Show Review: Iron Maiden at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL

Before the doors even opened, the energy was already electric, as die-hard fans lined up three-plus hours before the doors opened eagerly awaiting the metal god’s return to Chicago as part of their Future Past world tour. Almost indescribable, Iron Maiden are legends so anytime they come through your city you know it’s going to be an incredible and memorable time, but making it even more special this go around was their focus on their most recent studio album, Senjutsu, and their 1986 classic, Somewhere in Time, making the setlist a unique and special one for fans.

While it means not seeing some Iron Maiden classics be played, it also means we get to see tracks that don’t get shown love often be given the limelight for a change. Having played more than 30 sold-out shows to over 750,000 fans across Europe in the summer of 2023, The Future Past Tour has been crushing it, so having it brought over to the States was an extra special treat. This tour has been announced for the better part of a year now, leaving fans beyond ready to rock out with the rock gods.

As “Doctor Doctor” comes over the speakers and the crowd roars, it was only a matter of minutes until the legends hit the stage. It’s almost as if Iron Maiden knew I’d be in attendance this tour, as the entire stage was set up with the theme of Blade Runner (aka the greatest sci-fi movie ever made) along with the end title’s song even being played for their intro track as the lights dim and, with a bang, the GOATs run out on stage to a sold-out All-State Arena.

Opening with “Caught Somewhere in Time” followed by “Stranger in a Strange Land,” Maiden knew how to get the crowd pumped and amped. By the second song, Maiden had already hit all the must-haves for a perfect rock gig consisting of shredding solos, high-flying leaps, and, of course, an appearance by Eddie, but this isn’t a normal rock show … It’s an Iron Maiden gig, and they’re just getting warmed up.

With other awesome tracks like “The Prisoner,” “Fear of the Dark,” and “The Trooper,” this was a pretty unique Maiden setlist compared to their usual tours, making it an even more memorable one for fans. What will always be guaranteed is a-rockin’ good time. At the top of their game after literal decades of experience, Iron Maiden are performing just as strong as they did in their youth, showing no signs of wear and tear or slowing down as they hold an insane, unwavering command of the stage and crowd as fans sing along to every word and headbang to every riff.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Iron Maiden show without Eddie making a few appearances. Dressed in a Clint Eastwood-type cowboy outfit, Eddie would eventually duke it with Bruce Dickinson himself for a no-holds-barred shoot-em frenzy eventually returning for revenge as a fearsome samurai and a giant katana to match, this time choosing guitarist Janick Gers as his opponent as the band launched into “Iron Maiden.”

Adding to the experience, the fans are also a massive part of the show. Donning Eddie masks and costumes, rocking vintage Maiden tour shirts, and bringing along Maiden flags to wave during the show, the dedication these fans have for their favorite band is next-level. Even better, the band know and recognize this, placing extra special emphasis on this ensuring they show the same level of love and appreciation back to their fans. A unique, one-of-a-kind experience, Iron Maiden shows are iconic and legendary for a reason. Built for the fan experience, Iron Maiden know what makes for a great and memorable gig for fans, hitting the high points, the iconic moments, and everything in-between.

Iron Maiden