Live at the Whiskey Album Reviews

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AMG Review

Some metal fans would stand firm and declare that the real Iron Maiden was when Paul Di'Anno was at the helm -- before the group got bogged down with 15-minute epics and elaborate stage shows. Despite not having fronted Maiden since 1981, Di'Anno has retained a large and loyal fan base worldwide, as evidenced by the 2000 release Live at the Whiskey. Split halfway between Maiden classics and newer tunes, Di'Anno's voice is still the same cigarette/alcohol-soaked bark it's always been. The Maiden tracks still sound as punk-metal as ever (especially "Wrathchild" and "Sanctuary"), while the newer tracks have more in common with '80s-era thrash metal ("Impaler" and "A Song for You"). Also included is a rough and ragged rendition of T. Rex's early-'70s teen anthem "Children of the Revolution," which doesn't particularly suit Di'Anno's voice all that well. By and large, though, hardcore Maiden fans will enjoy hearing Di'Anno prove that he can still handle the classics. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide