Broncos Load Up For Lombardi Run

Still hurting from their 43-8 Superbowl XLVIII defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, the Denver Broncos appear to be going all in on a final stampede towards a championship. The Broncos began snagging players left and right as the NFL's free agency period opened last Tuesday. They were able to ink ultra-talented corner Aquib Talib right out of the gate with players like T.J. Ward, Demarcus Ware, and Emmaunel Sanders following suit. On paper, it is easy to deduce that this will be the team to beat in the AFC once again, and likely the team to beat in the entire NFL. With Peyton Manning's future with the team uncertain, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen and VP of Football Operations John Elway are doing the right thing in trying to secure the franchise's first Superbowl since 1999.

Of course there are many fans and media pundits who are already making comparisons to the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles "super team" which failed to even make the playoffs that season, despite signing enough high-profile free agents to make Dan Snyder jealous. The difference however, is that this Denver team has Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, who just enjoyed his best statistical year as a pro at the age of 37. No disrespect to Michael Vick, but that Eagles team did not have near the pieces in its arsenal that the 2014 Broncos will have at their disposal. The team could certainly find itself in a disastrous salary cap situation in 2016, but no Broncos fan will be complaining about a few 4-12 seasons if they are able to add another Lombardi Trophy or two to the case. Clearly, the "Superbowl or bust" situation puts immense pressure on the Broncos front office and onto Manning himself, as leaving Denver without any hardware would have many labeling the final stage of his career as a failure.

Obviously, Denver won't be entering the 2014 season without some key talent losses of their own. There are a few key contributors from the 2012 season that could not be re-signed most notably receiver Eric Decker who recently signed with the Jets. Wesley Woodyard and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were two solid defensive starters who also found themselves going elsewhere, but these are not losses that are likely to impact a Superbowl run with the additions that the team has already made. The return of Von Miller from injury will also make a big impact on a defense that continued to improve a season ago even in his absence. Emmanuel Sanders will be a tremendous weapon playing opposite Demaryius Thomas, especially if Wes Welker is able to continue his effectiveness in the slot.

Another factor at play here is the current state of the Broncos Division, the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs were a playoff team a year ago, but a team that has lost key depth to free agency, meanwhile they have not been able to secure any pieces to help build a team that can compete with their rivals from Denver. Since Peyton Manning's arrival to the division, only the San Deigo Chargers own a victory over the Broncos. Phillip Rivers is coming off a very good season (shockingly) and it appears that they will be the only team with a chance to compete for a division crown. The Raiders are still trying to find their path under head coach Dennis Allen and have found themselves on the wrong end of several blowouts to Manning's two previous Denver teams.

No one earns a Superbowl trophy in March and the Denver Broncos will still have to prove themselves from September-February, but it is hard to argue with the potential of their immediate future. Teams like Kansas City and Oakland will likely have to stand back and wait for Manning to retire and for this talented roster to disband. The spotlight will be on Denver every Sunday and every game will be picked apart and every decision their front office made will be analyzed daily. In an era where players and front office personnel are placed under a microscope more than ever, it is important to recognize the fact that this franchise is clearly making every attempt possible to give their fans the ultimate prize.

Ranking the First 15 Wrestlemanias

We are almost a month away from the 30th edition of Wrestlemania; the grandest stage in all of sports entertainment. This years spectacle promises to feature many stars past and present, and with the 30th anniversary of this transcendent event approaching, I thought I would take a nostalgic look back through time and rank the first 15 Manias.

15. Wrestlemania XI (1995, Hardtford Civic Center, Hartford, CT). Many believe this to be the worst Wrestlemania of all time and I am inclined to agree. The show just did not feel "big" to me. The man event featured a retired football player (Lawrence Taylor) and a midcard wrestler (Bam Bam Bigelow) and the WWF Title Match was a bit of a disaster as Shawn Michaels and Disel were really not into the match from the get-go. The rest of the card was extremely poorly booked and forgettable. Wrestlemania XI also took place at the Hartford Civic Center which is hardly a venue that elicits images of grandeur and spectacle.

14. Wrestlemania IX (1993, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Nevada). The WWF really did a great job with the aesthetic aspects of this event. The ancient Rome theme looked awesome draped around a makeshift stadium at Caesars Palace. The problem is, the actual event did not deliver in the way they had planned. At the time, Hulk Hogan's WWF career was winding down and they were trying to push new stars. Bret Hart vs. Yokozuna was the evening's main event for the WWF Title. The problem is, Hogan wound up interjecting himself in this match after Hart was "cheated" out of a victory. Hogan attacked Yokozuna and actually won the WWF Title as the show went off the air. Just a really weird situation that never did feel right. It was definitely an awkward time for the company as you had veteran guys like Hogan, Beefcake etc hanging around and new stars trying to gain the spotlight.

13. Wrestlemania XV (1999, First Union Center, Philadelphia, PA). This Mania absolute wreaks of WWF Attitude era writing and wrestling. Honestly, it felt like an overblown episode of "Monday Night Raw" with most of the card being extremely forgettable (Bart Gunn vs. Butterbean in a boxing match anyone?) But the saving grace is certainly the title match between the Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin who were both red hot at the time. Austin re-gained his belt which probably saved this show.

12. Wrestlemania II (1986, Chiago, New York, Los Angeles). The second version of Wrestlemania was just as large of a gamble as the first one was the previous year. The WWF put this event on from three different locations and also provided the show on closed circuit television all over the U.S. The card had its moments including Chicago Bears legend William "The Refrigerator" Perry competing in a battle royal and Rowdy Roddy Piper fighting Mr. T in a boxing match. The main event featured Hulk Hogan vs. monster heel King Kong Bundy in a cage match which was solid if not somewhat unspectacular. Overall, this was quite a production for the WWF at the time and it set the standard for what was to come.

11. Wrestlemania XIII (1997, Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL). Wrestlemania XIII was all about one thing: Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin. This match would make "Stone Cold" a huge star despite passing out from blood loss in Hart's Sharpshooter. This was supposed to feature a re-match between Hart and Shawn Michaels, but Shawn did not want to lose to Bret so he fore-fitted the title. Sid Vicious vs. Undertaker would headline the card and Taker would win his second WWF Title on this night, but this show was all about Austin/Hart in the "I Quit" match.

10. Wrestlemania I (1985, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY). This was the event that started it all. WWF owner Vince McMahon gambled the future of his company to try to make the WWF a global phenomenon. He definitely succeeded with a star-studded show that featured many celebrities in addition to a loaded rosters of wrestlers. Liberace, Muhammad Ali, Billy Martin, and Cyndi Lauper all contributed their talents to help make this Wrestlemania a resounding success. Television star Mr. T wound up wrestling in the event as he teamed with Hulk Hogan to take on Rowdy Roddy Piper and Mr. Wonderful in the nights main event.

9. Wrestlemania XII (1996, Anaheim Pond, Anaheim, CA). Wrestlemania XII came at an odd time for the WWF. This was pre attitude era and the company was counting on a 60-minute Iron Man Match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels to sell this show. The idea was a huge success as many contend that the Iron Man Match was one of the greatest matches in wrestling history. The athleticism and in-ring-wizardry of Michaels and Hart was astounding during that match and helped establish both individuals as guys that could be counted on to carry the company into the future. HBK would win his first WWF Title on this night and would set himself up as "the guy" for the foreseeable future.

8. Wrestlemania IV (1988, Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, NJ). Wrestlemania IV featured a tournament to crown a new WWF Champion. This was the WWF's attempt at doing something different and trying to move away from Hogan as Champion as he was wanting to take some time off to film a movie. The tournament was a fun idea and the crowning of the "Macho Man" Randy Savage as the new champion was a big step for the company at the time. The atmosphere was not great as the Trump Plaza was filled with high rollers from Donald Trump's casino and the energy in the crowd suffered from that a bit.

 7. Wrestlemania X (1994, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY). This is the first post-Hogan Wrestlemania and the results wound up being tremendous. You had Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon tearing the house down during their ground-breaking ladder match and Bret Hart stealing the show with two unbelievable performances (including a loss to his brother Owen). This show helped catapult the WWF into the "new generation" which featured younger and more athletic stars.

