the big time.

Paul is an absolute legend to many, and this is why 500 of us are gathered in the sold out Underworld tonight. This gig is part of the ‘Beast Resurrection’ tour, Di’Anno’s comeback after a long absence, and the set list features almost exclusively Iron Maiden songs from those first two albums.

Paul is not in the best of health, to put it mildly, having undergone numerous operations over the past few years, he is currently confined to a wheelchair. To compound matters he tells us that today he woke up with a cold and sore throat, and he is clearly struggling with his voice even when talking. He jokes that he hopes it's not Covid (the front 3 rows take a step back…).

The place is humming with expectation regardless, as the crowd are as much there to show Paul their support, as wanting to be entertained. This is the sort of loyalty that he has engendered in the faithful.

Kicking off with the pacy 'Prowler' and 'Charlotte the Harlot' it was clearly a struggle vocally, in the circumstances. Not the easiest of tracks to get the vocals warmed up, but they did seem to do a job, at least in clearing the phlegm. So by the time the dreamy ‘Remember Tomorrow’ kicks in, Di’Anno’s powerful trademark vocal style has started to shine through.

Providing an opportunity to rest the vocals there are a couple of instrumentals included. Ideal for tonight’s situation but odd choices in the standard tour setlist, given that we're all here for Di’Anno’s vocals.

The band are energetic, highly capable and stay true to the original tracks without trying to overtly be an “Iron Maiden tribute band” (in looks and gear) a good decision. The focus is after all on Paul Di’Anno.

Taking us on a tour of selected songs from the albums Iron Maiden and Killers, Paul does his best whilst battling his cough. Although for any dropped lines or interruptions the crowd of course are more than able to fill in.

Towards the end of the set they throw in a Sex Pistols cover 'Holidays in the Sun' where the John Lydon punk influence / crossover in Di’Anno’s own vocal style becomes more apparent than ever. It was often said that Paul brought a distinctly punk sound to early Iron Maiden, and he’s still got it (phlegm permitting).

The song 'Drifter' brings the set to a sing-along climax, and after just over an hour on stage Paul says his thanks and is wheeled off into the wings. An undignified exit for a bona-fide metal icon, but he expresses his gratitude for the support and affection he continues to receive from his loyal following, and it’s clear that he means it.

Had you wandered in off the street randomly to see this show you’d have wondered what the hell you were witnessing. But of course for the 500 of us in the know it’s about more than just ‘a show’ - it’s about the full back story, Paul’s legendary status in the genre, an understanding of his recent health struggles and of course a none too shabby catalogue of classic early Maiden tunes to enjoy.

3/5 stars for his legendary status, tonight’s effort in (additional) adversity and nostalgia value!

Set List
Prowler
Charlotte the Harlot
Wrathchild
Murders in the Rue Morgue
Remember Tomorrow
Genghis Khan
Purgatory
Killers
Phantom of the Opera
Sanctuary
Transylvania
Running Free
Holidays in the Sun (Sex Pistols)
Drifter