One of Northern Ireland’s best known string Quartets, a room full of Iron Maiden fans and magical re-interpretations of Maiden Classics in a former Court House in Bangor on a late summer evening. Might sound crazy, but it was magical!
The idea for the concert came from Arco String Quartet member and Iron Maiden fan, Rich Hawden. He lovingly and accurately transcribed the heavy metal classics for the quartet to play on stage to the delight of the sold-out crowd, along the way regaling the audience with his own humorous tales of his experiences of Iron Maiden’s music, including being thrown out of a Birmingham gig.
Opening with a blistering version of ‘Aces High’ the music and tone was quickly set for the evening. Other highlights included ‘Run to The Hills’, ‘Children of The Dammed’, ‘Hallowed by Thy Name’, ‘Iron Maiden’, ‘The Number of The Beast’ and ‘The Trooper’.
As string quartet audiences go, the dress code was definitely different. Iron Maiden and various other band T-shirts were in abundance alongside some Demin with some seriously stretched waistlines. Once the music started, the excited audience didn’t hold back in their appreciation of the musicians and the music, frequently breaking into song and bantering away.
Rich Hawden was clearly nervous about this project, but his love for the music and the skill of his fellow musicians took the music to a different level. Throw in a capacity audience who loved every minute of it and the show was a success. Fair play to The Open House festival for taking a chance on putting the show and proving that arts are indeed for all.