6. Wrestlemania VIII (1992, Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, IN) This could easily have been the greatest Mania of all time but a huge botch on the WWF's part kept that from happening. Ric Flair had defected to the WWF in 1991 and was clearly on a collision course to take on Hulk Hogan for the title at Wrestlemania VIII. Unfortunatley, things wound up getting changed although we got a wonderful title match between Randy Savage and Flair. Hulk Hogan (billed as his final match...um nope!) wound up taking on Sid Justice in the headlining match which ended with the Ultimate Warrior returning to help Hogan fend off Justice and Papa Shango who had interfered causing the DQ. Overall, this is probably the final "golden era" Wrestlemania as many things would be changed by Wrestlemania IX.

5. Wrestlemania XIV (Fleet Center, Boston, MA). This event certainly helped usher in the "attitude era" of the World Wrestling Federation. Shawn Michaels was on his way out of the company due to injury and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was the hottest thing in the world at the time.Austin would leave Boston that night as a legendary force in sports entertainment after beating Shawn Michaels. Mike Tyson being involved in the main event was a huge catalyst in the WWF's popularity surge around this time. The Undertaker finally meeting his "brother" Kate one-on-one was a giant cherry on top to this tremendous card.

4. Wrestlemania VII (1991, Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA). The WWF decided to capitalize on the Gulf War which America was involved in at the time. Sgt. Slaughter was billed as an Iraqi sympathizer and it was up to the real American, Hulk Hogan to stop him and to re-gain the heavyweight championship. Slaughter may have been passed his prime, but the storyline was executed beautifully. Wrestlemania VII also featured the tremendous career ending match between The Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage. The Warrior emerged victorious, but the highlight of the match consisted of Savage being re-united with his former girlfriend Miss Elizabeth during one of the most emotional moments in WWE history.

3. Wrestlemania III (1987, Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, MI). There is no questioning that one match alone put 93,000 people in the Silverdome to help break the indoor attendance record. Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant clashing at Wrestlemania III is one of the most pivotal moments in wrestling history. Hogan slammed the giant and won the match which became a defining moment for the WWF as the company had reached a zenith by this time.

2. Wrestlemania V (1989, Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, NJ). In 1989 the Mega Powers did indeed explode! The Hogan and Savage storyline had been a year in the making and was beautifully told. Randy Savage became jealous of his manager Miss Elizabeth and Hulk Hogan's relationship and turned heel forcing a match with Hogan with the title on the line. The hype for this event was massive and the card was stacked. The Ultimate Warrior and Ravishing Rick Rude even had a solid match for the Intercontinental Title, but the Mega Powers would rule the day in the end. Hogan went on to re-gain his title with his theme music "Real American" playing in the background of the epic celebration.

1. Wrestlemania VI (1990, Skydome, Toronto, Canada). To me, this is the greatest wrestling extravaganza of all time! There is something about Wrestlemania VI that makes me feel so nostalgic that it's almost palpable. The build-up for Hogan vs. Warrior was unreal. The venue was perfect (68,000 people in the brand-new Skydome) and the crowd was split right down the middle on who they wanted to win. Something about this production just feels newer compared to the preceding Wrestlemanias. The graphics, lighting, crowd, atmosphere all felt really huge at the time. Of course the wrong person won the match as Warrior clearly was not ready to carry the torch as WWF Champion. Regardless, the ultimate challenge at Wrestlemania VI will certainly live on for eons to come.

Top 10 Essential 90's Movies

As a 30 year old, I have no choice but to look back at the decade of the 1990's with great nostalgia. Sure the music became darker and more alternative, but when you look back 20 years, you remember who you saw all these great movies with. Certainly, you remember the sleepovers and the awkward first early-teenage date that you went on with some of these classic films as the backdrop. So here we go, my top 10 essential films of the 1990's. These are films which mirrored the decade in which they were created, and when you view them today, you always say "oh that's so 90's..."


1.

