The Iron Maidens – the world famous all-women’s tribute band to the iconic Iron Maiden – visited the Northeast with stops in Philadelphia, New York City, and two Connecticut cities (Bridgeport and Somers). During this run, mainstays Kristen Rosenberg (vocals), Wanda Ortiz (bass), Linda McDonald (drums), and Nikki Stringfield (guitar) were joined by guitarist Shani Kimelman (who shares guitar duties with Alyssa Day). On March 20, the quintet headlined New York’s Sony Hall, one block from Times Square.
During their highly successful career that began in 2001, The Maidens established themselves as a preeminent metal tribute act by playing songs rarely played by Maiden along with classics with precision. The high energy live performances recreate the Maiden experience by using the UFO “Doctor, Doctor” intro track that Maiden has opened with for nearly two decades as well as concluding with the taped “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python at the conclusion of the show. The Maidens’ version of Eddie also makes several guest appearances each evening.
The band focused on the first several Maiden records, opening with “Ides of March” (fitting because the shows occurred in mid-March) into “Wrathchild.” Next came the powerful “2 Minutes to Midnight” and “Flight of Icarus.” “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” followed. This was the first of several rarities that Maiden sparingly (if ever) played live; "Long Distance Runner" was performed just once during the band's illustrious five-decade history (1986 in Serbia).
As Iron Maiden often does, the band followed a lesser known track with a hit single, this time “Wasted Years.” Rarity number two came in the form of the instrumental “Losfer Words (Big ‘Orra)”, not played by Maiden since the 1984-1985 Powerslave World Tour.
Next came three more singles “The Trooper,” “The Prisoner,” and “The Number of the Beast,” all of which were sang with enthusiasm by the audience. To close the main set, the band chose a song that Iron Maiden never played – the guitar centric “Flash of the Blade.” In terms of an encore, you could not ask for more – “Infinite Dreams” (only played by Maiden in 1988) and one of the greatest songs ever written, “Hallowed Be Thy Name".”
The Maidens rival any hard rock or metal tribute band. Note-for-note, word-for-word, they bring their unbridled passion for Iron Maiden to clubs and theaters, where fans can belt out timeless lyrics and hear faithful renditions of seldom-played gems. The band scheduled several California and midwest shows for the coming months, which many more surely to follow given the Maidens' often rigorous touring schedule. With Iron Maiden not expected to perform in the United States until 2026, the Maidens represent many fans' best opportunity to enjoy legendary anthems by one of the best bands of all time.
