BRUCE DICKINSON Montreal, Canada MTELUS: Show Review & Photos: Sept 18, 2025 by THE METAL VOICE

The Metal Voice
Sep 19, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Bruce Dickinson continues his North American solo tour in almost 30 years in support of his current studio album, "The Mandrake Project".

Bruce Dickinson Live in Montreal – MTELUS, September 18, 2025

Review & Photos by Jimmy Kay: The Metal Voice

It’s been a long time coming. The last time Bruce Dickinson performed with his solo band in Montreal was on August 2, 1990, during the Tattooed Millionaire tour. Decades have passed, the musical landscape has evolved, but the fan enthusiasm? It’s only grown stronger.

9 PM sharp, audio clips from the TV show 'The Invaders' kicked things off and the crowd erupted as Bruce and his band charged onto the stage. This wasn’t Bruce with Iron Maiden in massive arenas or stadiums—this was Bruce solo, in a theater and the intimacy of the venue only intensified the fan connection.

The show kicked off with three classic solo tracks, delivered with precision and passion. The band was on fire, and the audience was jumping up and down with horns up!

"Big note here" Bruce addressed the Montreal crowd, in French, throughout most of the night. Not only is he a pilot, fencer, singer, author but he can speak French, quite well.

For the fourth song, Bruce fearlessly introduced new material off his latest album, THE MANDRAKE PROJECT 'Shadow of the Gods' . The track slowed the pace but ended with upbeat chugs and a groovy rhythm that had heads bobbing throughout the venue.

Tanya O'Callaghan (bass)-Photo by Jimmy Kay

Then came a kind of a leaked surprise (that we knew): an Iron Maiden cover of 'Flash of the Blade', which sent the crowd into a Maiden frenzy.

Bruce followed it up with Resurrection Men and Rain on the Graves from his solo catalog—both received with roaring approval. But for me 'Resurrection Man' may have been the true highlight of the evening as it showcased Bruce's upbeat Doom songwriting skills. Only one miss last night was the absence of Roy Z (guitarist, producer) who produced Bruce's last album and co-wrote material throughout Bruce's solo career.

Bruce's band’s talent was undeniable, especially during a standout drum solo and a blistering instrumental cover of Johnny Winter’s Frankenstein.

Mistheria (keyboards -Photo by Jimmy Kay

The setlist was a masterful blend of old favorites, fresh releases, and a nod to Maiden. The final stretch featured six more solo tracks, showcasing the depth of Bruce’s catalog and the enduring power of his voice and stage flip flopping presence.

Philip Näslund and guitarist Chris Declercq - Photo by Jimmy Kay

Bottom line: Bruce Dickinson can do no wrong and in some ways watching Bruce's performance was quite refreshing in comparison to watching him perform with Iron Maiden, maybe cause it's been a long time coning. His energy was electric, his vocals spot-on and the connection with fans—unforgettable. PERFECT NIGHT.

Joining the IRON MAIDEN singer on "The Mandrake Project Live 2025" North American tour is once again his 2024 backing band, featuring Dave Moreno (drums),Mistheria (keyboards) and Tanya O'Callaghan (bass),alongside the group's latest additions, Swedish guitarist, songwriter and multi-platinum-credited producer Philip Näslund and Swiss session and touring guitarist Chris Declercq (who played on Dickinson's "Rain On The Graves" single).