Iron Maiden - Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (Izod Center/New Jersey, USA. March 14, 2008) REACTION!! 

This is an older Patreon exclusive filmed in 2019 guys! We've had this in the tuck for years fyi. Enjoy!

This ain't just music, this is an artistic masterpiece.

Iron Maiden it's not a band, it's an experience. When you go to a Maiden show it's like watching a heavy metal broadway play. Bruce Dickinson is not just a singer, he is an actor, a showman, an entertainer. When they are performing live, they are a well oiled machine, even now. Go to see them live if you can, you are not gonna regret it.

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is the longest epic poem by the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which Iron Maiden takes this from about a sea captain who is cursed for killing the albatross which according to sailor lore is a sign of good omen. The fact that Bruce Dickenson can not only sing this but remember all the lyrical content is astonishing

The whole Powerslave album is pretty legit honestly. It is arguably their best album.

The song is based on the epic poem of the same name by Samuel Taylor Coleridge that was supposedly inspired by an opium dream he had.

Iron Maiden are a unique phenomenon in music. The creativity of their writing is second to none. If you expect the typical verse- chorus, verse -chorus arrangement like in most music, you will not get that with Maiden. Maiden tell stories, the music reflects the emotion of the song, so there are many musical pieces to each song written brilliantly. Maiden is not a band that you will hear and love right away. You need to develop the ear for them, they are a band's band. EXAMPLE: Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a song that begins with a sailor that walks into a wedding. He begins telling the wedding guests about the nightmare journey he literally just had at sea. Each part musically follows the story. He was in a boat with 200 men going to catch fish. An albatross flies by him, he shoots it which is bad luck. It begins storming, the crew is stuck in the sea for days with no water to drink. Bad shit keeps happening. They blame the mariner, because he killed the bird of good omen. The crew tie the albatross around the mariners neck. One night the mariner is sitting in the ship, suddenly one by one the crew start dropping dead, and as they drop dead they each stare the mariner in his eyes. They all die, and he's freaked out, tied up with a big bird tied around his neck. He frees himself, takes the albatross off his neck, throws it into the sea. Immediately it starts storming, he can drink, but the ship is caught in giant waves. He says a prayer and asks God that if he spares him, he promises that he will tell everyone he meets about what happened and how God saved him, and that we must love all of Gods creatures. He falls asleep. When he awakens, he can't believe his eyes; the entire crew is alive and are pulling into shore. The Mariner leaves the ship in utter shock and confusion. He wanders off and into a ship where a wedding is taking place. The story ends where it began, he is telling the wedding guests the story of what happened, just as he promised God. The song ends with the lyrics: The Mariner is bound to tell of his story. To tell his tale wherever he goes. To teach God's Word by his own example. That we must love all things that God made.... The genius of this song, and so many more of their songs is how they capture the events of the song with the music. There are no true verses and choruses, the song is written to project the story, and it is done in a way unique to Iron Maiden. It's fun deciphering their songs. If you want to hear more I would say check out a couple of songs off the new album, Senjutsu. The songs Hell on Earth has a encrypted message in it. Will it be their last song? Is that what they're saying. Also check out Writing on The Wall (great video), if you like biblical apocalyptic style songs, this song borrows from both Daniel, and Revelation. If you read all this, you are a Trooper! Thank you, and I hope it was worth reading. I love this band more than anything I've ever loved.

Man, the build up to Smithy's solo. Goosebumps every time.

Iron Maiden cannot be matched live. They always put on an epic show, even now at their age 🤘

This is without a doubt one of Maiden's very best songs. Overall composition, riffing, thematic stylings, Bruce's voice... it has everything.

My friend tried to get me into Maiden for years to no effect. This song did it for me. I devoured the entire catalog after that and have been a passionate fan for a long time now and never miss a show. Up the irons!

I was there for this concert at IZOD and teared up the moment the song began. I started listening to Maiden in in 1996 when I was 15 and I had waiting 12 years to see this live. It was incredible; Maiden sounds better live than in a studio, always. Up the Irons!

the "death and she life in death" section is one of the greatest parts in metal history . the live after death 84 version is even more powerful.

