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Rod's 48 hour birthday
Published: February 19, 2008

ROD'S DIARY FEB 17 -- THE 48 HOUR BIRTHDAY

Today we embark on the final journey which includes a fuel stop. Five and a half hours to Anchorage, fuel stop, four and a half hours to LA. Estimated 11 hour journey. We shall see.

It's my birthday today and as we cross the international date line I will get a 48 hour one. However not being too partial to the aging process I tend to avoid birthdays and celebrated it prematurely with Kathy and the kids before we left. The kids got me a new i-pod engraved "to dad" and put on it a load of family photos to keep me company and proudly show to friends and also loaded on many of my favourite albums. Nice thought!!
So I didn't say a word about this and thankfully except for a couple of isolated comments (Nicko, cos he is glad I am catching up!!) I seemed to be getting away with it. On the first leg it was the usual, get the laptop out and take care of emails to outbox and diary of barrier reef including choosing the photos which was fun as loads of good fishy shots!

We got into Anchorage in the early hours PST and to the delight of many the bar in the terminal was open and so was a smoking area -- inside the airport! In America! We cleared customs and immigration here which meant taking all the bags off but no one had any problem with this as it was much easier/quicker here than LAX which can be a nightmare. And Alaskans are such a fun and friendly people. We were all back on the plane within the hour and ready to go.

The outside temperature was minus 5 deg C and snow and ice on the runway. The tractor that was to pull us onto the runway wouldn't move as the parts were frozen -- yes really though you would have thought they were used to this here! So that took a while and then the plane had to be de-iced of course. So by the time we got into LAX it was about 9.30 am and we were about two and a half hours later than planned. Over the leg from Anchorage I tried to catnap with little success.

The transfer from plane to cars was very smooth as of course we had cleared customs and immigration so the cars could come right up to the plane and the bags taken straight off the plane into the cars. We were at our Hotel in Santa Monica within an hour of landing which was pretty good.

I was already very tired and lagged having flown OZ to Tokyo just a couple of days ago then the long journey here so the last thing I needed was stomach problems. But life is that when you really don't want something you get it -- happy birthday!! By the time I got to the room I had liquid output problems both ends along with a healthy dose of stomach cramps and a general feeling of lousiness. Sat in the sun for an hour getting some fresh air then tried to sleep for a few hours from about 2. I had a sign on the door reading DO NOT DISTURB yet I was soon woken by a maid enquiring if I wanted maid service, despite the fact I had just checked in. I pointed to the sign on the door and she said she thought I may have forgotten to take it off. Smart or what!! Back to sleep, phone rings -- will Mr Wood (sic) be requiring maid service today -- I have just checked in and have a sign on the door you IDIOT. Back to sleep partially, and the bloody drinks wagon knocks to replenish the fridge despite the fact that I had just checked in and was unlikely to have emptied it by now and THAT I HAD A BLOODY SIGN ON THE DOOR SAYING DO NOT DISTURB. In America people sometimes try so hard to give good service and be polite they completely overdo it and really pisses people off and this is a good example of this. Also there is no hard line web connection just wireless and mine hasn't been working most of the time. As you can imagine not feeling at all well amplified these problems and what was said to the manager when I called him does not bear repeating here.

My partner Andy and his wife Liz are back out with us here as is Val. Liz is educated in homeopathic medicines and gave me some stuff and Andy convinced me that getting out of the room for an hour or so would help and we should go along to the famous English pub here the King's Head. It started as a bar on the corner and the restaurant now goes along the whole block -- and really good English food. Not that I was going to be eating, or even drinking. I used to go there occasionally for darts when l lived in LA in the eighties.

We arrived to see some of he band and crew who were also there for the eve.....and then it dawned on me ....yes, totally stitched up by my best mate... the band had thrown a surprise birthday party for me. And to think that I had thought I had got away with it. All the band and most of the crew (at least those who survived Dickie's leaving bash) were there along with a number of LA-based friends some of whom I hadn't seen for a while. Felt crap but put best face on and tried to drink a pint of Pride -- after an hour I was nearly there!! Must definitely be something wrong. It was a really good night and cakes had been arranged for both Andy, whose birthday it is next week, and myself. And there was loads of food like sausage rolls, potato skins, the sort of unhealthy stuff I like, but I just couldn't risk eating it. Have to see off the bug. After a couple of hours and sneaked off quietly asking Andy to thank everyone and apologise for my early exit. But they all would know if I was leaving a pub with free ale there must certainly be something amiss with me!

About a 20 min walk back to the hotel so got some fresh air and crashed out straight away and slept like a babe til about 9am.

- Rod

Rod - Non-day in LA
Published: February 19, 2008

ROD'S DIARY FEB 18 -- NON DAY IN LA

It was always going to be a quiet day. Got up feeling at least rested and a little better though still not wise to eat yet. But didn't feel like it anyway - when you have these stomach bugs your body doesn't feel hungry as it wants to kill the bug and if you eat then you just feed it. I have had similar on bike rides in Kenya and late last year in Peru and have ridden days on just water and salts. After a couple of days you start to feel very aware as you are detoxing! Also it's a great way to lose weight (especially as no alcohol too) which has to be good on the road where its quite tough to keep any personal discipline. The band get to work out and sweat on stage but I get to be tied to a laptop. I try to get to the gym but haven't made it since India. You can always make time irrespective of how busy you are but when you are tired and jet lagged as we have been pretty well since we started with the thousands of miles we have travelled, its quite tough to make yourself. So maybe this bug will be a blessing in disguise, who knows!

Writing this about 9pm. It was a cold day with little sun so not even a chance for a bit of sun lounging. So basically worked all day which I don't mind as it means I am caught up so can concentrate on the big show at the Forum tomorrow. There is huge anticipation on this from every side - band, crew, friends, fans it appears, even our promoter Rich, who is a genuine fan, is developing a nervous twitch in anticipation. I think everyone is expecting something very special. And we intend to give it to them!! Also a feeling that the USA is really starting to fall for Maiden again. Whether this gets out of NY and LA and a few other major cities to other parts of the country remains to be seen but I think its probably unlikely for the same old reasons. Don't need to tell you guys. But its not something the band bother about -- they leave it to me!

"Highlight" of the day was a 3pm meet with Andy and Val on various creative/business cross over areas like future planning. Oh and having some white bread toast with honey and some peppermint tea!! This I have found you can have without causing any problems. Hope I feel like eating in the morning as it will mean either it wasn't a bug just an upset or its dead but usually it takes 5 days to die! We shall see though definitely feeling perkier despite re-occurring stomach cramps, but I guess you don't really need to know that. One way or another I will be fully ready for the Forum!

Going to turn off this machine now, maybe watch a movie and hopefully fall asleep soon. See y'all later!
- Rod

Nicko does Japan and lands in LA
Published: February 25, 2008


Hotel room Santa Monica LA
Time: 7 pm. Sunday 17th 2008

Well, well, well, here we are then. After what seemed to be an eternity in the air we have finally arrived in LA from Tokyo!!!!
WOW what a 'Kin blast I had there I can tell you.

The day after our Brisbane show on the 12th, we headed out for Tokyo. There was another long flight ahead of us. We had to make a pit stop in New Guinea which took a wee tad past an hour and then we were on our way again. What I saw of this island from the window of the plane was truly magnificent. I will most certainly return with my family for a vacation there.

So, after again, what felt life an eternity in the air, we arrived into Narita airport at around 8pm. We had a very smooth journey through immigration and customs. There were not any international arrivals coming in until later that evening. They normally start arriving around 10pm. The airport was remarkably quiet.

We made the journey to our hotel in a little under the hour and I was checked into my room by 10:30pm. Feeling a little worst for wear I decided to have some room service and try to get some rest.
Fat 'Kin chance there then.
I got off at around 1am and was wide awake at 4am.
Bollox' I really am pissed off with the perpetual 'Kin lag I can tell you.

So, I stayed up and after what seemed like an eternity I went down to an early breakfast. It was very nice, a spot of the old eggs over easy with spuds dejour which were spuds o gratin with a hint of curry, very yummy, accompanied by an English muffin and a glass of mango juice. Lovely Jubbly.

