The year is 1993 and I will remember the spring as clearly as I can hear Maiden come out of my speakers as I am writing this. It was time for another live album. But this time the band wanted to do it differently. They wanted to release to seperate albums. One with material pre-"Live After Death" and one with material made after "LAD". An ok idea as it seems. The fans could then decide whether they wanted to hear the old songs again or buy the album where the "new" songs would be on. Of course, both albums would be featuring Janick Gers. Well duhh! The first should be called "A Real Live One" and the next "A Real Dead One". (In the remastered version it's now a double-CD called "A Real Live Dead One") But as the tour to promote "A Real Live One" was about to start, the biggest shock in the metal world came.
Bruce Dickinson had decided to call it quits and leave the band to pursue a solo career. This was a sad day indeed. I cried for days, and I wouldn't eat, drink ot shit. Oh sorry, this isn't about me. The charisma that Bruce has is absolutely tremendous. The release of "A Real Dead One" featured much of the old material written before Bruce joined the band in 1982. No less than 4 track from "Iron Maiden". Maybe to show to show the world that Maiden could write kick-ass tunes even before Bruce joined. Maybe I'm putting to much in it.
As the last live album review I won't make detailed descriptions of the tracks, but settle with the highlights of the two recordings.
On CD1 or "A Real Dead One" it is nice to hear the old songs again. Some of them haven't been played for ages. They are still as strong and powerful as the day they were written. Magical! Highlights.hmm.I have to say that I really like"Running Free" and "Transylvania". I really like the sliding on the guitars on the "Running Free" intro. Cool. Bruce's vocals on "Remember." are awefull. As simple as that! Well several tracks has that "feature".It sounds as if he doesn't want to sing anymore. Sad 'cause it's a cool song. The energy on the record isn't quite there. There is no doubt when the song is taken from "Fear Of The Dark Tour" or recorded after Bruce's desicion to leave. And that makes this album an average album. Sadly, 'cause the songs are so bloody great. All in my opinion of course!
"A Real Live One" is a much more energetic. The joy of playing is here. Nice. Plus the album is filled with classics. I could have lived without "From Here." and "Wasting Love", but what the hey. The boys make it work live. Except "Wasting Love". I think it stops the flow on the album. "Bring Your Daughter." suddenly sounds way cooler live. Great live song. There are many highlights on the album, but the big one has to be "Fear Of The Dark". It's a great song on the album of the same name, but played live this song really comes to life. Thank You to people of Finland for singing so beautifully on this track. Classic! No wonder it is still a part of the live set!!
Rating:
A Real Dead One: 6/10
A Real Live One: 7/10
Written by
Ulrick Saturday, July 13, 2002
Show all reviews by UlrickRatingsUlrick: 7/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
This article has been shown 6384 times. Go to the
complete list.
