Simply put, there are few better live bands than Iron Maiden anywhere in the world today, in any genre. A bold statement, sure. But ever since frontman Bruce Dickinson rejoined the band in 1999, they’ve been simply unstoppable, putting out a string of well-received albums and amping up the live show year on year. “Serious” music fans might scoff, not just at Maiden but at all power-metal bands with their oh-so-silly wizards and warlords-themed lyrics and widdly riffs. But fuck that — nobody knows how to pen an epic tune better than Steve Harris, and there are few greater sights than mascot Eddie lumbering across a stage. Maiden give us pyro and escapism-fueled fun, and in 2019 that’s a priceless trait.

Iron Maiden play with Fozzy and the Raven Age on Saturday, September 14 at the Banc of America Stadium.