Clueless (1995). There is no film that screams 90's quite like this. From the clothing styles, to the catch phrases, this is THE quintessential film of the decade. So much so that Alicia Silverstone's supporting young cast in this movie wound up playing high school students in films for the next 10 years after this. Now, nearly 20 years later I still find myself wondering what phrases like "cake boy," "monet," and "betty" actually mean, but we can all agree that we are all better people for having heard our friends belt out "as if!" during awkward situations as teenagers.








 2.

Scream (1996). There is no doubt that "Scream" singlehandedly rejuvenated the dying horror genre during the 90's. One of the first major motion pictures of its kind, "Scream" brought a self-aware almost parodical approach to the horror-slasher genre and brought back the nostalgic feel of past films such as "Halloween," "Nightmare on Elm Street," and "Friday the 13th." They also rolled out a very hip, good-looking (albeit a little old looking) cast that certainly added to the style of the movie. After "Scream," the copycats came in waves (I know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend, etc) but "Scream" will always be remembered for its lasting impression on slasher films.







3.

Pulp Fiction (1994).  Perhaps director Quentin Tarantino's finest hour,  "Pulp Ficton" may not have "1990's" written all over the plot, but this is a movie that EVERYONE was talking about upon its release, and a film that is still discussed at great length today. An amazing cast featuring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis etc, help make this intertwining- style plot work to perfection. 

  4.

American Pie (1999). No doubt the "Breakfast Club" of the 90's generation. This film became synonymous with raunchy teen comedies and featured a soundtrack of late 90's classics as a perfect backdrop for the story. When you have a movie that teenagers can relate to, then you have struck gold and "American Pie" did just that. What the 90's had been missing with regards to the teen genre, this film more than made up for during the decades final year. Phrases from this movie are still being used by people 15 years later (MILF anyone).

 5.

Billy Madison (1995)/Happy Gilmore (1996). It would be a shame to include one of these films without the other so here I list them as a package deal. Adam Sandler came at us with two of the best comedies of the decade and people well into their 30's are still quoting these classics. The random quirkiness of "Billy Madison" certainly left a lasting impact and the over-the-top style of "Happy Gilmore" suddenly made  everyone a fan of golf long before Tiger Woods entered our lives. Fans of Adam Sandler today, however,  may be shocked to find out that at one point he was churning out amazing comedies.







6.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). One of the best all around films of the decade, "Mrs. Doubtfire" was an instant classic upon its release in 1993 and remains one of Robin Williams finest moments as an actor. This film works as a tremendous comedy, but also as a good-hearted story that deals with the difficult issue of divorce and the effect it has on both the parents and children. The final dinner scene is just pure gold as Williams' character has to continuously go back and forth from being Mrs. Doubtfire to himself to appease the different guests he is at the restaurant with.









7.

Dumb and Dumber (1994). Possibly the essential comedy of all time, let alone the 90's. Actors Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels work perfectly together in this slapstick classic. A nice array of mid-90's alt rock, amazingly hilarious quotes and the backdrop of the beautiful Rocky Mountains helped make "Dumb and Dumber" the benchmark for all comedies that followed. And as far as a sequel goes..."So your tellin me there's a chance...YEAHHH!"

8.

The Crow (1994). The Crow is a very dark film, but is absolutely beautiful in its own right. Actor Brandon Lee played the tragic Eric Draven character to perfection and was unfortunately immortalized in the role as he was accidentally shot and killed during the making of the movie. "The Crow" makes this list because, it is not only an amazing film, but the soundtrack is pure 90's grunge rock. Stone Temple Pilots, The Cure, Pantera all help tell the tragic tale of the film and the cinematography and darkness of the picture certainly reminds you of the darker, more introspective rock music of the early 90's.










9.

Varsity Blues (1999). This would be MTV's version of the 1988 book "Friday Night Lights" which tells the true story of a Texas high school football team and the pressures that they face as young kids. "Varsity Blues" takes it in a more comedic direction and the cast make it work wonderfully. For many guys my age, this is exactly what you wanted your high school football life to look like. Intense games on the field, an entire town living and dying with every game and parties with hot chicks and pigs off the field. Oh and seriously what ever happened to James Van der Beek?











10.

