Iron Maiden frontman and Ed Force One pilot Bruce Dickinson opens the show Friday at the BOK Center.

For the first time in approximately 30 years, Iron Maiden returned to Tulsa much to the delight of legions of their loyal fans.  Although their show was at the BOK Center on Friday night, make no mistake, Iron Maiden owned the last weekend in February in Tulsa, beginning Thursday when the band’s plane, Ed Force One touched down at Tulsa International Airport, greeted by  hundreds of fans just wanting to see the landing.

Their arrival was covered by local media – beyond entertainment media.  Many fans were also at the airport Saturday afternoon to see the plane take off, heading to Las Vegas for the next stop on the band’s “Book of Souls” world tour.

Yes, Tulsans really follow Iron Maden.

Guitarist Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden performs during the group’s “Book of Souls” tour stop at the BOK Center

Friday night, the legendary metal band blew the roof off the BOK Center, opening their highly anticipated concert with “If Eternity Should Fail” from their latest album.

Lead singer and Ed Force One pilot Bruce Dickinson appeared first, standing above a smoking cauldron, delivering the opening lyrics before joining the rest of the band on the stage.  Any concerns regarding Dickinson’s voice following his treatment for cancer were quickly alleviated.  His voice was crisp, clear and as powerful as ever.  Dickinson is masterful in knowing how to immediately grab the attention of the group’s audience and keep them in the palm of his hand for the duration of the show.  When he tells the crowd to “Scream for me” the crowd responds with much fervor.

Guitarists Dave Murray, Janick Gers and Adrian Smith all displayed their amazing talents, whether they were all playing together or showcasing their skills individually with powerful riffs on solos.

Dave Murray, guitarist for Iron Maiden performs Friday night at the BOK Center in Tulsa

Bass player Steve Harris and drummer Nicko McBrain were equally impressive.

Tulsa was the second stop on this tour and they expertly blended songs from “Book of Souls” with many of their older classics such as “Children of the Damned” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name.” Maiden brought the evening to a close performing “The Number of the Beast,” “Blood Brothers,” which is Harris’s tribute to his late father and “Wasted Years.”

Iron Maiden’s Tulsa stop was slick and polished from beginning to end and the prevailing theme from the throng exiting the BOK Center was that Maiden would soon return and hoping it wouldn’t be another 30 years.

Photos and story by Greg Duke, Tulsa Today.