Tribute acts seem to fall into two categories. Either they strive to be an exact replica of the original or they concentrate on the music and let their instrumental virtuosity do the talking. By default, The Iron Maidens fall into the latter category. An all-female quartet dedicated to re-creating the heavy-metal thunder of British rockers Iron Maiden, the group concentrates on getting both the guitar licks and the energy just right.
Though such a group has the potential to be seen as a gimmick, anyone who has experienced The Iron Maidens live can attest to the power of their performances. While the group eschews replicating their heroes’ exact look, each member has taken her namesake’s stage prowess to heart.
Featuring a line-up of Aja “Bruce Chickinson” Kim on vocals, Linda “Nikki McBURRain” McDonald on drums, Heather “Adrienne Smith” Baker and Sara “MiniMurray” Marsh on guitars and Wanda “Steph Harris” Ortiz on bass, the band performs at Cane’s on Dec. 29.
The musicians on stage may not look like the members of Iron Maiden, but much of the stage show is similar. A concert from the group includes over-the-top special effects, including visits from such characters as the grim reaper, the devil and even Iron Maiden’s ghoulish mascot, “Eddie.”
The quintet first began playing shows in 2001 and quickly started earning accolades. Since their inception, the group has scored trophies at numerous events including The Rock City News Awards, The LA Music Awards and The All Access Magazine Award Show, to name a few.
Perhaps surprisingly, considering heavy metal is a male dominated genre, the Iron Maidens have been embraced by rock fans worldwide. While they don’t play arenas on their own, their growing fanbase has ensured they are regulars at midsize venues nationwide, no small feat for a band that is essentially playing covers.
The Iron Maidens’ quest for sonic authenticity hasn’t gone unnoticed by their namesake group. Members of Iron Maiden have stopped in for visits with the band, taking time for photo ops and to praise the project. High praise for their musical chops can be ascertained by the fact that drummer Nicko McBrain has even sat in with them.
Playing a mix of hits and deep album tracks the group keeps both casual fans and die-hards happy. “I don’t mind if tribute bands don’t have the look, but they’ve got to have the chops,” said local session drummer Todd Woolsey (Tommy Tutone, Static Halo). The idea of an all-girl tribute band appeals to him. “It’s so different from the original group on most levels,” he commented. “There is a bit of a novelty aspect to the whole thing. But all that goes away when the songs are playing with passion and conviction.”
Mark DeCerbo, guitarist with San Diego’s top covers act Rockola, concurs. “The key to winning over a crowd is to play the songs with the same heart that the originals do,” he commented. “People forget that we, as a covers act, can play the same songs over and over. So it’s important that the same energy level be kept whether it’s the tenth time you’ve played a tune or the 100th.” According to DeCerbo, audiences can tell the difference. “Especially with tribute acts, the die-hard fans come out in droves and they expect everything to be just right. And they’ll let you know when it isn’t,” he laughed.
While concert ticket prices continue reaching all-time highs and major bands touring less as they grow older, tribute acts like the Iron Maidens become the next best thing. With their ability to re-create the sounds and attitudes of their musical heroes, the group will impress anyone who’s ever had the slightest inclination to “bang their heads.”
The Iron Maidens perform at Cane’s, 3105 Ocean Front Walk, Saturday, Dec. 29, at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10. 21 and up.
For more information visit www.canesbarandgrill.com.