After breakfast I had a wee nap and got up at a little after 1pm. I arranged to go for a walk over to our crew hotel with Ian Daisy roots. We met Dickie and our new production manager, Jason Danter. After a wee walk we ended up in classic Japanese noodle bar. We had a very nice lunch and a couple of beers. EEEHHHMMMMM!!!!!!
After the nosebag, Ian and I headed back to the hotel. I had to lie down for a while as I am most definitely out of training for having a beer in the afternoon. Slept to about 5am and awoke, wide awake again, not a great nights rest. But definitely the longest nights sleep I have had in a long time. Stayed awake and had an early breakfast again.

Went back to me room and had a rest. We were due to leave the hotel at 5:30pm. Stage time was quite late for Tokyo at 7:30. We are normally finished by then. We had a 'Kin blast. The show was actually in Yokohama about a one hour drive from the hotel. The gig went great. We played really well but I have to admit the show was in a theatre and all the fans have a seat and so it is as it always is in Japan, a wee bit formal. You know, well behaved, not quite rock and roll really. Anyway, it was a stonking show.
After the show we headed back to the hotel. We decided not to do a runner. It was nice to unwind at the show and so we took advantage of this and had a meeting with Ian to discuss the flying arrangements for our trip to Mexico.

We left the venue after a couple of hours and headed back to the hotel. I went straight to the bar and met with Rod, who had just arrived from a three day break in Oz. He had gone to the Great Barrier Reef for a few days of diving. (See Rod' diary)
We said our hello's and then I sat with Scott, he's our documentary guy, and we consumed a great deal of warm Sake, I was most inebriated I can tell you, I did however, get a most splendid nights sleep, although I awoke with a serious hangover.
Well, I didn't really feel very well and it was time to leave from the hotel to go to the venue.
We left at 4pm and made the hour drive to the venue. When we arrived I went up to check me tubs and was pleasantly surprised to find that the gig was GA, which means general admission. I didn't think that this kind of gig existed in Japan, again, what a surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW!!!!!!'Kin fantastic show we were on 'Kin fire I can tell you. The audience was so into it. What a difference from the theatre type gigs. AWESOME is all I can say.
After the show we all did a runner back to the hotel.
There was a surprise party arranged for Dickie Bell. It was being thrown at the Hobgoblin, an English style boozer in the city. After a shower and a wee rest I headed out to the rubber dub.
I had a coke and said my farewells to Dickie and then made my way back for an early night.

What a great trip this had been to Japan. I always enjoy visiting this country and never fail to have a great time, 'THANK YOU' too all of our fans and friends for making this trip a truly memorable time for me.
God bless you all.

So, the next morning we made our way to the airport at a little after 12pm, we arrived there within the hour being as it was Sunday there wasn't very much traffic on the roads. Our check in was very smooth. The Japanese are very good at all that sort of organizing and wotnot.
We were sitting on the plane and ready to go in less than an hour after arriving at curbside.
We were flying to LA but had to make a pit stop in Anchorage for fuel and to clear Customs and Immigration.
We arrived into a very cold Alaska where it was -4 degrees on the ground BBBBBUUUURRR!!!!!!
We all had to get off the plane with our luggage and do the necessary. It went very smooth and all the folks at the airport were very nice and helpful. All went so very well.
After we were cleared, we all went back through security and boarded the plane. It did take us six and a half hours to get there but, hay, in the scheme of things a remarkably short flight WHAT!!!!!!!!!! It aint over though is it???????

Bruce was at the helm for the leg to LAX international airport. We arrived at a little after 9am. We made our way to the hotel at Santa Monica and as I was standing at the reception my wife came up behind me and put her hands over my eyes and said "WHO is it", well, that was it I was as happy as a lamb to hold her in my arms and so on to the next story, EEEMMMMM later maybe.

Stay safe and well.
God bless you all.

Nicko

Rod at the LA Forum
Published: February 25, 2008


ROD'S DIARY FEB 19 -- THE LA FORUM

Big day today with LA show. Up by 8am as we are 8 hrs behind UK so need a couple of hours at least to catch up with the day's emails and get an answer back before close of play there. Then to lunch with our US label and a meeting after with the key team. As Universal bought Sanctuary all our product is now through Back Door (UME) and we have struck lucky with this I think. The team there is very keen and committed to Maiden -- one of the PR team Todd was actually at the Long Beach shows in 85 -- and most of them are quite young so there is a real buzz about it. Of course the first thing we have done with them is the LAD DVD and that was a no 2 on Billboard with our biggest first week sales for a DVD ever over there so they are also delighted with how this is working out. And as we get to know them more this can only get better

Went straight to the meeting to The Forum, the 14,000 capacity arena in Inglewood where I used to go and see the Lakers a lot when I lived in LA in the eighties. The show had been sold out for week so our guest list was the usual chaos with loads of LA based bands and biz wanting to come at the last minute as well as all the usual band friends there. A nightmare for Ian and our wonderful production assistant Kat, who appears on first edition of IM TV -- hope you all like this by the way. (Dave tells me he is trying to reduce some file sizes so you can all access it better. Took him a while due to time and travel but I think it was worth the wait and there will soon be more.) But we got them all in somehow in the end.

The band were down early so we could spend a bit of time getting a batch of necessary US and Brazil advance phoners and interviews out of the way and all went smoothly with the help of Sujata and Todd from Uni. Missed a couple but managed to catch up on them a couple of days later in Guadalajara. It good to keep on top of this and bang them out together occasionally so band can relax the rest of the time

There is a very famous wrestler here called Chris Jericho with WWE and he is a massive and incredibly well informed Maiden fan who has been to many of our gigs before. Also a really nice bloke. He wanted to interview the band for a cover story for the WWE magazine which as a massive circulation over here. A bit strange but what the hell. None of the guys are massive wrestling fans but I knew they would enjoy talking to Chris so agreed it. Adrian knows him best so he did most of this and the cover shot which is fun and shows just how strong Adrian really is!! We will post it on site when it comes out



Chaos backstage before the gig with bands and guests having a beer all over the place. Took time to chat with Ronnie James Dio. Saw him recently at Heaven and Hell gig at home in Brighton, Ronnie is a total gent and one of the nicest people you could ever meet -- right up there with Dave Murray I guess!!!

The show went really well and as good a reaction from an LA crowd as I can ever recall. There was a real buzz amongst the fans about this show and you could really feel it at the start when the intro filmed bit started, and of course there was uproar when the Churchill Speech started. A major victory for Eddie tonight!

But a red face for a manager. The Lakers used to play at the Forum when I used to see them and moved to Staples a few years ago. We were announcing the first set of US dates from onstage that night with the press release going on the web straight after the show with all the details. So I thought it would be a great idea to get Eddie a supersize Lakers shirt and put him it on him and return the Lakers to the Forum with their biggest player ever and at the end of the set and do a pic with band to go with press release. I have always liked these fun sort of stunts for a good publicity shot and think fans enjoy them too. I like to think I usually get it right. We did get a great shot but it just didn't feel right, maybe as this Eddie is a bit big and cumbersome due to his size and complexity. Anyway Bruce came out for encores to say the band was not basketball fans and it was their sport obsessed managers bloody stupid idea!! Well, fair enough. Lars from Metallica, who I have known since LA days in eighties, was on the desk with me sharing a few (?!) beers and thought it was a great laugh. Have to say I did too, I don't particularly mind being called an idiot in front of 14,000 fans!!

Afterwards was chaos again with various guests, family and other bands milling around backstage taking advantage of all the beers we had laid out. The original director and editor of LAD, Jim Yukich and Gerry Behrens were there and we hadn't seen them in years. Also some of our old team and Capital Records, our agents, promoters, record label and a galaxy of others. Finally got our about 2am -- need sleep. For tomorrow we are playing to some of the most incredible fans in the world and some massive stadium shows around Mexico and South America. We are about half way through and so far it's been great. This second half should be a truly wonderful experience for all of us.

