The heavy metal legends were preceded by a ridiculous set of three opening acts, starting with a rather lame performance by FTN, a band that won the Campus Rock Idols contest. Opening this big a floor to acolytes isn't a great idea, the band's act being considerably derided by the crowds. Wannabes on the same night as the gods? Please.
Parikrama are undisputable rock pioneers. The boys have endured over the decades and are, as far as Indians go, the only ones really living the dream. As always, their part of the show was reliably solid, and impressively an all-original set. Vocalist Nitin Malik ebulliently screamed about opening for Iron Maiden, and this being the greatest day of their lives. Amen, brother. We believe.
Then came Steve Harris' daughter, Lauren, with her all-girl rock band. This one we could have done without, especially since it sounded like some caterwauling pop-rock band, and cooled off the crowds almost completely.
By now, darkness had fallen, bodies meshed, strangers befriended and friends estranged. The stage was set, and the audience simmered, baked in a steady haze.
Suddenly, without warning, the speakers exploded. Different World blared forth and our jaws dropped. For real, Iron Maiden was hammering it out in India. Freakin' hell.
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