CONCERT REVIEW: Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and The House Band From Hell Live at The Whisky A Go-Go

On April 12 and 13th in LA, this unknown band known as The House Band From Hell headlined two nights at the infamous venue The Whisky A Go Go. As the dates grew closer… it turned out that this wasn’t just any up-and-coming band, no. SURPRISE! It was Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden with his new and improved solo band supporting his new album The Mandrake Project (BMG) Read our review here.

Launching into a two-hour solo retrospective, Dickinson’s prowess transcends the confines of Iron Maiden’s heavy metal domain. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight, Dickinson and company commanded the stage with an unmatched presence, showcasing his unparalleled vocal prowess and skill. Backed by an insanely tight band that expertly complemented his vocals, Dickinson delivered a performance that was as musically impressive as it was emotionally charged. Guitar solos blazed with fiery intensity by Philip Näslund and Chris Declercq, some killer keytar and keys by Mistheria, Dave Moreno once again on the drums thundered with precision, and basslines from Tanya O’Callaghan rumbled with a relentless groove, creating a sonic backdrop that perfectly kicked off Dickinson’s opener “Accident of Birth!”

This is the first time hearing some of these songs since I saw him at Coney Island High back in NYC in 1997. Tracks like “Tears of the Dragon” and “Navigate the Seas of the Sun” showcased Dickinson’s ability to craft epic, anthemic melodies that resonated deeply with the crowd. He rocked not only the mic, but also backing percussion and cowbell on an amazing cover of Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein!” He even played a Theremin on it too. It was just wild. His voice, as powerful and dynamic as ever, carried emotion and intensity, drawing the audience into each song’s narrative.

As the final notes “The Tower” rang through the venue, it was clear that Bruce Dickinson has once again shown that regardless if he is with Maiden or not, he’s a force to be reckoned with. His two-night solo performances at the Whisky were not just a concert, but an experience and an exhilarating journey through the mind of one of rock’s true legends.