rod smallwood

NOW THAT IT’S OVER, CAN YOU PUT THE BOOK OF SOULS TOUR IN CONTEXT? “This tour was one of the most memorable in Maiden history. We went to 39 countries on six continents, and the band played their first ever shows in El Salvador, China and Lithuania, and their first with Bruce and Adrian in South Africa. The whole tour was seen by over two million fans. Ed Force One almost doubled in size, and seeing the reaction it got from fans was incredible. We also managed to get the whole ‘Krew’ and stageshow across the Andes 24 hours after the plane was damaged in Chile, which was no mean feat! Most importantly, this tour saw Bruce back onstage, cancerfree, and singing better than ever, which is the best outcome that any of us could have hoped for. As tours go, it’s going to be a very hard act to follow, but we will manage it!”

WHY DOES THE WORLD NEEDS ANOTHER IRON MAIDEN LIVE ALBUM?

“Because the core fans would crucify us if we didn’t! Each studio album creates its own world which we try to replicate with the set design. The package we put together for

The Book Of Souls was so good that we thought it would be nice for the fans and collectors to have a companion piece that sat alongside it on the shelf. Also, it’s great for the band to have a record of the tour and setlist, particularly when it has gone down as well as this one did, and this live album also marks the end of this particular chapter in Maiden history. Finally, the band are proud that they are still playing as well, if not better, than ever and this gives those who couldn’t get to the tour a chance to feel part of it.”