Iron Maiden & The Hu Treat Fans to Excellence at Montreal’s Centre Bell [Photos]

“Scream for me, Montreal!” Though the name of the city may have changed, I have heard “Scream for me!” so many times over the years that the words automatically are heard with Bruce Dickinson’s voice permanently attached in my mind. I’ve heard them on cassette tape, VHS, CD, DVD and live in the arena. I can now add that I have heard those words live from the photographer’s pit, and I am still pinching myself to make sure that it really took place.

Iron Maiden, arguably the best of the bands to emerge from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal back in the early 1980s, were back in Montreal for their latest world tour. The “Future Past Tour” consists mostly of songs from their latest album, Shenjutsu, which was released in 2021, and also songs from one of their classic 1980s albums, Somewhere In Time.

Joining them on this stage of the tour was a very unique group. Hailing from Mongolia, The Hu were one of my favourite pandemic discoveries. While we were all confined to our homes, I spent lots of time reading magazines and found The Hu due to the fine folks at Classic Rock magazine. I was immediately taken in by the group’s unique sound and look. I wasn’t really sure that the band would ever find their way here, so I was incredibly excited to find them opening for Iron Maiden.

Playing traditional Mongolian instruments and featuring lyrics that contain old Mongolian war cries and poetry, The Hu are both aggressive and calming. The songs are strong and get your blood pumping, but then the solos almost lull you into a relaxed state. Add in the ceremony and costume, and it makes The Hu a group you don’t want to miss live.

Speaking of groups you don’t want to miss live, I often get asked after shooting a show if it was good. For Iron Maiden, the answer to that question is that they don’t know how to have a bad show. Unlike several other bands of their vintage, Iron Maiden are constantly changing up their set lists and featuring other hidden gems from their catalogue. This tour leans heavily on the awesome Somewhere In Time album. Mascot Eddie gets in on the act by making an early appearance, dressed in period garb, before returning later in the night for an ill-fated gunfight.

The crowd was already jumping in anticipation before the band hit the stage; some even dressed up in band gear and Ed-heads of their own. Once Bruce and the rest of the band hit the stage, all bets were off as the crowd was treated to the purest form of metal that there is, direct from the cream of the NWOBHM crop. Bruce Dickinson is one of the finest singers in all of metal, if not the entire rock world as well. His voice commands your attention as he calls out not only to those of us in the front but to the people in the furthest reaches of the Centre Bell. No man is left behind with him piloting this massive ship.

The guitar mastery of the trio consisting of Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers is unmatched. Gers alone is like a twister on the stage, full of unharnessed energy and always one step away from running someone over. Steve Harris, the backbone of the group, watches over all with an eye as steely as his bass lines, just waiting to mow us down. Drummer Nicko McBrain may be hidden behind his large drum kit and in the shadow, but you feel his presence in your gut and hear the drums pounding in your ears long after the show has ended.

Iron Maiden’s “The Future Past” tour continues into December. Be sure to be there live when Bruce screams out your town’s name. The feeling and music are unforgettable.

Iron Maiden (w/ The Hu) @ Centre Bell (Montreal, QC) on October 30th, 2024

30 photos