Maiden is literally THIS TIGHT live. AND in the studio. They deserve your respect.

Niko is absolutely hammer on this tune. He always is, but this is so epic.

Maiden was word of mouth, the t- shirts and going to a buddy's house and cranking it up!

Iron always makes me cry, my heart almost explodes... What a thrill!

Maiden is one of the best live bands I've ever seen in my concert going life. Ridiculous amount of energy and passion. If you guys ever get a chance to see them I recommend it.

Maiden got their popularity from word of mouth. People going to watch their live shows at pubs. My dad has some drum sticks from seeing them in a pub back when D'anno was the lead singer.

That was an amazing performance! Thanks for that guys..... again, Architects!!!

Iron Maiden, the undisputed undefeated heavy weight champions of live concert, no band come close. awesome review as always guys. cheers.

You guys got more out of this than we did. What a treat on a Saturday morning. Rhime of the Ancient Mariner live is one of the best live performances you will ever see. Try it on a mushroom, you'll swear you're on the ship. Flash back to 1987. My English teacher announces we're starting a poetry lesson and we need to buckle in because its a long one. She announces it's Rhime of the ancient mariner. My jaw hits the floor. I make a deal with my teacher. If I can do the poem by heart the next day I get an A and I can skip class and surf the rest of the year. Well I did it and surfed my a$$ off the rest of the year and I ended up drawing her Iron Maiden posters for the Renaissance fair. Iron Maiden in Tampa Oct. 27, who's going? Up the irons🤘🤘

This is my all time favorite Iron Maiden songs. The fact that you can sit there and say that a lot of it did not appeal to you says to me that your reactions are real and heartfelt. I salute your honesty and not grifting to appeal to a certain audience. Not everyone will like what every other person likes. I applaud your candor and reaction. Great work, guys!

If you thought this live performance was great, then check out Fear of the Dark live in Rio by Iron Maiden. There's nothing like it.

You can literally react to any song on "Powerslave" and you won't be disapointed. It's that good. An absolute heavy metal classic.

Live and they were old. Live, high quality videos in their prime aren't easy to come by. His vocals live through the late 80's were some of the best I ever witnessed. Pretty amazing this is a performance 20 years later.

Hey, I was in attendance this night. It was a great concert. High level energy.

As a fan I know when a great part of the song is coming and I like the way you react to them. It happened with Sabbath, Gojira and Megadeth and it hurts me a bit when Iron Maiden doesn't make you react the way I expected. I guess it's because Maiden is kind of an entry band for the metalheads and we listen to full albums before we decide if we like the artists. When you pick certain songs from an album it loses the connection with the rest of the songs so you don't appreciate them so much. Anyway I'm a big fan of your videos, greetings from Chile.

It is definitely not the story but the storytelling. Its powerful lyrics, intricate musicianship, and theatrical live performance blend literature and music into an unforgettable experience. Truly a masterpiece in rock history.

Also, and you probably already knew this, but it's based on the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. You probably had to read it in an English lit class at some point. But the line "Water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink" and the idiom about something being an albatross around your neck (e.g. an annoying burden) both come from that poem. Here's the text of it if anyone's curious. www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43997/the-rime-of-the-ancient-mariner-text-of-1834 Anyway, great reaction--thank you!

Next Iron Maiden song you do should be "Infinite Dreams"! I feel it should be your type of song, really groovy with a lot of great transitions!

This version is actually one of the best performances of any song that Maiden has done too!

I been an Iron Maiden fan since 1982 and this is the only surviving rock band without trying to survive or doing farewell tours just to stay alive.

This tour had one of the best stage shows I'd ever seen

Iron Maiden is not for everyone, not even all metal-heads, they're an acquired taste. I'm grateful that I've loved them since 1984 and have seen them five or so times as well.