- Rod

Rod in Guadalajara
Published: February 25, 2008


ROD'S DIARY FEB 21 GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

With a show in Guadalajara on the 21st Ed Force One had to take band and crew to Mexico on the 20th so flew there in advance. Also Guadalajara and Monterrey being back to back it would mean a very early start on the 22nd going to Monterrey. As this is a tiring schedule anyway and the band are enjoying a "full social life" on this tour we try to give them as easy a time of it as we can and I thought LA would be a good time for a mini break. We have done most of the big journeys and time changes from India to Oz to Japan to LA and from here on in the tour is within just 2 timezones so is easier that way but they are big shows, it may get very hot and the schedule had to be tight to fit it all in. So we decided to stay in LA on the 20th, hire an Ed Force 2 to take the band to Guadalajara on the 21st, do the show there and then straight off to Monterrey. Check in the hotel there for the day and after the show all the band except Bruce and I would fly on Mexico City as that way they would get time to go and see the amazing Mayan Pyramids at Teotihuacán (spelling?)

So the 20th was in LA and I used it to catch up on email, check out the LA reviews (which were excellent!) and meet with Vans who you may have seen are doing a series of very cool Eddie/Maiden shoes. I then had a quiet evening watching sport on TV and a reasonably early night to catch up.

Around midday we set off for LAX boarding our 12 seater jet for Guadalajara. Checked in, work on laptop and off to gig. Nice modern venue holding about 9000, sold out along with Monterrey in 4 days last Dec. The hall was very high with GA floor and seats stacked up right in front of the stage to a great height so the band were effectively playing right into the faces of the seated audience and they weren't very far away. And the audience were incredible, so very loud, and sang every word. One fan threw up to Bruce a big sombrero with the Eddie smiley on the front so of course Bruce went round all the band to put it on each of their heads with, of course, John Mc snapping away. These gigs really do have a celebratory nature -- its as if the fans are celebrating Maiden's illustrious career, but I have to warn you this is rather premature. We do have many plans for the future including a new album and we will continue for as long as we are physically able!! All the same these responses are most welcome anyway though!

After the show a runner to the plane and off to Monterrey, about an hours flight. A few drinks on the plane of course. After landing there were no cars, which the promoter arranges. They had gone to the wrong airport!! So had to wait about 45 min at about 1.30am. Not ideal but the Guadalajara audience had left everyone in great spirits so not a problem. We all had another beer instead. Cars finally arrived and it was off to the hotel in Monterrey.

- Rod

Rod in Monterrey
Published: February 25, 2008

ROD'S DIARY FEB 22 MONTERREY
Worked all day and then off to gig with Steve about 4pm. Took some time with Steve to go through various current and future issues and plans. Set up laptop as production rooms at venues usually have good wireless connectivity and did some more work. Very busy setting up final details for rest of this tour and initial promotions for the US shows we have just announced which is why these diaries are a bit late. Sorry they can't take precedence!
Monterrey hall very modern, beautiful complex. Holds about 11,000. Again an absolutely stunning audience, incredibly loud. We haven't been in Mexico for 7 years and we wont leave it that long again.
After the show Bruce and I went back to the hotel and the rest took off for the airport. Had a quiet drink with Bruce for an hour then he signed stuff for and did pics with fans in the bar and when it closed at midnight we called it a night
Next stop Mexico city and the first BIG ONE!! Can't wait for this, if 50,000 fans are five times as loud as 11,000 in Monterrey we are in for a real treat!!!

- Rod

Rod - Mexico City
Published: February 27, 2008


ROD'S DIARY FEB 24 MEXICO CITY

After a while on tour it all starts to blur and you forget what happened on which day, even a couple of days before. Did we really do that then, it seems like weeks ago. Travel numbs the memory -- time and relative dimension in space!! But here I am in Costa Rica now recalling the amazing time in Mexico City.

We left us last in Monterrey and I had another of those nights. Brain buzzing and got no sleep at all, feeling really "speedy" but not because I had done anything I shouldn't! Didn't get up to hit the laptop though but did have a pad by side of bed to make notes of the dumb ideas I had. All very annoying this far into a tour.
Dragged myself out of bed about 9 to go to airport. Bruce, as he is flying again today, had gone down earlier and also did an in-cockpit interview with MTV Mexico who were a good team and well up on the band. They came with us to Mexico City. Uneventful short flight.

Got to hotel and immediately went to bed to try to get some sleep, which I quickly did. Is it a dream, a door bell keeps going? It was. Got up to answer and asked through my door (which had a DO NOT DISTURB sign) who is it and what do you want. They said they had a message for me so Isaid put it under the door -- why hadn't they done that anyway I thought -- must be important. It was one of those standard notes from hotel manager hoping I had a nice stay. Well, not a very good start... Pathetic isn't it.

Back to sleep til about 3, did a few emails (lovely it's a Saturday so not much) then went downstairs to meet up with our EMI UK PR William who had been working with us well for a few years now who was over with Chris Ingham from Metal Hammer UK. We always do a lot on the road with Chris and the Hammer guys as they report as it is and it's a good way for our fans in the UK to get a detailed insight into what we are up to -- unless they read my diaries of course!! Our photographer the very excellent John Mc is a Metal Hammer guy too and has loads of great shots for them so look out for this detailed feature on Mexico and Costa Rica in a couple of months time. Also the cover will be something very close to my heart -- any guesses??

At 5.45 met up with the entire band except Davey, who is quite ill at the moment with a bug, for a big press conference. About 12 news and music TV cameras, 30 or so photographers and about 60 media all packed into the room. Band came in and it was mayhem with photographers trying to get in position for a shot with the 5 of them. I gave them about 3 min then started press conference. Not too bad -- you always get a few stupid questions but those are usually from ill-informed major national newspapers but it at least shows they are there which is of course good from my point of view. The funniest one was the guy from Reuters who asked what our plans were for Australia -- I thinks he was an (ill informed) Aussie. He didn't know we had just been! You would think a prestigious news agency like Reuters would do a bit of research, maybe go on the website to see what we had currently been up to -- but not this one. Very unprofessional. I let it go on about 30 min then called a halt and some of the guys did a couple of interviews with key national papers and then we went off for dinner in a fine Italian restaurant in the hotel courtesy of those good people at EMI Mexico (thanks Alfredo and Nole).

We didn't need any media to sell any tickets as all 51,438 had sold out weeks before but we consider it impolite to go through a country and not talk to anyone especially as there is such massive interest in the band on a national level so a press conference is the best way for the band to be available to a lot of people albeit briefly.(Also I would love to build up to play the 100,000 capacity Aztec Stadium next time round!!)

I was still feeling a bit knackered so headed for bed fairly soon after. Steve and Bruce went down the Hard Rock to see Lauren play and also the Iron Maidens in pre gig warm up shows, which they also did in LA. Of course the clubs (Key Club LA and Hard Rock, MC) go out of the way making it sound like they are our parties when they what they want is to get our fans in and take money off them. The Key Club even advertised it as the OFFICIAL warm up party implying, I think, that we would be there. Some nerve. The Maidens girls aren't party to this I am sure, it s a fun gig to them, but the clubs piss me off as they misrepresent us to our fans. And the Hard Rock was a disgrace. Various members of our team were there including some of our flight crew who told me when they paid cash for drinks the barman was pocketing the cash. So when they all left, thinking there was no bill, they were surrounded by bouncers demanding $600. Now it is quite possible that band or others on our side thought someone else had picked up part of the tab but not that amount. Anyway would you believe the club called the police!!! Talk about an overreaction. With Steve there too -- Bruce had already gone. You would think the p***k manager of the club would have let a bit go by considering he had packed his club off our back. This is I think part of the official Hard Rock franchises and you can bet when I get home I will be contacting the owners. This sort of behaviour is just not on. Generally in the past we have liked Hard Rocks all round the world but something like this does piss you off. Good job I wasn't there -- they would probably have locked me up!!
Missing all this adventure I slept well!!!!

So the day of the show. There have been fans around everywhere for autographs and a general feeling of excitement around the place. I got up late and caught up with LA and first Mexican shows diaries and by then it was time to go to the show. A big show like this I go early -- about 4pm for an earlier than usual onstage at 8. Magnificent baseball stadium, massive, must be 25,000 on the floor -- this will be incredible with these great audiences.

