Megadeth + Iron Maiden Take Over Mystic Lake Amphitheater
Drizzly the last few days here in Minnesota. But as everyone will echo back to you upon utterance of those words, we needed it.
Wasn’t too bad driving down to Shakopee, the little bit of rain slowly stopped just as I got into town. Popped into Muddy Cow for a burger and pint, pretty busy since it is just a few blocks away from the amphitheater. Made my way over to the general parking about an hour before Megadeath was set to go on. They have oodles of free parking, but it is somewhat confusing. Just follow the signs for “General” if you did not book the premiere for extra clams. Maybe I will do that for a show sometime but even with a few thousand metal heads searching for a spot in unison, secured mine fast. Just a 7 minute walk to the main gates, made my way up the winding concrete path inside.
Merch lines were bustling. Since this tour has been touted as Megadeth’s last hoorah, makes sense. Shirts were $50, which was surprising (in a good way). Lots of big names have been going to $60 plus. Nice to see a somewhat reasonable price point. Also Iron Maiden always has a plethora of wares to be offered, this time including key holders, gym bags, and even a $20 koozie. Didn’t get a koozie, but snagged an Iron Maiden Trooper IPA by Lagunitas. Very refreshing and citrus-forward, was hoping they would have it at the bar for purchase. Though a bit spendy, the amphitheater has a ton of beverage and food options. Didn’t snag a value beer this go, but they do have $5 can options at some of the counters (this night was Bud Light as the option.)
Going on a few minutes early, Megadeth came to shred and launched right away into “Tipping Point.” It’s been a minute since seeing Dave Mustaine on stage, those luscious strawberry locks swirling around him as he played with full enthusiasm was just as epic as it has always been. Going through what he has is mindboggling. Decades of fronting one of the world’s biggest metal bands, then in 2019 being diagnosed with throat cancer, beating that, and coming back to tour the world again. Their sound was beefy and satisfying. Crisp and clean, the precision of their music requires that. Mustaine found a gem of a guitar player in Teemu Mantysaari. Joining the band in 2023, he flawlessly handled his lead duties. One of the better guitar players I’ve seen live. Some song highlights for me were “Wake up Dead”, “Tornado of Souls” and of course “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”.
Megadeth’s set ended on kind of a sad note as Mustaine took to the microphone and confirmed that despite making it through his cancer fight, he is dealing with a degenerative hand condition that contributed to this being Megadeth’s farewell run. The farewell run looks like it could last up to three years. Fingers crossed they come back to Minnesota before that is over. Fingers even more crossed at a slightly smaller venue to get a more intimate experience with the band. Nothing quite like seeing that caliber of a band in a medium or small club.
Wasn’t too long between opening support and the headliner, but gave you enough time to squeak in a bathroom break and beer score. Mystic Lake Amp has plenty of restrooms, but was a slight line outside the men’s this time, sorry boys. Hearing cheers from inside the main venue space, the lights dimmed low signaling Iron Maiden was soon to launch us into the next badass portion of our night.
After UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” played over the PA system, a cool video intro brought us through dimly lit streets that could have been out of London itself. Iron Maiden is always on point with their themes. Then the legends took the stage to a sold out crowd. 19,000 for the amphitheater. Being in section 200 of the venue, couldn’t stop myself from turning around and looking at the mass of people that filled the void behind me. Very cool. I feel like it is said every time Iron Maiden plays but I’ll repeat it. The fact that these guys who are all a year or two away from 70 years old still play with the fervor and energy they do is something that cannot be explained. Bruce Dickinson spent the evening running around and climbing the levels of the stage better than a lot of 20 year olds would. Iron Maiden played a lot of older tunes which you could tell a lot of the old school lifer fans in the audience enjoyed. Iron Maiden created an adventure during their set, displaying different thematic videos on the massive screen behind the stage that paired up with whatever song was being played at the time. Combine that with some pyro and Bruce’s various wardrobe changes, it made for a very entertaining time. You could sense the communal enjoyment being had by everyone. It wouldn’t be a Maiden show without some appearances from the iconic “Eddie”.
“Rime of the Ancient Mariner” was a standout. The band of course hit on the classics… “The Trooper”, “Powerslave”, “2 Minutes to Midnight” and “Number of the Beast” along with several others. A three song encore finished up with “Wasted Years”.
Bruce spoke about how on this night they were supposed to be in Fresno, CA. College football took priority and Maiden ended up in Shakopee. Some things just work out in your favor. Sucks to be Fresno!
