Bowled over by Iron Maiden

How curious then that a line-up stable since 1999 should suddenly take their collective eye off the ball and spend 2005 playing tracks only from their first four albums.

Still, in a benefit concert for former drummer Clive Burr, a multiple sclerosis sufferer now confined to a wheelchair and introduced to the crowd before the encore, the band with three lead guitarists and a bassist who behaves like a fourth still packed a ferocious punch.

They also had a certain dignity. Not only did they refuse to allow themselves to be further dragged into a public spat with Sharon Osbourne over their Ozzfest dates last month (at their final appearance in San Fernando, Maiden were pelted with eggs by Ozzy Osbourne's entourage and their sound was sabotaged), but when the very word "America" was booed, singer Bruce Dickinson ordered the crowd to desist.

While the history lesson served to remind that Iron Maiden have evolved more than they have been given credit for, they leapt aboard the old material with manly but joyful gusto.

Dave Murray's guitar riff which opens Run to the Hills was as startlingly magnificent as ever, while Phantom of the Opera, all fist-shaking choruses, multiple guitar solos and a tune so whistleable it was used in a Lucozade advertisement, bounded along like an eager puppy.

Meanwhile, the tongue-twisting Where Eagles Dare began with a mock bombing raid (the sound Iron Maiden have always attempted to emulate) and Sanctuary, Hallowed Be Thy Name and Remember Tomorrow were ludicrously enjoyable heavy metal panto.

After the encore the rest of the band hung around on stage playing football like the kids they will always be, as Dickinson announced Iron Maiden may not appear again until 2007, by which time they should have a new album to showcase. No prizes for guessing what it will sound like. National treasure status is long overdue.

Iron Maiden