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Athens 10/11/2000
« Just a
quick report on the Athens gig. It was a fantastic 3 days. I got in
late on Thursday and met up with Spyros who contacted me after my
request for help - he's a cool guy, seriously into Maiden. We had some
beers and Greek food, I did the old touristy bit on Friday - Acropolis
etc. The weather was scorching. Spyros drove us at 100 miles an hour
to the gig, piping the horn and with BNW at full blast. The venue was
open air and next to the beach which looked strange to an English
bloke used to Sheffield city hall. The setlist was the same and the
crowd joined in with everything especially the new stuff which the
band really appreciated. Bruce changed The Clansman to include the
words 'Alexander the Great' (don't ask) but the crowd were really
chanting for the full song. Bruce said they'd have to wait 3 years and
then they'd be lucky (note next tour not till 2003). He did do a solo
of 'Alexander the great, his name struck fear ..... he died of fever
in Babylon' twice during a break in Sanctuary. The atmosphere was very
exciting, the Greeks go absolutely mental for Maiden. I was near the
front and had a job keeping myself upright. There were quite a few
distress flares let off, apparently this was a big problem during Ed
Hunter tour last year and Bruce kept a keen eye on those nearest the
stage. Anyway, I didn't get to bed 'til 1:00 am and I had a 6:00 am
flight which meant getting up at 4:00!! At the airport I was hanging
round duty free, I turned round and BANG - it was Steve Harris waiting
for the same flight. I nearly fell over. He was flying out early
because he was either playing football with Maidonians or, if that was
rained off, going to the West Ham game! I said a quick hello, I think
he was surprised anyone had recognized him, nobody else had. I checked
in still a bit dazed through lack of sleep and seeing Arry. Arry came
down after me and sat down. I couldn't resist going up to him and
asking for a quick chat - no problem. We chatted for about half an
hour before getting the bus to the plane. Wally Grove joined us and he
showed me the wound from the infamous biting incident. We all dozed on
the plane, I really wanted to talk to Steve but I didn't want to
pester him. We got to Luton and as we waited to get off I had another
chat with them both. Steve's youngest son is about the same age as
mine, he said it was hard being on the road so much. I think he's
ready for a LONG rest, if I remember right he confirmed that the new
album wouldn't be out 'til late 2002. I thought Steve was very
friendly but a bit shy if you can believe it. He's quiet and modest,
absolutely nothing like on stage. I've waited 18 years to meet the
band and I'm really glad it was Steve that I did meet. So, well worth
the trip. I fancy Spain or Portugal next time.
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