I've been a metal head since the '90s and have seen a lot of good bands live, but the most memorable and best of my opinion was Iron maiden. I didn't even know that much Iron maiden at the time but they just blew me away and they got up and performed

Expert level musicianship and epic storytelling for the most part is what Iron Maiden is all about. They are an experience to behold live but arent for everyone for sure. UP THE IRONS!

Rime Of The Ancient Mariner isn't a song you listen to, it's an epic adventure you go on.

My freshman year in high school (1988), we had a junior in my freshman english class. He had failed twice already. Guy was a hard-core badass metal-head. He had the skull ring, the torn denim jacket with the Iron Maiden patch on the back. He had a spiked dog collar around his neck. Dude was hard core. About three weeks into the class, we're reading this long-ass poem in class when suddenly, the metal-head kid shouts out "I know this one!" slammed his book shut, and began reciting it. Suddenly, he paused. Everyone was looking at him and he was just kinda bobbing his head. He just said "getting through the guitar solo" and suddenly went back to the poem. He passed the class on that alone.

I agree with you. Incredible. I am 62, but i never heard this song sooooo goood. I was musicsaler for over 21 years, but such a great Sound i have never heard in my life. Thanks a lot for this genius choice !!!!!!!

Nicko hit me in the head with a drumstick at this show! This was the "somewhere back in time" tour. I got to see them here and in Boston that tour, and I have to say, it's the best I have ever seen them play!

Thank you Nathalie first and to you guys to let this great long music video happen.i can see how you guys were in a awe of what you heard and saw.long live the Beast iron maiden .best rock musicians that ever egsisted on earth.it took me to all kinds of émotions 🤘

Great reaction as always! Appreciate the no bullshit approche. For Ryan, I can tell you the album version is even better than the live one which is already phenomenal. If you think Bruce sounds good in this live show, keep in mind that it was 25 years after the original recording. His voice is still great but naturally took a hit with the years. It was even more phenomenal back then. For George, it's normal to not love all genres but your respect for the talent is very appreciated. I would recommand you try the album version befire giving your final verdict. The experience is more refined and the journey is more imersive just like with Opeth with the album version. Was waiting for this for a while and you guys didnt disappoint. It's Aladin btw :)

Appreciate your guys honesty in your reactions

That was a dope video guys. I've listened to maiden ever since I was a kid and I recently (last summer) got to watch them live. Being a part of the crowd as thousands of people hummed to Fear of the Dark was incredible. Never had a feeling like that in a concert before, so you guys were spot on imo. They are amazing performers. I really recommend you guys check out Zeal & Ardor too. It's a somewhat newish metal band that crossed slave spirituals with Norwegian black metal, so imagine an atmospheric black metal song with chain sounds as samples and gospel like chanting, it is super dope. According to the band's frontman, the idea for the music was 'if the slaves that were brought to the US revered the devil instead of Christ, what would their music sound like? Think you guys will really enjoy Zeal & Ardor, it's really unique music.

I was fortunate to see this played in 1984 in Chicago. Fantastic show!

Guys , listen to fear of the dark , dance of the death , and wasted years , from Iron maiden . Then you can say if u like this band or not.

You guys are really the best at what you do. I like when you keep it real.

Ryan, Maiden took me a little while as well. Bruce’s operatic style like Rush’s vocals took me a little bit of getting used to. But once you connect with them you truly begin to appreciate their music and now I’m a big Maiden fan. Rush as well. It doesn’t hurt that Steve Harris and Geddy Lee are two of my bass playing idols along with Geezer from Sabbath. Three amazing bands.

This is the song that introduced me to Maiden and my favorite song to this day. The fact that this song is based on an actual poem and performed so epically gives me goosebumps every time. The album version rocks just as hard.

All things being equal, they are the greatest band in the history of Metal.

I saw IRON MAIDEN IN 2019 IN THE ATLANTA and they are the best live band I've ever seen.

