Last night, Iron Maiden returned to Toronto with a vengeance, playing the Molson Amphitheatre with a vendetta to "wake the dead" (and the Backstreet Boys, should they be sleeping in a nearby hotel.)

But Maiden did much more than blow out concert-goers eardrums. Quite simply, they put on a show worthy of their status as rock gods.

Those of you who think of Iron Maiden as a cheesy, burned-out metal band from the '80s could use a slap in the face from Eddie. Their classic songs - creative, complex, and highly influential - are brought forth with power, precision, and (dare I say it), professionalism. The incredible skill of each band member is so finely honed that every note - even in the wild, complicated dual guitar solos - is executed perfectly, and matched with an equally tight display of antics and tricks.

Bruce Dickenson, of course, steals the show with his otherworldly vocals - they should make an Olymic sport of these vocal gymnastics, only he'd scoop up the gold, silver, and bronze everytime. His voice maintains its perfection even as he leaps across the multi-level stage with limitless energy. (And he does it all in leather pants. What more do you want?)

Other highlights include:
- When Bruce announced they would only be playing songs from their first four albums
- Bruce dressed up as British soldier for a song, waving a giant Union Jack with gusto
- The 15 year old boys in front of me, hugging each other out of sheer excitement, and the 4 year old boy making the bullshit/rock'n'roll symbol with his tiny fist, while propped up by his father's arms
- One guitarist's ensemble of black tights, big white running shoes, and Iron Maiden t-shirt
- A visit from Eddie (of course)
- The "fake plastic tit" thrown onto the stage that left Bruce speechless
- Bruce's polite interaction with the audience (refusing to say anything "rude"; reprimanding a front-rower for smoking pot; using cute expressions like "autumn time")

For those of you who missed the show, not to worry: they've promised us a prompt return. Our ears are already ringing in anticipation.

Photo courtesy of Yahoo Music