Stalked around talking to various people. Met up with the promoter and had a chat about the future. Ocessa is a well established and experienced company here and did a good job.

There was a bit of wind which would affect the sound a bit but Dougie was confident of a good sound out front. The wind was blowing the hung huge screens so asked them put 2 stage crew on each rope to damp them down a bit. During Lauren I went out front to cue our lighting guy to put on the audience beams when our chopper passed overhead -- yes we are taking aerial shots of some of the big shows for the documentary. I think Lauren's band were well chuffed with this.

Anyway the gig was a blinder, the band played great and all the lighters and mobile phones around the whole arena for Fear of the Dark was a sight I will carry with me for some time. Thanks Mexico City for a magnificent reception and atmosphere at the show.

Afterwards most of us went to the bar opposite the hotel and everyone was in great spirits after a special show. Bed late, Costa Rica tomorrow. And now there's a tale to tell................

- Rod

ps. Can you believe l forgot that the rugby was on - and it could have watched it at 3pm here on my slingbox! Shows just how much my brain must be addled. But we beat France and apparently we played well. Brilliant - had my boys tape all the rugby while I am away though in case I missed it so will watch it next month. On a minor note West Ham won too but I cant think who would be concerned about that.

Rod - Costa Rica part 1
Published: February 27, 2008

ROD'S DIARY FEB 25 introducing COSTA RICA

So off to airport about 11am for a leisurely 2 hour flight down to Costa Rica. All going great. Police escort to the airport. All these shows we have police escort back from show but also quite often to the show and to and from the airport -- not security (who's gonna hurt us!) just traffic. A lot of these big cities (Guadalajara 10 million, Monterrey 15 million, Mexico City 25 mill) have congested traffic. Taken by cars to steps of plane, did passport formalities at the foot of the steps, they took big luggage to put in hold, what a great change from airports normally. Looking good.

We got on the plane ready to go ......but didn't. some lady was furiously on her mobile phone...what is this .....a rubber stamp missing?? Oh no! Waited and waited about an hour. We needed to get away as the gear had to be cleared that afternoon for the show the next day. I went down to talk to this lady and advised her that if we didn't leave within the hour we would miss our show which would cost us a million dollars (I wish!!) and we would have to sue the airport for this. I also intimated we would call the Mexican papers as we were of course quite big news at this time there. She called her boss and by this or by coincidence we were given clearance to leave by Air Traffic Control. OK great. Taxied out to the runway for take off ..........then Capt John comes back to me and whispers that the Airport Authorities had called us back to the gate! They still wanted their rubber stamp on some paperwork we had given in, I am told, in plenty of time that morning. We were told the AA would be there in 10 mins -- but it was a local 10 min. An hour later still waiting, To balance things on our side we had parked the plane where it would block up part of the airport, the Mexicana section. Although the Mexicana guys were very sympathetic and friendly they started to get worried about us blocking their area. By this time l had called EMI to have them get the press to call the airport and ask why we were being held up in such an unfriendly manner. I was told later that they had told the press we had gone!! So much for creating an "International incident"!!

Anyway soon after, having been delayed by some two and a half hours, perhaps geed along a bit by media calls and questions, they finally got there with the bit of paper which we signed off again and it was steps away ready to go. And then the doors were opening again and we were greeted by an amazing sight. The lady at the centre of a lot of this -- who had a wonderful mane of flaming red hair and was really quite sweet (it wasn't her fault all this) - was standing at the top of the stairs as they were driven forward, leaning towards the plane with the vitally important paper in her hands -- rolled up. I swear it brought back memories of Boudicca charging in her chariot spear to the fore!!

I do hope John or someone got a shot of this or the documentary guys filmed it!! They certainly shot everything else. Should be funny in the doc though it wasn't that funny at the time, just a pain on the ass.

On the flight Chris did all his interviews with the band which saves me or Dave having to chase them, Bruce and I discussed some issues around The Chemical Wedding movie, l caught up on press plans for UK with William, the crew sang etc. and one of the doc crew dressed up as a stewardess and served us drinks. Yes road fever is spreading. Same old!!

On arrival I went to room, complained and changed it -- first time this tour!! - then went to bar to meet up with old pal Phil Rodriguez, our promoter, and Eduardo his partner in Costa Rica. Apparently they were at high school together in New York so as they are both my age -- early forties -- this was long ago. Phil has been involved with most of our SA touring since our first visit to Brazil for Rock in Rio in 85 and is a good chap and very good promoter who deals well with the detail which l cannot say about some promoters. I know we are quite demanding but we are for a reason and that is to have a great show and present everything well.

We talked about future plans but also the incredible situation in Costa Rica. (I must learn some more adjectives as I am getting bored of incredible, amazing, great, excellent and the rest and am sure you are too!) we have never been here and have never talked to any media or anyone at all here in Costa Rica. In fact that applies to all of Central America. Apparently Eduardo with assistance from a small metal radio station and local web site started rumours of our visit around early November and the place went mad with people asking if it was true, where could they get tix etc. basically the place went mad. Tickets went on sale on Dec 18 -- at 2 minutes to midnight no less -- and all the web sites for tickets crashed even at that time of night, and that morning they managed to process about 10,000 tickets and the rest, for a max total of 24,000 in the football stadium, were gone soon after. This is the largest audience for a music event in the history of the country apparently. So how does this happen? How do they know? I think its unbelievable ( if not incredible -- ha ha) that this could happen considering the total lack of contact Iron Maiden has had with Costa Rica.

I am going to meet the guys behind the website and radio at the show tomorrow and will ask why. I am truly mystified but also very excited, this concert is such a huge event here it has to be very memorable (if not incredible = see I am trying. Just that this tour is full of superlatives!!!) and I very much look forward to it
In the evening Phil and Eduardo took us out for dinner at a good fish and steak restaurant -- everyone very relaxed as it was only our gang plus Phil and Eduardo and his lovely daughter and we all know Phil and got on great with Ed and his girl. Record company dinners are good but you can never relax fully with people you don't really know well as is often the case in more far afield places. You will all have that feeling; it's nice to just be with friends. A good meal and some fine wine and back to the bar at the hotel which was heaving.

This reminds me. Earlier in the eve some of our guys were being abused by 5 drunk Americans, the sort who tell their wives they are off on a golf/fishing tour when it is really booze and hookers they are after, you know, the loud kind who do their country no favours when they travel abroad. You know the type, ...ooo look at him with his lovely hair. I was going to say something but thought better alert Phil and Ed and Ed went over to them and said simply " you are guests in our country and l have to warn you you are pissing in the wrong pond". That shut them up and they soon left

Anyway back in the bar all in good spirits. The local biker guys, "the Steel Angels" with their cool colours and Harleys, were there decked out in Maiden shirts. I have always been a sucker for biker culture and usually find even the most evil looking dudes are cool people who love their bikes, their mates and usually their rock or metal music. And these guys were no exception. We went to see their bikes -- beautifully ornate some of them -- and of course the doc guys had the cameras out as usual catching it all.

Eventually got to bed -- sure I would sleep well!!! A great end to a day with a bad start -- how it should be. Tomorrow will be immense (new word??)
- Rod

Rod in Costa Rica part 2
Published: February 28, 2008

ROD'S DIARY FEB 27 SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA

Well I did sleep well -- til about 2am then wide awake again. Getting really fed up with this and feeling tired and when I get tired I can get ratty which unfortunately is not the best of demeanours on tour!! Also really missing Kathy and the kids now -- it's been over three weeks and I have never been away more than that since our kids were born. Anyway life goes on and it was up and down with laptop to pass time and finally got to sleep again at I think about 4 but at least slept through til 11.