This live version is GREAT, the band is “Tight” and they are playing it JUST LIKE THE RECORD… except the energy and excitement of a audience is tangible, now Bruce’s vocal are really,really good except compared to the studio album, it’s different, it’s 17-19 years after he recorded the studio version, which you absolutely have to check out , you listen to the live version and think the vocals are great, which they are, the album version is INCREDIBLE.. check it out and gees the song lyrically is a great story… check em out a little deeper when ya give a listen to the studio version….it makes the song even better than just a groove… which the groove is great, the whole song is a masterpiece to me…..

Am I the sole individual who recognizes and appreciates the drummer's remarkable effort and exceptional technique? The drummer's talent is truly awe-inspiring, yet it seems that no one acknowledge or evaluate his skills.

Maiden are one of those bands that however good they sound on record, live is the true way to experience them.

I gotta tell you, the lead singer Bruce sounds flawless like you say, but don’t forget they’ve been doing this for 50 years now, absolute insanity from this band!!

The best Maiden song for you guys to vibe to is definitely Wasted Years. You’ll be singing along to the chorus by the end of the song!

The song itself is from a Poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Outstanding how Maiden incorporated it into an epic song.

Born in the 60s I grew up with Maiden when I was a teen. It’s an acquired taste. Very British and traditional. For a period I didn’t listen to them at all but at some point you go back and they grab you again, maybe partly because of the memories I have. As a fan of progressive music as well I really like their longer epic songs. Just try Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, my fav Maiden song. Great reaction, keep it honest and real.👍

Wow! I love your content! One of Maidens best songs. ❤😊

the part were he sings" now down it falls comes the rain" is one of the most powerful dramatic passage's i have ever heard. The build up to the rain just blows everything away the dramatics are un matched

The moment you mention his voice i looked down in the comments, and it doesnt look like anyone mentions that this is after his diagnosis, operation and recovery from throat cancer, his oratory and command in his voice is amazing still with everything its gone through

Up the Irons, Maiden fans. This song is so epic. The poem as interpreted by Maiden is one of the best. All of that audience are die hard Maiden fans. Many know this word for word. When you think about it, a lot of people learn a lot from this band. My boys learned history from many of their songs. This is literary and lyrical at the same time. Amazing song. Brucie sings at 11 for a long time. He is an excellent singer and you are right. The vocal style isn't for everyone. He sounds very strained during the performance probably because he's also performing and running all over the stage.

The best band ever full stop. Thank you guys for a great video. X

Just found this channel, Iron Maiden fan from way back to the early 80s. The fact that you guys can appreciate the musicianship and production and everything else about this music without actually the style being 'your thing' says a lot about you guys and that is why I am now following you. I'm a metal fan, but not exclusive to any other genre, man I'll listen to anything that makes me tap my fingers on the steering wheel of my car, sing along or just bloody enjoy it, well done guys this is a great source of entertainment and it's always a good thing to get outside opinions on everything in life, how good would the world be if it was filled with people like us eh

Love you guys But, if you give Maiden another chance try, "Wasted Years" it's a very easy song to listen to, I would consider it their most "Radio Friendly" single. Don't give up

These guys have always been just that good!

Thanks for showing this. We, Maiden fans, appreciate it!

Masterpiece of mind.

Fun fact: When they were recording the album they needed another song or two to fill the time so Steve Harris, the base player, went off and wrote this whole song in about half an hour.

Best metal band of all time bar none case closed! Best live band! Best vocalist. The list is ENDLESS. Plz come back to them.

I saw them perform Rime live in that same tour (2008). It's by far the best live song I've ever seen. Shame they don't play it more often.

I am so so glad to see you reactions with the videos. Adds a whole new level to the music.

I would've rather you guys do Aces High (my favorite song ever), or something like Brave New World.. but I think people wanted you to see the unusualness of Iron Maiden, which I think is the reason they didn't receive much airplay, but have such a cult following (my favorite band). Fun fact - They say this song was written in 20 mins. Thank you for the videos guys, I couldn't wait to get home to watch this, had to open it at work!

Masterpiece Of a Track From a Masterpiece Of an Album Powerslave.

