Iron Maiden - Flight 666: The Film (review)

UK metal veterans take the world by storm... again...

Jun 14, 2009

A brilliant new look at a veteran band that is anything but dead or dying...

Given the appalling number of live and Best Of Iron Maiden compilations that have been issued since frontman Bruce Dickinson's much needed return to the fold in 1999, the world doesn't need another one. Particularly when these perceived cash grabs are stacked up against a paltry three all original studio albums issued over the last decade.

There are several million fans out there, however, that are quite willing to slap their hard earned cash down for the latest go-round even if they've heard it all before.

Welcome to the Show

While disc 2 is indeed another showcase of albums and years gone by - albeit performed in the modern day - the actual Flight 666 documentary portion of the package (disc 1) is a brilliant new look at a veteran band that is anything but dead or dying.

The film, spearheaded by producers / directors Sam Dunn and Scott McFadyen (Metal: A Headbanger's Journey, Global Metal), documents the band's do-it-themselves 23 shows in 45 days world tour designed to re-acquaint and in many cases introduce their international legion of fans to a set of classic tunes performed against the legendary Powerslave backdrop.

While the focus is initially on Maiden's private plane Ed Force One, which enables them to do the deed, Flight 666 is in fact a celebration of the how and why of the band's longevity. Interview segments are candid and informative without being obtrusive, completely devoid of the shoddy overblown MTV-isms that are often part and parcel of present day music documentaries.

Around the World in 45 Days

High points include Maiden's first ever trip to India, the band being confronted by Costa Rica's volatile energy (and the need for oxygen tanks), witnessing Dickinson giving New York-based metal radio guru Eddie Trunk an unexpected slap on the wrist for his misinformed view on the purpose of the tour, the entertainment that is drummer Nicko McBrain, and the "thank you, good night" atmosphere of the final show in Toronto.

Perhaps the only sticking point is the coverage of the South American leg of the tour, which becomes rather long in the tooth as it replays the Beatlemania - esque chaos of the journey (South America loves Maiden, Maiden loves South America... we get it already...). Small potatoes, though, and there are several million fans from the region that will quite happily disagree.

Overall, Flight 666 is an excellent and skillfully shaped overview of the world of Iron Maiden, offering up just enough of what goes on inside without destroying the magic.

An extra feather in the Dunn / McFadyen cap is awarded for having the presence of mind to issue the package with subtitles in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Swedish and Hindi. Fan friendly indeed, and one of the better additions to the diehard Iron Maiden fan’s collection.

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