Iron Maiden--Rock in Rio

Iron Maiden--Rock in Rio (2002/EMI) Rating--8.2

Six tracks from the latest CD 'Brave New World' make an appearance on this live offering, which ends up being one of the few drawbacks to be found--as they likely end up keeping some classics from poking through. (And none of those six are "The Fallen Angel," by the way...) A strong, "live" feel is apparent, and the South American crowd keeps pace with the band nicely.
While it is certainly understandable that a group would want to push its latest album, a band's extensive catalog (as is the case with Maiden) also deserves merit--especially when it's obvious that is where the crowds' hearts lie. When songs like "Wasted Years," "Aces High," and the like don't crackle forth from the marshalls, you have to kinda scratch your head as you listen to "The Clansman" and "Brave New World" inserted in their place...
The first-disc highlights include "The Wicker Man," "Ghost of the Navigator," and "Wrathchild," while both "The Trooper" and "2 Minutes to Midnight" are their usual ripping selves, with the crowd singing the latter virtually word-for-word.
From the second disc comes more singing in "The Evil That Men Do," and "Dream of Mirrors" also stands out.
A good, energetic live offering, with Dickinson peppering the crowd as is his norm.
TRACK LIST: DISC ONE--Arthur's Farewell (Intro)/The Wicker Man/Ghost of the Navigator/Brave New World/Wrathchild/2 Minutes to Midnight/Blood Brothers/Sign of the Cross/The Mercenary/The Trooper
DISC TWO--Dream of Mirrors/The Clansman/The Evil That Men Do/Fear of the Dark/Iron Maiden/The Number of the Beast/Hallowed Be Thy Name/Sanctuary/Run to the Hills

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