Ordered breakfast and with it came the national paper with Ed Force One emblazoned all over the front page! We will try to get a copy back home to scan for the site -- in fact I must check if we have a scanner in the production office at the shows as this would be quicker. Worked until it was time to go

Around this time I found out that the tour almost got cancelled!! Nicko is a fan of dangerous sports as I am sure you know (not)!! Especially golf, the most dangerous of them all!! Well it is if you get hit by a ball going at the speed of light. And he was hit and painfully so, right on the forearm about an inch from the joint of his wrist. A bit further down and it would certainly have broken and that would have been it - on the plane and go home. He immediately went for an X-Ray and thankfully no break, but a lot of bruising and swelling. Apparently someone hit off a tee at a neighbouring hole which was behind trees and the ball somehow managed to weave its way through all that wood to hit Nick!! But he got through OK albeit in some pain. And boy was he sheepish when I saw him, he knew what was at stake and didnt need me to tell him. But what are the chances of this happening, one in millions so couldnt be too hard on him!!! You have to get out and about a bit on tour if you can.

Janick did - he went off into the rainforests in search of volcanic activity, and found it. He even got asked for autographs in the back of beyond. He also took one of the film cameras so he could film a bit of this truly beautiful country for our documentary - but no doubt he will want paying!! Davey would normally be out and about too but he is still under the weather though putting a brave face to it as he always does and improving daily. H was also talking about playing some tennis with steve and the doc guys but I dont know if this happened.

I was going to leave for the show with Bruce at about 4.30 but Gaddsy called to say there was really only one way into the stadium and this was packed with fans so we should go later. Even with the usual Police escort it took Steve 90min to get there. So we were due to go at 5.30...same.....6.30...same...finally got off at 7 -- it took us 20 min as roads were clear as all kids in venue by now. A word here about our Police outriders. These are usually on bikes, anything between 2 and 8 depending on route. We get taken from airport to hotel as traffic is often so bad and of course to and from the show. They always ask for autographs and have been really helpful. They certainly make our lives so much easier by carving a way to our destination -- wish I had them for the morning school run in Brighton. I guess it's a testament to the band's importance in these countries that we are able to acquire them at all.

The stadium, the biggest venue in Costa Rica, was packed to the rafters and made a great sight. Lauren played and went down a storm and then the Maiden Maiden chants got louder and LOUDER as showtime approached
One of the irrefutable Laws of the Universe is that Latin audiences are just the best. Sorry guys, but we North and Eastern Europeans, North Americans, Aussies and the rest just can't match them for sheer passion. We may appreciate the bands equally but our Latin friends are just hot wired genetically to be much more intense and emotional and a full on Latin audience is a joy to behold, whether it's Italy, Spain, Portugal or Mexico or Costa Rica -- or as we shall soon see again Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Chile. As you all know Maiden pour out a lot of intensity and passion from on stage and these audiences return it with huge interest!!

And this audience tonight was every bit as great as any we have ever experienced. Early in the set they stopped the show for 5 minutes chanting for the band and the lights glowing throughout the stadium for FotD was again very moving. Every arm was in the air almost throughout the show -- and many had been standing for hours after camping out nearby for a week to get near the front. There was even a massive Mexican wave involving everyone out there it appeared!

Naturally the band enjoyed it all immensely and, having got offstage quickly and into the vans, we were back at the hotel and soon in the bar very quickly. And a very good night was had by all and sundry!! Chris from Metal Hammer returns to the UK and we are joined by Ben and photographer Chris from Q who are running a major piece on Colombia soon. They had only arrived about 10 so missed the show but are joining us on Ed Force One for the trip to Bogota to experience the arrival in another country in grip of a Maiden fever. But more of that later.

- Rod

Rod in Bogota
Published: March 6, 2008

ROD'S DIARY FEB 28-29 BOGOTA

Firstly apologies for delays on diaries. I am in the middle of set up of North American tour which takes a lot of time going through campaigns show by show and setting up on sales. We went on sale in LA, Texas and Albuquerque for May last weekend and l am sure you will all be glad to know they got off to a flying start with a lot of presales to you members so we are pleased this seems to be working for you.

We set off for the airport at about 11.15 and it was virtually seamless onto the plane with immigration requirements done at the foot of the stairs after the vans took us right up there. Chris Ingham was in the terminal as we departed and later sent me this email -

"I was in the airport terminal when Ed Force One took off from Costa Rica and the entire place was crammed at every window. There was a spontaneous round of applause and a huge cheer went round as the plane went up. Bizarrely, and at exactly the same time, the giant plasma screens in EVERY departure lounge actually had the live footage shot from the night before as it had made the national news - how's that for synergy!"

Flight uneventful, went through various aspects of documentary with Scot and Sam like the chopper we are using for the show in Bogota, had a chat with Ben from Q to work out best way for him to get best possible out of his trip, etc. We were told we have been given the privilege of docking at the Presidents Gate in Bogota which is reserved for his guests and visiting dignitaries. But this meant we were limited to the number of VIP passes who could quickly get through the airport. We could only take band party plus one so we elected on Martin one of documentary crew. The small room where they dealt with VIP immigration though was packed with staff and soldiers all wanting photos and autographs -- the soldiers even brought along Trooper posters for us to sign!! Confusion reigned as we got into the vans and waited for the rest then the 2 vans took off with just me and the band in them. Major language difficulties meant it took a mile or so before I could get them to stop then the less full one went back for Ian, Martin and Gaddsy. It returned after a while so we continued to the hotel with our police escort -- 6 bikes.

Along the route we passed the Simon Bolivar Park where we play tomorrow and for over 2 miles along the actual pavement along the road by the park there were tents, fans and Maiden banners and flags. We were not travelling very quickly and the van windows weren't darkened so the fans started seeing us and cheering and running towards and after the vans. It was a terrific sight, they all looked so very happy to see us arrive! I was thinking what great footage Martin would get for the doc of the band in the van, the police outriders alongside and all fans coming towards us and the tents and banners behind them. Just the drama and excitement its great to see in a doc -- and of course I want plenty of natural drama in ours so you can all see what it was like on this incredible journey round the planet.

Finally got to the hotel and got out to find that the second van, the one that went back to collect the rest had collected -- nobody! No martin, no Ian....no cool shots of our marauding fans. Oh well, cant win them all. Shame though. The hotel was guarded by security and an outer ring of armed police. We never felt the slightest in any danger but I guess they don't take any chances yet and they seemed from what I could see to treat the fans ok -- there were of course a lot surrounding the hotel. However for some reason they did apparently remove all the tents along the side of the park overnight and I have no idea why or what the fans did when uprooted.
Did some work and spent time in the bar with our promoter Phil, William, Ben, our doc guys and various passing band, management and crew and turned in later than I should. So what's new.

Up early but starting to feel a bit lousy. Maybe it's the altitude -- Bogota is at a about 9000 ft but I cycled in Peru at 14,000ft and was fine then. So maybe more it's late nights and a tough schedule. Anyway can't go back to bed today, it's a big one.

Producer Rosie and cameraman Dave from CNN arrived late last night so I catch up with them in the morning. The view on Maiden of the worlds media is undergoing a seismic change as you are seeing/reading currently with major TV News Media catching up with the reality of what is Iron Maiden and their fans, something most of the national newspapers have never really noticed (particularly in the UK where they see us a hack east end metal band of dubious quality and taste, a view I take in reverse without the east end band bit). CNN are filming a 30 min special program for showing early May and are with us in Bogota, San Paolo and Curitiba. We will announce full details of this nearer the time. Rosie seems bright and very on the ball and David I know I will have a few beers with (prophetic words) as he is an Aussie with a taste for rugby, cricket and ....beer!! At last a like minded soul on the road -- although Chris Ingham of Metal Hammer can also be classed in this category! Another fine man! David in normally off at trouble spots around the world so our battle zone is probably small fry but he is glad to be here -- especially as he got a call a couple of days later and if he hadn't been with us he would have been off to film on the Gaza Strip which is not a place to be right now. Rosie is the Producer of the CNN series Maiden are to be a part of and has also been joining us for bar duty on a fairly regular basis and she certainly has certain members of the band charmed!!

Did my emails then off to the show early. This is a sort of bowl in the Park and was already pretty full by the time I got there. Over 40,000 turned out in the end which is great as we have never been here and only did one advance interview with the national paper. Nicko did this and the headline was "We are not a Metal Band". Nick, bless him, considers us to be a progressive heavy rock band which of course we are. But the rest of us think its Metal!!!! But newspapers always go for the best soundbite as we all know!