Funny thing is that Iron Maiden was probably better in 2008 than in their prime in the 80's. Brucey is so tight indeed in this video. That song is such a masterpiece, I'd like to re-listen to it for the first time... I'm right now re-listening to the whole Iron Maiden discography. Is it so full of hits and deep cuts. So many things to say about it. Take a listening to To Tame a Land for instance. THAT BAND!

Number of the beast will always be my favorite Maiden song, hearing it for the first time on vinyl when I was 12 lol. I was like what dafuqqqq!!!

Bruce Dickenson has an amazing voice, Iron Maiden's live shows sound exactly like the studio recordings and their live shows are a production. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is based off of a poem of the same name by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Most of Iron Maiden's songs are a musical telling of History, myths, legends and literature. Not necessarily everyone's cup of tea, but good on you for recognizing the performance.

Don't give up on Maiden George, they do have playlist material for your tastes. Believe me.

This was a nice surprise! I’d seen your other two Maiden reactions, and knew you weren’t really into it, so I didn’t expect another one. They’ve been my favourite band since ‘83, so I appreciate that you (George) are able to appreciate what they do, even if it’s just not for you. While I’m a *huge* fan of Bruce’s vocals, I do think other comments have a point. You may appreciate something off their self-titled or Killers albums. They had a different singer, with a very different vocal style.

Good on you guys for picking this song! WOW! I was at this show for the Powerslave tour and it was SICK. A. F.!

I know y’all have done three iron maiden songs already, but it really would be worth going back and listening to some thing off the first two albums. It’s a very different sounding band: it’s much more raw and gritty. Killers or Wrathchild would be a great listen.

Revelations, Infinit dreams, The Clansman, Lord of light, Paschendale, The longest day, that's the kind of Iron Maiden songs that should be reacted more ))

I was a fan of thrash metal and other sub-genres for a long time before I got into Iron Maiden. I love 'em now, and an Iron Maiden concert is a rite of passage for any headbanger. But it's not unusual at all, in my experience, for metal fans to respect their talent, their achievements, and their impact on the bands that came after them, without actually enjoying a lot of their music. This particular song is basically a direct adaptation of the 1798 poem of the same name by English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, because Iron Maiden (especially Bruce Dickinson; although I think Steve Harris has writing credits on this song) are just a bunch of nerds like that (and I say that in a good way, as a huge nerd myself). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rime_of_the_Ancient_Mariner

I was at this show!!! My one friend was so drunk he slept through this whole song, but I was stoked they played it. Love what y'all do, and love your extra videos on Patreon.

When a band has 3 killer guitar players and they're All standing by each other in the middle of the stage trading off solos, they are not messing around.

Dudes, to really get to know Iron Maiden you guys have to attend and go to one of their concerts and be there with the crowd.

Fear of the Dark guys... u gotta do this one

I'm into Iron Maiden since I know for a music.Few dey's ago I took my 15yr old daughter on the Legacy of the beast tour in Belgrade. The concert was like no other in Iron maiden history and I'm their fan over 3 decades.

I've seen this band several times between 1984 (when they toured on the Powerslave album) and 2017. They are highly professional players. You get your money's worth.

This song is a F****NG masterpiece if there ever was one!

Maiden is awesome live. They had little press in America however Europe is different man.

You almost can’t be into metal without appreciating Iron Maiden on some level.

A retelling of "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Coldridge. We listened to it in English class when I was in high school after studying the original poll.

They are on tour now. You should get tickets. If you are impressed with the video, you have to see an entire show live. I go every time they are in the area. Going to the Newark NJ show in October.

Nothing beats being a teenager getting a new Iron Maiden album, putting it on blast and giving it a first listen

Major major talent at its highest level. Their are metal legends.

Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing

You guys are awesome. Not sure how you wound up in my feed but I'm glad you did. Love your chemistry. The "makes me wanna ride a horse" comment made me spit out my drink. Keep up the good work.

hands down, my favorite band of all time.. been a fan since the mid 80s