Iron Maiden in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; First Unitarian SongSpace Hosts Alice Howe and Freebo (Fri., 11/8/24)

1) Heavy metal gets no intellectual respect! The fans have been called headbangers. Many band members dress like preteens acting out macho-Goth fantasies, and the music itself often calls to mind the famous line about why heavy metal has to be played really loud: “Turn it down and you lose all the lack of nuance.” Ah, but Iron Maiden bucks the stereotypes. Despite being quite loud, the legendary English band trades in nuance, and even in intellect. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson has a university degree, writes novels, and for years hosted a BBC radio show. Bassist Steve Harris developed his own distinctive playing style, fusses over details of the band’s sound, and writes songs about historic and classical subjects. (“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is based on Coleridge’s 1798 poem, in which a sailor shoots a charmed albatross, bringing a deadly curse on his ship. Frontman Dickinson once introduced the song by saying “This is what not to do if a bird shits on you.”) Now—after 17 studio albums and many awards—Iron Maiden visits Pittsburgh on the band’s Future Past World Tour. Guest artists are Mongolian metal band The Hu. 7:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (M.V.)

2) Tonight’s Songwriter Showcase at SongSpace at First Unitarian Church is Alice Howe and Freebo. For more information visit the UU SongSpace website. 7:30 p.m. 605 Morewood Ave., Shadyside.

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