Spent some time showing CNN round but also met up with Fantastica which is Brazil's biggest TV program. I took them round a bit and then they did some preliminary interviews with the band and I took them to sidestage to film the incredible audience for the first couple of numbers. Then took them out to the mixing desk. The show was going great and the crowd every bit as good as Costa Rica singing along to every word all throughout the set despite most not speaking English and it being our first time there.

Actually while I think I should say something about Colombia as I was asked to say nice things about their country by many of the fans I met. So I will. There has been a bit of a stigma about the country for many years as we all know but this really does seem to be changing rapidly with tourism developing at a fast pace and everyone we met was very friendly. We did not get much time or opportunity to go around but Bogota was a far prettier city than I had imagined and the countryside around was stunning with the mountains and forests. It's a high altitude, about 9000ft I believe, and Nicko in particular had problems during the set and went through a small tank of Oxygen, as probably any drummer would with their energy output, but the rest were not far behind and struggled for breath occasionally. So back to the country -- yes this is definitely, like Costa Rica, somewhere we will return to.

Back to the show, where I was at the mixing desk when Rob our lighting operator called me over so say he had been told by the authorities that he had to put the house lights up as the crowd was too crazy. This seemed strange to me as they looked to be having a wild and exuberant time to me and it all had a sense of joy, no violence or intimidation at all. So I quickly made my way backstage to find what we really happening. At first we were told there were 5000 wild fans who could not get tickets had stormed the police and the barricades and fences around the ground causing so much trouble that the police had to bring in water cannons and gas. This was why the house lights were on and I could fully see why so didn't complain -- however there seemed to be no hint of a violent air or anything in the audience. But in a situation like this I would always take the precaution of getting our guests off the out front mixing desk and backstage so sent some security round to do so. The concert continued uninhibited and with a magnificent reaction by the now increased audience of some 46,000!!

There was however a problem getting out of the venue due to the gathering of ticketless fans outside still who would swamp the band vans -- no intention to do any harm but on the other hand we wanted to get to the bar. So we sent out 2 decoy vans on the usual route -- poor guys they were held up and couldn't move for hours. Soon after the decoy we went a longer route with an extended Police escort of 2 cars and 8 bikes whizzing through Bogota at great speed in convoy. Wow , this really was memorable. An exciting end to a really exciting show.

Ended up in the bar for a while and later found out that what happened was there were over 5000 ticketless fans outside trying to get in being very "troublesome", unlike our fans but l suppose they were desperate to see the show. To ease the pressure the military let in about 1500 -- they apparently didn't think there was room for more and there probably wasn't. There were some injuries but according to local papers the next day -- which carried us on the front pages across the board -- there was nothing serious and it all seemed to pass off without too much comment which is l think a good thing as Colombia does not need that right now. Everything I saw of crowd and security was cool, the fans having a great time -- and we could really see that with the surrounding lights on them -- and noone bothering them, and I walked around quite a bit.

As l said, magnificent crowd, beautiful country -- we will return one day!!!!

- Rod

Rod in San Paulo - part 1
Published: March 7, 2008

ROD'S DIARY MARCH 1

Aaaahhhh Brazil... what can I say of a love affair that has been going on 23 years since our first visit to Brazil for Rock in Rio, yes, the same Rock in Rio which appears on LaD DVD. So much happened in San Paolo I could write a novel, not just some diary notes. This may not be the most beautiful city in the world architecturally or aesthetically, but the people are wonderful and .....sorry Costa Rica, Mexico and Colombia, you're great but.... the fans here are still the reigning champions of the world even if by a reduced margin now!! What did I say before about our Latin fans. The audience was almost organic, alive, intense, like a many tentacled beast with every arm raised and waving, clapping or punching in the air. Yes, every one. And the noise.....but I am jumping ahead just a bit.

The flight from Bogota is about 2700 miles, a bit under 6 hours. We had some media with us on this trip, Fantastico returning to San Paolo, CNN and Q. The 2 news TVs did a bit of filming and interviewing en route and Ben got his interviews done with everyone for Q, despite probably still being severely hungover -- this works quite well as band prefer to spend "dead" time on the plane doing this than "time off" on the ground and it works well for me as they cant disappear -- the band I mean!

Fantastico rarely cover music I hear and when they do it's for about 3 min in the hour long Saturday night show, they are much more general news based. When it came out last Saturday, the night we played, 35 million watched it and Maiden was an extended 5 min at the end and they trailered it throughout the program. This sort of thing really allows me to get out to people some of what Maiden and their fans are about. The band enjoyed the interviews as the presenter, Alvaro Pereira Junior, had some really good questions and was well informed, although of course a lot was edited out due to time. I don't think the cameraman had done much live music stuff -- he wanted to walk on stage while we were playing in Bogota (I saved him, the band would have killed him and eaten the camera! -- but maybe this was just the language barrier and we got there pretty well in the end! It came out really well as you may have seen from the link in the news section of our site.

Media interest in Brazil is colossal and at the very top level. We did a three or four major newspapers in advance as normally we would do a press conference for them but being as our stay was over the weekend it didn't make sense due to availability and deadlines. The flight was fine and we were fortunate to get top level VIP treatment on arrival and were whisked off with our omnipresent Police outriders to carve a way through the congested San Paolo traffic, and in a city this size (30 million or so??) and with this amount of traffic it makes a big difference, believe me.

The hotel and rooms were excellent and Bruce and I went up to the top floor for Bruce's Globo News interview. By now it was about 9.50pm -- I know cos I checked -- and the program -- Jornal da Globo I think, the main weekly news show -- was due to be broadcast at 11 just 70 min later. The interviewer was gorgeous and again very well informed and she seemed to be a big fan (she came to the show too) , Fortunately their studios were 5 min from the hotel so all was completed and we were able to watch it later!! Again an unusually long piece and trailered at the end of the show. I was told there would be 10 million viewers. So in a few brief interviews we reached about 45 million people over these 2 shows -- incredible. Makes my job easy doesn't it and the band don't mind when interviews are short and at a convenient time and with knowledgable interviewers. Well, they don't moan too much, but who could with such great exposure for our music. It seems in South America that everyone is a fan, police outriders, airport staff, hotel staff and of course in prime place all the fans who continually surround our hotels keeping us awake at times with their chants. We forgive you ..... most of the time anyway! Quite an experience.

We went down to a really good bar on the first floor and everyone was there -- our crew, the air crew, CNN, the promoters, doc crew, William and Ben, friends we had met before in Brazil and the atmosphere and anticipation of the show hung heavy in the air (isn't that poetic, or just clichéd maybe !)

Decent nights sleep and awoke to ....... A DAY OFF ..... the last one was LA and since then we have played to about 210,000 fans! And it's a Saturday which means limited incoming, not missiles, emails. So did a bit of catching up in the morning being up surprisingly early -- ok, 9am -- then we met in the lobby about 2 to go to THE FOOTBALL MATCH. We always try to get a game in Brazil though only Steve regularly plays -- but his home team from the East End of London came over to represent us, kitted out in replicas of the original Somewhere In Time footie shirts. Through different leagues as they got older, Steve has played with these guys since he was 15 and they really are his best mates. Steve says that makes 25 years they have played together.....? The game was against some music people, some bands including a couple from local heroes Sepultura who are lovely guys, and three ex pros for Corinthians, two being a father and son who were both goalkeepers for this big San Paolo team. And boy did they need them. We won 7-0 and believe me the goalkeepers were outstanding as you would expect. Without them it would have been a cricket score! There were loads of media requests to cover this game but EMI only allowed sports media, magazines and TV, including Globo Sports, plus our CNN team and doc crew of course. There is such huge interest in the band here that Globo are showing highlights -- to include 2 magnificent Steve Harris goals -- on their weekly summary program this Saturday -- it only has 10 million viewers. Isn't this where we came in??!!!

