Iron Maiden - Hallowed be thy Name

Iron Maiden, in my mind, is one of the pinnacle cult rock groups of all time. When Iron Maiden began they experienced only the most insignificant of success, until lead man and vocalist Bruce Dickinson gave them the extra edge they needed to become an international success. But even with a core group that would rock the world they remained far from a household name, but quickly became gods in the eyes of many hardcore rockers. Though through the years the group, like so many others, has experienced ups and downs, with many member changes even involving Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith both leaving and later returning.

Today Iron Maiden is undoubtedly one of the most influential and successful hard rock/heavy metal groups of all time. They’re success is a great accomplishment of amazing talent and creative ability, but also a testament of human spirit, Iron Maiden never received any form of commercial support, they never had radio support. The only support Iron Maiden ever had was their fans, relatively few at first, but loyal, loving, awesome fans.

I had the good luck of seeing Iron Maiden this month at the Saddledom. My friend Mitch, who I know through my big brother Sean, had an extra ticket and I was lucky enough to be the first to reply back to him. It was a double win in my mind, because Iron Maiden is awesome and I was going to get to see them, but also Mitch is a hilarious awesome guy so getting to hang out with him was also awesome.

Before the concert I asked Mitch what his favorite Iron Maiden song was, it is hard to choose one, but under the pressure of the question he chose “Hallowed be thy Name.” Which interestingly enough is my favorite Iron Maiden song. “Hallowed be thy Name” is the last track on the “Number of the Beast” Album (1982), which sadly is the only Iron Maiden CD I currently own. I need to get on that, and I will when I’m not so broke poor from being a student with no student loans. I got other priorities first, like shoes that don’t cut into my ankles when I walk in them, sadly that needs to take first priority.

During the concert, there were several songs I was hoping to hear, “Aces High,” “Fear of the Dark,” “Run to the Hills,” and of course “Hallowed be thy Name.” They played everything, and it was so awesome, last track of the concert “Hallowed be thy Name.” I always believe on ending on a good note, and apparently so does Iron Maiden.

Until next month, keep on rocking in the free world.

- Colin Kelly