Maiden United: Better than the real thing?

WE ALL have a favourite band or act, but for most people the chances of getting to see them play live is slim to none. 

This can be for a number of reasons, the band is no longer performing, the act has passed away or tours are rare. At a time when a pair of tickets to a concert by the biggest rock bands can run in the hundreds of euros, tribute bands are able to fill the void, bringing the music and the atmosphere of that band or act the stage.

There really is no better expression of devotion and enthusiasm for a particular band than forming a tribute or cover band and these acts are today gaining newfound respect and drawing big crowds.

Often very talented, these tribute musicians don wigs and yesteryear’s costumes in an attempt to look like the real band. However, there are cover bands and there are cover bands. While most of them try desperately to look and sound as much like the original as possible, there is one exception to the rule, Maiden United, who will be performing in Greece, Cyprus and the Netherlands this week.

Tomorrow night one of the most popular Iron Maiden tribute bands in the world, Maiden United will perform at the Barrel House in Larnaca as part of the European tour. What makes Maiden United different is that it re-arranges Iron Maiden songs to make them work with acoustic instruments, transforming their music into almost jazzy pieces.

In 2006 the Dutch Iron Maiden fan club asked Joey Bruers to do a special show; something other than the regular tribute or cover band. The idea of doing an acoustic show was already in his mind so the idea became concrete.

The idea that became a show then became a project. A project called Maiden United to bring all kinds of musicians and fans from all over the world together to celebrate the music that had already united many Iron Maiden fans for over three decades.

The popularity of the band has risen dramatically, despite their short existence. They released their first album over a year ago, and they’re already playing in festivals such as Download and Wacken Open Air. Featuring musicians such as Damian Wilson (Threshold) on vocals, Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation) on guitar and Anneke van Giersbergen (the Gathering) as guest singers and others, Maiden United will bring their homage to the 1983 Iron Maiden classic Piece Of Mind, as well as songs from the upcoming album to Larnaca audiences.

Following last year’s release of their acoustic tribute, Mind the Acoustic Pieces, this ensemble will be delivering a live set that is so much more than Iron Maiden unplugged. The new album is scheduled for release at the end of this year and contains songs that have never been performed live before. Maiden fans will get some real surprises as the band takes the best of the original tracks and adds the unmistakable stamp of Maiden United all in a live environment.

 

 

Maiden United

The all-acoustic tribute act to English heavy metal band Iron Maiden play live. January 25. Barrel House, 3 Ioanni Sikoutri Street, Larnaca. €10 with 1 Jack Daniels/5 (No Drink). 9pm. Tel:  99-331088/24-622455

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