Andre, Nando and Luiz from EMI arranged all this and did a terrific job. they worked so hard and effectively that I am going to sent them this so they can see it and know we mean it. A very able and committed label makes life so much easier when you are far from home and these guys went out of their way to not only arrange a convenient and outstanding media schedule for us, but also a fine away football match . Nando came to Colombia to take care of Fantastico and Luiz has been with us since SP looking after Rolling Stone who are travelling with us.

I think Andre must have avoided the travel as he musnt be able to drink enough anymore!
Great barbeque after the game with amazing Brazilian beef and beers then back to hotel for another good night in that excellent bar.......and most everyone was there again. I am writing this in Buenos Aires having fought our way in here through hordes of fans (but more of that later) and its now close to 1am so gonna close the book for now so will make San Paolo a two parter -- something it richly deserves!!

Goodnight for now -- a whole lot more in store tomorrow and the story of two incredible audiences!

Rod in San Paolo - part II
Published: March 10, 2008

RODS DIARY MAR 2 SAN PAOLO PART 2

A very nice chap called Antonio Carlos Castro from Placar, a big Brazilian football magazine, was at the football yesterday and offered Steve's team the opportunity to go see the big match -- Corinthians v Palmeiras -- you should have seen their reaction, like kids with santa. "What, go and see not only a big match in Brazil but also a local derby, they don't get much bigger than that. Yes PLEASE santa!!"

This was quite ironic. Being a huge city San Paolo has a number of stadiums some of which are football. As our tour was being set up last year before the football fixtures had been announced we held the biggest non football stadium we could get, about a 30,000 capacity -- nowhere near big enough for here. When the fixtures were announced we wanted the Corinthians stadium which is about 70,000, but it was booked for football. So we took the Palmeiras stadium which is 42,000. Little did we realize at the time that the teams were playing each other that day! You may recall in a press release a while ago our promoter bemoaning the fact that we there weren't big enough stadiums for us here. It is not strictly the truth, just that we couldn't get the bigger one due to the game.

So I went along with the team really just to check out the stadium for future reference, not really being much of a football fan. Traffic on the way was murder and I was in a car with Steve as we had to leave at half time to go to our show, while the rest could watch the whole game and still be at the gig in time for us to go on -- although that came a massive second behind the game of course. We were stuck in traffic with kick off looming and didn't have our mandatory police escort so Alfredo -- a wonderful guy who has been looking after us in south America ever since 85 and takes incredible care of us especially in terms of what to see, which clubs and bars to go to (if we can get out of the hotel!!) -- called over one of the police on bikes and told him who was in the car. "AH, Steve Harris. I am a big fan. Follow me." The power of that name down here!! Of course Steve being Steve was most embarrassed but he didn't want to miss the kick off so off we went sirens blaring to the main gate where only the teams are allowed in. A quick password -- steve harris! -- to the gatekeeper and we were in!!
Of course Steve and the team had a great experience and enjoyed it immensely, but surprisingly so did I. Now I have never been to Anfield and only time I went to Old Trafford was 1963 when Dennis Law and Ian Ure got sent off -- few of you will remember these great players no doubt -- but I hear the atmosphere at a Liverpool v Man Utd game at either is a wonder to behold and I have seen it on TV. But it just does not compare. The sheer noise here and waving of arms was immense like the first paragraph of yesterdays diary. They appeared to have a different chant for anything that happened -- foul, offside, lineout -- and the stadium was separated in half for the 2 sets of fans -- white for Corinthians, green for Palmeiras, and it was packed. The atmosphere was such when the crowd got totally animated it gave me a massive boost of adrenalin and I felt great. If I lived here I would watch football just for this, its sort of a national drug l guess. The hospitality from Antonio was excellent and sadly we left at half time with the score 0-0. Apparently after about 10 min of the second half Palmeiras scored and that was the final score -- the atmosphere for a goal must have been truly astounding. I was really hoping to witness one. Would it be as good for us in the evening?


Traffic out of course wasn't too bad and we got to the Palmeiras Stadium in plenty of time for the show. Our agent John Jackson was over for this show so he, Phil our promoter and I went to a press box Phil suggested we use. What a view -- it was under the roof of the stand looking over all the audience with the stage and screens to the right. Over the back of the stands opposite and behind the stage there was a panoramic view of tower blocks and skyscrapers and you could see the people packed on top of the lower ones and in windows everywhere getting a free view. The atmosphere was intense and when Doctor Doctor kicked in the place went mad, and progressively more so through the film intro and The Speech. Every time I hear the intro to Aces High -- even when not at a show -- I get goose bumps. It is just so immense, you just know what is going to happen. Must have experienced this at a show 150+ times but believe me its still very much the same. I am sure you all know what I mean. And then we were off at full belt and I could hardly hear Bruce -- they knew every word and blasted it out. The whole show show was incredible with a view like this over an amazing audience, as I said yesterday like a live animal as they moved as one across the whole stadium. All 84,000 arms held aloft almost the whole show, bellowing out the lyrics though few spoke English. At times like this I feel very proud of what this band gives to its fans -- they give 110% and here the fans give 150% back. Remarkable. This will live in my memory for a long time as I don't often get to view the stadium from such a wonderful vantage point to see both band and crowd.

Thank you San Paolo for being just as mind blowingly great as ever!! And for even matching, and many times surpassing, your football supporting kinsmen.

Of course everyone was delighted and we all went back to the excellent hotel bar etc but it all pales into insignificance at the memory of these two magnificently supportive audiences.

- Rod

Rod in Curitiba
Published: March 10, 2008

ROD'S DIARY - MAR 3-4 CURITIBA

Santiago show day today and trying to catch up with this. But what a day yesterday, England embarrassed yet again at rugby and cricket. Beaten by the Scots is bad enough, but playing lousy again and after such a good win against France. We were 30,000 ft up over the Andes when it was played but I was recording on my slingbox. Luckily a Welsh mate texted me the score (and of course of the Welsh win!!!) so I didn't bother watching it which saved me the pain. And then bowled out for 110 to lose first test to the Kiwis, what a terrible performance. The England men's hockey team are at the same hotel as us here in Santiago -- they play India in their World Cup final today so lets wish them good luck, perhaps we can get one win over the weekend but it will be tough as India is very strong at hockey. And if anyone thinks hockey is a "girls" game think again, I played a couple of times at school and it was far more terrifying than rugby!!!

But back to the story...

Easy flight to Curitiba (stop to listen to Maiden Maiden chants from loads of fans outside hotel here!) but madness when we arrived. We were quickly off the plane and at the airport exit but then confronted by a sea of fans -- took a van back to get a documentary cameraman as had to get these guys on film. Eventually security organised a path through and we were off with the police escort - impossible to even consider any autographs with so many people. This is a real metal city and the fans made us feel more than welcome!! And even more were at the hotel to welcome us there. Madness.

Did some work then met up with CNN camaraman Dave for a few beers and sports talk and Dave told me some great stories about his excursions to various war zones. A very interesting but sometimes dangerous job. Our fans aren't half as scary as some situations he had been in!! we went to -- yes you guessed it -- an Irish Pub, SHeridans. Nice place but packed. Steves football team and most of our crew were there too, singing football chants at each other and checking out the local brews. A lot of fans too and they pissed off Jan literally taking photos when he went to the bog. It can sometimes get too much, the lack of privacy is starting to get to everyone a bit but more of that later. Anyway it was a good night.

Went to the gig late am next day with Bruce as it was our turn to do CNN interviews at the venue and as doors were at 2pm we had to finish by then. I find doing interviews not too easy as unlike the band l am not that practiced but I am always happy to talk about the band and what we are up to!

The venue itself was amazing. Apparently we had played here before in the Blaze days but I wasn't there so didn't know how unusual it was and what a great place for filming. Should look great on the documentary. It is an old quarry, the backstage area is on the upper ground and then you take a lot of stairs or a rickety old lift down to the quarry floor where the stage is. There as a small lake at the back which looked very mossy so probably a few mosquitos in the eve -- hope no fans fall in!! the flat quarry bed holds 18,000 and it was sold out in a few days last Dec, the first time anyone has sold it out in advance, let alone 3 months almost ahead of the date. And this includes major stuff apparently like McCartney and Bon Jovi. So some accomplishment, but I did say it was a metal town!!

