Paul Di'Anno--The Beast in the East
MVD 2003
Being a living legend, it has to be difficult finding ways to stay off radar so you can do what you want musically without any unwanted interference. Somehow, that's exactly what Paul Di'Anno has managed to do now for over two decades, though. As vocalist on the first two Iron Maiden albums, he cemented his spot as one of the greatest ever. Since then, Di'Anno has gone on to quietly produce output of similar quality, with bands such as Killers, Battlezone, and as a solo artist. If you've missed out on those post-Maiden efforts, this DVD, The Beast in the East, will serve as undeniable proof that Paul Di'Anno has never lost his hall-of-fame worthy power.
Maiden diehards will rejoice over the fact that half of The Beast in the East's setlist is comprised of Iron Maiden classics. Highlights from this portion of the material include inspired renditions of "Wrathchild," "Remember Tomorrow," and "Phantom Of The Opera," as well as the instrumentals "Transylvania" and "Genghis Khan." Just as impressive are incredible cuts from Di'Anno's current band Killers, such as "Marshall Lokjaw" and "Faith Healer." Di'Anno's band looks like they could've been hanging out in an alley, listening to Maiden's Killers album on a boombox while planning petty theft, when he first stumbled across them--they come off hungry as hell and the effort they put out is awe inspiring. Di'Anno's voice is the worldcrusher it has always been, too--only now with a slight death grunt styled growl creeping in, every once and again. The results are immense.
The highlight of The Beast in the East's bonus footage, which also contains substantial chunks from two other shows, is a sit down interview with Paul Di'Anno himself. In this chat, you discover that Di'Anno was in fact the punk rock/rock n' roll consciousness of early Iron Maiden. When he speaks of the old punk bands he was so enamoured with during his youth, there's a gleam in his eyes that lets you know his love of the music hasn't died. It's incredibly endearing, but also helps explain Di'Anno's struggles with Maiden's success--the conflict between his punk values and the unforgiving machine of fame is something it seems he still wrestles with.
That Di'Anno has kept such a humble, level head throughout it all is a testament to what kind of man he is. The Beast in the East is monument to this fact. Over and over, Di'Anno tells his audience "there's no stars on this stage." Even though that's not true, that he makes those gestures of grace and respect to the crowd elevates the whole experience a few notches. It would be hard for most to revere Paul Di'Anno more than they already do but The Beast in the East leaves you feeling like you're doing just that. From start to finish, this DVD destroys practically all others. Manditory viewing for all Di'Anno/Iron Maiden diehards, as well as those who generally appreciate greatness.
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