Blaze Bayley and Paul Di’Anno with Stand Alone and Hazmat
Friday 30th November, 2012
Manning Bar, Sydney
For anyone not aware, Paul Di’Anno was the vocalist for the first two Iron Maiden albums before Bruce Dickinson arrived. Things went globally massive and then Bruce went solo. Thus, from a myriad of auditions, Wolfsbane singer Blaze Bayley took the front man reigns for a couple of underrated albums before Bruce returned to the Maiden Holdings fold creating the deservedly successful six piece that has since traversed the globe repeatedly on both new and nostalgic tours using their own remodeled jet aeroplane. So, the ex vocalists have teamed up on a co-headlining tour playing Iron Maiden songs from their respective back catalogues. Paul has been here a couple of times before whereas it was Blaze’s first visit.
Pre gig, the joys of work and an unusual traffic snarl delayed arrival at the venue to catch Sydney band Hazmat. Still, having seen them before supporting Tim Ripper Owens, it is safe to assume their old school thrash delivered a punchy set to warm up the crowd. The second act was Stand Alone featuring Steve King of Rose Tattoo fame on bass guitar. Slide electric guitar, rocking rhythm guitar, drums and vocals completed the five piece. Their hard rock style with a bit of blues shuffle largely planted on solids riffs. Some lead guitar crept into the mix as did some strong vocals and passionate slide. Their sound was not surprisingly close to their pub rock roots. It was subtle as a brick and damned loud.
Venue attendance was not exactly heavily huge but decent nonetheless. The band supporting tonight’s co-headlining vocalists consisted of members of experienced local bands that have ventured into this setup numerous times. This tour went around the country and also covered some regional locations. The Iron Maiden history was reflected in the backdrop consisting of the Irons mascot Eddie with a removed scalp reminiscent of the ‘X Factor’ era. The set leader was unknown at this point given a flip of the coin decision was apparently in operation.
Blaze Bayley must have won the toss. Opening with ‘Lord of the Flies’ a mature looking Blaze appeared in a sleeveless flame backed jacket and with a shaved head, grey sideburns and some serious attitude. Perhaps he hits the stage in the mindset of being alongside Maiden cohorts. However, Steve Harris finger style bass parts were played with a pick so purists expecting the fold back wedge riding gallop were not to be fully satiated. Oh well, it was Blaze we were witnessing and he was aggressive yet grateful and not overbearing or dismissive. His style was operatic and crowd aware as he coaxed the audience whilst harmony guitar lines were tight. There was less volume than the support band hinting at the complexity of post Bruce Dickinson nineties era Maiden. Chants in songs got the crowd going. Highlights included the deceptively catchy ‘Virus’ and ‘Sign of the Cross’ with the mic held in a prayer pose.
For Blaze, the ‘Virtual XI’ album material such as ‘Como Estais Amigos’ and ‘The Clansman’ had potency live as did earlier track ‘Futureal’. The fast paced closing track of ‘Man on the Edge’ was embellished, depending on your viewpoint, by a budget version of Eddie invading the stage. Some bloke in a skull mask and flowing wig was more back to the Di’Anno era than post ‘Fear of the Dark’ robotics so it was utterly comical as the band mock fought off Eddie with their instruments. Blaze visibly laughing at the absurdity was as down to earth as him hanging out at the bar for a few beers after the set. Of course, before the final song started we were encouraged to scream lest he tell his wife the crowd was only capable of a ‘murmur’. Screaming for the Maiden singer was taken with the good humour with which it was requested.
The second set of Maiden classics commenced soon enough with Paul Di’Anno, clearly not match fit but in his defence, he wasn’t harbouring delusions of grandeur. Opening with ‘Wrathchild’, complete with an ominous bell ringing and wide vibrato shredding guitar playing, it was looking good. However, within the second song he was conceding voice strain concerns. Fortunately ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue’ was delivered with swift urgency, ‘Remember Tomorrow’ had some melody to it and ‘Charlotte the Harlot’ delivered the goods.
He did admit his vocals were shot early on so in that sense he was clear on setting expectations of just hanging out and having a good time. So, the set hit a punk vibe barrelling through the first two classic albums. Songs such as ‘Killers’ had some strength to it as did ‘Phantom of the Opera’, ushering in more harmony guitar lines and crowd sing alongs. Pre record contract Maiden vocalist Paul Mario Day [from late 1975 to mid 1976] was offered to duet with Paul on the song ‘Running Free’ which had the crowd engaged. Similarly, the closing song which was a cover of AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’ worked well to close the night with a brief anecdote about meeting Bon Scott before his untimely death.
The show really was an interesting night witnessing ex vocalists of Maiden who were prominent. Blaze clearly had the upper hand as his delivery was more focused. Arena show performing appears ingrained irrespective of borrowing some of Bruce’s stage presence skills that some would even call theatrical. It certainly worked.
Paul Di Anno may do another farewell jaunt but if he doesn’t, three tours here is a pretty good innings. The legacy remains intact and both vocalists have their contributions to the Maiden back catalogue. In that light, the faithful were more than happy to pay their respects. One suspects that Paul will bow out gracefully from the live touring circuit. Blaze made an equally notable impression on those present for delivering some of the lesser heard material for Maiden fans in Australia. That was a bit of a treat. The night was a mixed bag but overall, decent value for a show. It should be mentioned that the band that supported both vocalists also put in some exceptionally well performed renditions of Maiden songs. Their presence and aptitude for playing the material avoided any serious derailments.
Blaze Bayley Set
Lord of the Flies
Futureal
Lightning Strikes Twice
When Two Worlds Collide
Sign of the Cross
Como Estais Amigos
Virus
The Clansman
Man on the Edge
Paul Di ‘Anno Set
Wrathchild
Prowler or The Ides of March
Murders in the Rue Morgue
Remember Tomorrow
Charlotte the Harlot
Killers
Phatom of the Opera
Running Free
Highway to Hell