Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper at Jones Beach
WHO Iron Maiden with special guest Alice Cooper
WHEN | WHERE 7:30 Wednesday night, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
INFO $69.50-$89.50, 800-745-3000, livenation.com
THE LOWDOWN Iron Maiden hasn't hit North America in two years, and now the metal band is kicking off its "Maiden England" world tour in the United States with Jones Beach only its fourth venue on the roster.
The group will flash back to 1988, showcasing the songs and stage production from the "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" tour -- this means massive lighting rigs and plenty of pyro.
Don't worry, though, the guys will include such classics as "Run to the Hills," "Two Minutes to Midnight" and "The Trooper" in the set list. Also, expect a chilling appearance from the band's zombie mascot, Eddie.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN Iron Maiden is known as one of the world's quintessential heavy- metal bands. Bassist Steve Harris and guitarist Dave Murray formed the group in the mid-'70s and released an EP, "The Soundhouse Tapes," on their own indie label, Rock Hard Records. The band made its major label debut in 1980 with a self-titled, full-length album.
Over the years, Maiden has undergone some lineup changes. In 1982, vocalist Bruce Dickinson made his entrance with the band's most popular album, "The Number of the Beast," which sold more than 14 million copies.
SPECIAL GUEST Shock rocker Alice Cooper will bring his horror theatrics to the beach. Metal fans should shriek with delight as they watch this recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee run through his hits "School's Out," "Under My Wheels" and "I'm Eighteen."
Cooper, 64, is supporting his latest studio effort, "Welcome 2 My Nightmare," on his "No More Mr. Nice Guy" world tour, which carries the tagline "The Original Evil Returns." The show will include all of Cooper's famous tricks, such as his guillotine routine, the appearance of a giant Frankenstein, and his boa constrictor, plus the mutilation of a rag doll. What else do you expect from a sick, twisted mind?
