It was almost a year and a half ago that heavy metal legends Iron Maiden last played in Las Vegas, yet when the band returns this week, they’ll still be on the massive Book of Souls World Tour, which has taken them around the globe (often on a custom plane piloted by singer Bruce Dickinson) in support of the acclaimed 2015 album The Book of Souls. Nearly 40 years after releasing their self-titled debut album, Iron Maiden remains one of the biggest bands in heavy metal, filling arenas worldwide and influencing generations of new artists.
The band also enthusiastically embraces the theatricality of metal concerts, with elaborate sets and live appearances from Eddie, the band’s longtime skull-faced mascot. Amid metal classics like “The Trooper,” “Fear of the Dark” and “The Number of the Beast,” the band rocks out on a jungle-themed stage set, while Eddie himself emerges to battle with Dickinson. Later, an inflatable devil-horned demon looms over the show’s finale. It’s that mix of over-the-top cheesiness and musical prowess that has kept Iron Maiden at the top of the heavy metal world for four decades now.
T-Mobile Arena, 7:30 p.m. July 3, starting at $39.50 plus tax and fee. 888.929.7849
