Rock Docs Season 1 Episode 23 Iron Maiden: Flight 666
- June 7, 2009
Iron Maiden: Flight 666 is an episode of the popular music documentary series, Rock Docs. The episode focuses on the iconic British heavy metal band, Iron Maiden, and their 2008 Somewhere Back in Time World Tour.
The tour was unique because the band decided to travel around the world on their own custom Boeing 757 airplane, appropriately christened "Ed Force One" after the band's mascot, Eddie. This allowed the band to visit many cities and countries they had never played in before, such as India, Australia, and Costa Rica.
The episode begins with a brief history of Iron Maiden, including their early years in London's East End and their rise to prominence in the 1980s with albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. We then see the band preparing for the massive undertaking of the world tour, which involved traveling to 45 cities across 5 continents in just 45 days.
The centerpiece of the episode is the footage of the band on board their plane, which was piloted by lead singer Bruce Dickinson. We see the band members hanging out, playing cards, and relaxing as they fly from one destination to the next. There are also interviews with the crew, who discuss the challenges of keeping the plane in top condition and dealing with unexpected problems, such as a cracked windshield and a fuel leak.
The episode also includes footage of the band's live performances, which were filmed at various venues around the world. We see the fans going wild as Iron Maiden tears through classic songs like "The Trooper" and "Run to the Hills," as well as newer tracks like "Different World" and "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg." Throughout the performances, we see the band members interacting with the fans and clearly enjoying themselves on stage.
One of the most interesting scenes in the episode takes place in India, where Iron Maiden are playing their first-ever concert. We see the band members soaking in the sights and sounds of the city, visiting a local market and learning about Indian culture. Later, we see the band performing for a massive crowd of over 20,000 fans, who are all chanting and singing along with the band.
Overall, Iron Maiden: Flight 666 is a fascinating look at one of the most legendary bands in heavy metal history. The episode does an excellent job of capturing the excitement and energy of Iron Maiden's live shows, as well as the camaraderie and humor of the band members themselves. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to Iron Maiden's music, this episode is definitely worth a watch.