The audience were again quite fantastic and I watched the last few numbers from the top level and the sea of arms looked so great -- a really atmospheric venue.

Our hotel was pretty basic and the bar was closed. We didn't fancy taking our chances with the Irish Pub tonight but it was Rosie and Dave's last night so persuaded them to serve us a few beers on the restaurant mezzanine and after a while said farewell and hit the sack, though due to a combination of show driven adrenalin and buzzing ideas didn't get much sleep.

- Rod

Rod - Porto Allegre
Published: March 11, 2008

ROD'S DIARY - MAR 5 PORTO ALLEGRE

As this was the day after Curitiba, which is only 400 miles or so away, the equipment was all trucked there overnight. However we needed a crew there by noon as by then the staging, PA, lights, platforms would be ready for us to set up production, backline, monitors etc. So it was an earlier start for the band and departure about 10am for the short flight. Vans, fans, escort as usual to hotel.

Now I am typing this on the way to Puerto Rica from Chile and we are over the Andes at about 30,000ft but its too cloudy right now to see anything -- hope it clears whilst I am doing this. We were a few miles out to sea west of Peru at start of flight plan so didn't get to see the incredible Nascar Lines there south of Lima which is a real shame. You can't just change a flight plan for a bit of sightseeing sadly. But back to the point.... I just cant remember anything at all about the hotel in PA. It is now only 5 days ago but it is 2 countries ago so seems much much longer. But I didn't see much of the hotel -- or indeed anything else in PA -- just my room. To explain...

This is a small gig of 12,000 which again sold out very quickly last December. Apparently it's not that great sounding and there was nothing at the show I particularly needed to do so I stayed in my room from time of arrival to time of departure next day catching up with work. The previous few days as you may have read were very busy and American onsales are looming so I had a long and productive catch up session which took a lot of pressure off the following couple of days and I always feel a lot better when I am on top of things. I hate letting too much pile up as then you skim through it and don't do it properly -- for you guys at school and college this is truly great advice which as I know you will absolutely and totally ignore!

So really that was it for me there -- apparently at the hall the poor audience were packed in like sardines and it got very hot but I guess they were still glad to be there. And, despite the crippling heat on stage the band all very much enjoyed it. Sadly our last show in Brazil this time round -- and I missed it.

But thanks to all you fans there -- it has been a truly memorable week in your terrific country.

- Rod

Ps. Still bloody cloudy outside so cant see the Andes. I am about to go and complain to the skipper!!

Rod in Buenos Aires
Published: March 11, 2008

ROD'S DIARY - MAR 6-7 BUENOS AIRES

I was greatly looking forward to a couple of days in Buenos Aires. In jan 2001 we had a few days here and I went cycling 40 miles a day round a bird sanctuary near the city centre in training for my first charity ride in Kenya the following month. We also had a fantastic night out eating tons of magnificent Argentinian beef courtesy of EMI. For some reason Jimmy Page was with us and everyone got smashed and started the Mr Gumby Monty Python knotted-hankerchief-on-the head routine. I think this is where it started and (embarrassingly) it comes out to this day (see day 1 chile). It was on our way to Rock in Rio 2001, the one we filmed. So good memories.
Arrived in Buenos Aires early afternoon and were staggered by how many fans were at the airport as the plane taxied to a gate you could see them running into view to catch a good sight of the plane. Same at the hotel when we got there, seemed hundreds so siege mentality sets in. It is hard to do anything in this situation. We love you guys but even I am getting claustrophobic and times and ready to yell 'please give us a break'. Maiden really is a household name in south America I was told even in Colombia, where we visited for the very first time, name recognition is 70% across the populace. So its not just fans who want an autograph and photo, and lets face it everyone has a camera/mobile nowadays, its almost everyone we come into contact with. We can never begrudge a fan even if at a low but a hotel can be a difficult place as the following amply illustrates.

I hated this hotel at first sight (Nicko walked in then walked out and found a different hotel, wisely) for some reason and did not enjoy our stay there. The only bar is in the lobby on the ground floor and is completely open plan, I set up the laptop to work on arrival and kept at it til evening when I called down for a break. Bruce, some air and our crew were in the bar. They were collected at two or three tables pushed together. Surrounding them was a ring of empty tables places by hotel security to give them the tiniest bit of privacy and around those tables were gathered a total ring of hotel guests of all ages standing, staring, gawking and taking photos. The front of the hotel is all glass and across the whole front Maiden fans were pressed to the glass 3 to 5 deep. Now who deserves the time and respect, the fans or the guests, but how do you go out and do autographs for so many. It really is a predicament and I cant pretend to know the answer but I do feel more for people like McCartney who has dealt with it most of his adult life. But we dont want to hide, we want to go to the pub etc. Thankfully it isnt like this most places we go and generally speaking the band handle it pretty well. Maybe its me getting tour syndrome!

Anyway so much for the evening. Next day I worked and went to the show with the Tres Amigos. Its an odd venue, playing across the pitch rather than along it so you have a big empty stand behind and a big full one in front with thousands on the ground but lot without much of a view due to the width. Apparently they have had to have this configuration for a few years now after noise problems with local residents. So they pointed everything in a different direction. Shame really as again this show had been sold out (27.000) for ages with a lot more demand for tickets so if it could have been the standard football stadium stage configuration we could have got more fans in.

EMI presented us with very attractive placques to commemorate lifetime sales in Argentina of over 750,000 albums which is pretty extraordinary when a gold album is just 25,000 I think. So thank you EMI.

Prior to the show, and no doubt with a thought of the Falklands, I was being asked by various people if we would do Trooper and if Bruce would wear the iconic jacket and fly the flag. Well of course he would. The Trooper is about heroism. It is not about patriotism or misplaced chauvinism, its about valour and an early example of what can be a terrible waste of the lives of brave men when sent on a fools errand by incompetents. Our fans know that and if anyone takes it to mean any sort of triumphalism they are sorely mistaken. I do not think there is any problem between the real people of Argentina and Britain at all, I have never experienced this, its in the minds of politicians and mischief makers. Personally I have great respect for the Argentinian mindset particularly as represented by their rugby team who performed so brilliantly and doggedly at the World Cup last November.
However a small proportion of the fans at the show did their best to change this respect by their filthy behaviour which shamed their country and Metal.

There is still a habit of the few here to spit at the bands. They were nasty in this way with Lauren, who is going down extremely well to audiences here, which of course pissed Steve off no end, as it obviously would. He made it very clear to me and the band that if any of them spat at him he would be straight in the audience to sort them out. And believe me he would, he has before, and to make it worse the security pit here was really narrow so not only was it easier for some total wankers to spit across it, it meant also that is was less distance for Steve to jump!! Anyway I told security to tell fans if they spat they would be out of the stadium, which they did, telling the front row to pass it back. I went into the pit to keep an eye on this myself and although most were fine and having a fierce headbanging time metal audiences here are a far higher proportion male than say Brazil and more aggressive some, naturally in the safety of a few rows back, still had to lob towards the stage.
You metal fans in Argentina need to sort out these few who give you a bad name or next time we will arrange a 20m pit!!

After a few numbers in the pit I was sure security had it reasonably well in control so went off to have a massage. I could hear clear as a bell and the band were playing really well and the masseur was brilliant and a lovely guy. A heavy set very strong rugby prop forward who massages wrestlers and bent me around right out of shape and back into it. We had a good part sign language chat about rugby.

The vast majority of the crowd were loud as ever and obviously going for it big time, leaving the few to spit their way to (hopeful) ejection. The band enjoyed the gig to varying extents in the circumstances.

Sadly we found afterwards that the discs we had been presented earlier by EMI had been stolen from backstage as had one of our backdrops for the show. Back at the hotel the bar was no better than the night before, there was realistically nowhere else to go - I could not bring myself to stay in that awful "bar" - so I went to bed, though some apparently did get out and found an Irish Bar and had a good time with fans there.

For me, l have to say it was a disappointing 2 day stay especially considering the good times we have had in Buenos Aires in the past. But as the outro says always look on the bright side of life, da dadadada dada dada!!!!

- Rod