For the first time in fifteen years, British rock band Iron Maiden accompanied by their 60-strong crew and support staff and over 12 tons of equipment have returned to Australia in style on their 'Somewhere Back In Time' world tour – flying in on their private converted Boeing 757 decorated with Iron Maiden designs and piloted by vocalist Bruce Dickinson himself, who is a qualified airline captain.

Fans gathered at Rod Laver Arena dressed in all types of weird and wacky outfits that gave a time-warp kind of feel to the night and as the moshpit became jam-packed with rock devotees, the men of Iron Maiden appeared; frontman Bruce Dickinson shouting to the crowd, “Scream for me, Melbourne!”

Aces High, a dedication to World War II fighter pilots, was the show opener; Dickinson bounded about the stage accompanied by the force of three electrifying lead guitars. A mix of classics followed including 2 Minutes To Midnight, Wasted Beast, The Number Of The Beast and Run To The Hills. Dickinson, who is almost 50, effortlessly sang song after song and managed to change costumes as the night unfolded.

Guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers skillfully showed-off their guitar acrobatics as they darted about the stage amid the explosions of pyrotechnics and the appearance of a 4-metre high version of their skulled mascot, Eddie. An excellent end to the night was the classic Hallowed Be Thy Name – it left the crowd of young and old screaming for more!