America’s all Female Iron Maiden tribute act make their first appearance in the UK.

While the boys tour Book Of Souls over the Atlantic, the US sent North London their very own all-female tribute act straight out of LA, The Iron Maidens. You could be forgiven for thinking the boys were back in London. Iron Maiden t-shirts adorned the masses in bars and the streets on route to the venue.

Forever Never opened the night with a 45-minute set, firing up the crowd nicely, its punchy, energetic and loaded with crowd participation, including “Never Giving Up” and their latest track, “One Life.” They also throw in their cover of John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice” and lead singer Renny demands everyone joins in, a warm-up for what will be expected of all during the Maidens set.

Taking the stage for their first ever UK gig, it is immediately clear the band has an array of talented musicians, all of whom have Maiden members names. Opening with “Aces High,” the music is brilliantly executed, drummer Linda “Nikki McBURRain” McDonald provides perfect rhythm to Wanda “Steph Harris” Ortiz’s driving bass lines. Courtney “Adriana Smith” Cox and Nikki “Davina Murray” Stringfield deliver the rhythm and solo guitars, interchanging seamlessly and hitting every note to perfection. Kirsten “Bruce Chickinson” Rosenberg has an astounding vocal range, and her performance has the same verve and passion of her namesake. Each of them constantly smiles, enjoying playing Maiden songs to fans, especially tonight in the band’s own country.

The majority of the set comes from early 80s albums, heavy on tracks from The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave. That is exactly what this crowd of hardcore Maiden fans wanted to hear. They know every word and are happy to sing, scream, and cheer back at every opportunity. The band loves every minute and seems genuinely surprised at the reaction of the audience.

The Iron Maidens are more than just your run-of-the-mill tribute act. The band pays homage with attention to detail and an assortment of theatrical interludes, which include the recorded speeches before many of the songs. Their interaction with the crowd is excellent as Kirsten yells out “Scream for Me, London!” and is immediately met with a deafening reply on every occasion.

Kirsten’s costume changes include the donning of a red jacket and Union flag for the “Trooper.” Maiden’s mascot Eddy makes numerous appearances in various guises. You can see there are added details everywhere from the sooty puppet on the drum kit to a West Ham FC sticker on the bass; you can’t say they haven’t studied their subject closely.

When they return for the encore, the crowd are still crying out for more. “Hallowed be Thy Name” first, and then the polished performance ends with the whole room singing “Run to the Hills.”

They may hail from LA, but these maidens will be welcome with open arms to London anytime.

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The Iron Maidens
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Forever Never
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