More and more fans are supporting their local cover bands and enjoying a nice evening listening to the next best thing for a third the cost with beer money to spare.
Millions of fans across the globe will testify that Iron Maiden is one of the greatest live bands of all time with superior lyrics, galloping guitar riffs and an excellent stage presence that has given them that hard edge appeal for well over 40 years.
Unfortunately, those days are over for lead vocalist, Bill Swanson as he begins a new voyage. “It’s been 27-years now since I first auditioned for a north side band called Tail-gunner,” explains Swanson. “There are other things in life, and I guess it’s time for me to move on.” Swanson’s last performance with Maiden Chicago is indeed a celebration.
Swanson not looking back, however, he is looking forward to spending more quality time with his family. This could in fact, be his new agenda as he takes the role of a loving father and loyal husband.
“There’s always a lot of places to go hunting and fishing with my son,” Swanson expresses with deep admiration. “Traveling a bit would be nice and showing him all the things my father did when I was his age is what I would like to do.”
Eccentric emotions on this dark Autumn night in Lansing, Illinois. Heavy rain storms approaching the venue and no amount of words, music or fond memories can touch the human spirit quite like Maiden Chicago. This was the kind of energy that will not be forgotten by anyone and remembered as one of the best Iron Maiden tribute bands in the United States by many.
Maiden Chicago decided to bring their act indoors. Opening their set with Remember Tomorrow pulled on the emotional heart strings to their adoring fans that night. Run to the Hills, The Trooper, and Powerslave had the crowd screaming for more Maiden as spectators enjoyed Maiden Chicago’s last celebration with Swanson. Other members include, Al Contreras & Mike Zatezalo as lead guitarists, Gary Ingram as bass, and Dan Driskill at drums.
The band closed out their set with Hallowed Be Thy Name, a song that Iron Maiden itself no longer plays in concert after a lawsuit by Brian Ingham barred the song from their future live performances.
Heavy Metal seems to have bottomed out in America as Gangster Rap makes way for a new generation. The influx of popular modern genres has led to the demise of older nostalgic musical types as they and slowly fade away.
Bill Swanson leaving Maiden Chicago signals the end of an era for a generation as the days of PacMan, rubix cube, and heavy metal thunder slowly slip into the night.