Iron Maiden's road to Download
An exclusive insight into Iron Maiden's Book of Souls Tour, brought to you by Paul Anthony.
There's AAA passes, and then there's the PA AAA pass! Paul Anthony has been given unprecedented access to Iron Maiden's Book of Souls World Tour, and has joined the band as they play both their Download Paris and UK headline slots.
Paul set off after his show on Friday...
> On @Eurostar en-route to #DownloadParis to catch up with @IronMaiden due to arrive at Paris Nord in 45 mins @PaulAnthonyRock > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 10, 2016
He arrived backstage, and headed to "All things Iron Maiden"!
> We've arrived onsite at #DownloadParis @PaulAnthonyRock pic.twitter.com/Tz6iC6BNkS > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 10, 2016
Where he had a bewildering array of passes to choose from...
> Hmmmm, now which Pass to use at #DownloadParis @PaulAnthonyRock pic.twitter.com/jq0uISuVcZ > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 10, 2016
He popped to see The Ravenage, featuring Steve Harris' son George Harris, playing a blinder!
> Day 1 at #DownloadParis with @theravenage killin' it @PaulAnthonyRock pic.twitter.com/IdGFaCOemd > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 10, 2016
> Here's a message from Arry ahead of @DownloadFest on Sun @PaulAnthonyRock pic.twitter.com/LuHWgmWen4 > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 10, 2016
Paul also caught up with the rest of the guys, prior to the gig, before heading to the sound desk to watch them rip it up on the main stage!
The next morning, Paul headed to the airport to board Ed Force One for the flight to Donington.
And was clearly very excited about the trip!
Although, he may have gone to the wrong gate...
> I think I may have got on the wrong plane !! #EdForceOne @IronMaiden @PaulAnthonyRock pic.twitter.com/BJ35kdLmBC > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 11, 2016
Thankfully, Paul found the real Ed Force One pretty soon after!
> The time has arrived #EdForceOne @IronMaiden @PaulAnthonyRock pic.twitter.com/vWoXCxp0nR > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 11, 2016
Once on-board, Paul was treated to some in-flight food - complete with custom Iron Maiden accessories, of course!
Despite the gloomy conditions over Donington, Bruce made a perfect landing at East Midlands Airport, next-door to the festival.
After landing, Paul managed to grab a quick word with the pilot...
> Just interviewing @IronMaiden's Bruce Dickinson in the cockpit of #EdForceOne @PaulAnthonyRock pic.twitter.com/JYMKCHJmBO > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 11, 2016
You can hear the full interview with Bruce, in the cockpit here:
Finally, after an incredible couple of days on the road with metal's biggest tour, Paul finally made it to Download!
> Fresh off @IronMaiden's #EdForceOne, @PaulAnthonyRock has arrived at @DownloadFest! #DL2016https://t.co/zoPbnnRsKt pic.twitter.com/Xu824VH3ZS > > — Planet Rock (@PlanetRockRadio) June 11, 2016