Fear (1996). Possibly the biggest surprise on my list, but this film was a frequent view of mine during the mid-late 90's and encapsulates the decade as well as any movie made at that time. This movie may be a bit obscure especially considering the inclusion of Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon, but it is a great thriller/unintentional time period piece that should garnish more attention. Maybe it is the fact that it takes place in Seattle during the grunge era that really gives the movie its 90's feel, or possibly it is the inclusion of the two insanely popular songs by the band Bush (my goodness "Sixteen Stone" was a great album) but "Fear" will always be a tremendous representation of the 1990's.





Extremely honorable mentions: Independence Day, Can't Hardly Wait, Mighty Ducks 2, The Sandlot, Son-in-Law, Point Break, Terminator 2,American Beauty, Twister.

Charles Deserves MVP Consideration

He's likely not going to win the award, because no one is going to beat out Peyton Manning, but it is time Jamaal Charles started to receive some heavy accolades. His performance Sunday against the Oakland Raiders alone sets him apart as one of the great players in this league. His performance was legendary as he racked up 195 yards receiving and hauled in four touchdowns. He added another 20 yards and a score on the ground to help the Kansas Chiefs Chiefs clinch their first playoff birth since 2010. But the truth is, Charles has been the heart and soul for this Chiefs team all season, carrying a super-human like load this year for a Chiefs offense that has mostly struggled aside from his production.

Many football pundits may peg Charles as a simply a speed back due to his track history, but this season it is obvious that he has had to earn many yards the hard way. His body has held up astonishingly well despite touching the ball over 300 times with two games yet to go in the season. But it is not just his 1,181 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground that should be opening eyes, it's the fact that he leads all running backs in receiving by a wide margin. His 65 grabs and 655 yards have been extremely key for the Chiefs this year, as their down field passing game has struggled under weak-armed but efficient quarterback Alex Smith. Charles leads all Chiefs receivers in yards, catches and touchdowns and is Smith's go-to on his frequent check-down plays. His value to the Kansas City offense is immeasurable and it is terrifying to think what would become of that unit without Charles in the lineup.

There is no doubt that if a back like Adrian Peterson had the kind of day that Charles had Sunday at Oakland that there would have been talk of immediately ushering him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame without a seconds remorse. But, as it is, Charles remains under the radar and playing for the small-market Chiefs keeps him out of the limelight of the national media and his classy demeanor on and off the field keeps his name off of local headlines. But this season it is very important to recognize this great player and appreciate what his talent means for this upstart Kansas City Chiefs team who have fought back from a 2-14 season a year ago to sit currently tied with the best record in the AFC with the Denver Broncos. Charles has not merely played a role in this turnaround, he has flat out BEEN the turnaround. Peyton Manning is certainly the catalyst for the Denver Broncos sublime passing attack, and it is very hard to argue against Manning being the MVP of the NFL in 2013, but if there is a guy who deserves to go neck- in- neck with Manning, it is absolutely Jamaal Charles.

Mizzou Looks to Continue Dream Season

It was only four short months ago that Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel was the first name that most media pundits would utter when talking about the coaching "hot seat." His Tigers were coming off a lackluster first season in the Southeastern Conference as Mizzou failed to make a bowl game for the first time in eight years, their recruiting seemed to be flailing and fans were beginning to grumble. The team had to deal with a myriad of injuries including most of their starting offensive line and quartarback James Franklin who missed four games as a starter. It was clear that things were going to have to chance in 2013 for the Missouri program.

And now we sit here, on a cold week in December awaiting the 5th ranked Tigers first ever trip to the SEC Championship Game this Saturday when they battle the also surprising Auburn Tigers. The journey has been so gratifying for coach Pinkel and his group of resilient players. They were picked 6th in the SEC East and most thought that a bowl game would be a suitable goal. "We just want to keep battling," Pinkel stated emphatically. "I have a responsibility to the University of Missouri to build a great program that’s respected.” And respect is something that has come in large doses this year as the Tigers have marched to an impressive 11-1 record. It is undeniably fitting that a team that found it so hard to gain respect a year ago, has received it so glowingly only a year later.

If there is one player that has provided a metaphor for his teams' surprising success, it is running back Henry Josey. His 951 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns may lead the team, but it is undoubtedly his persistence and leadership that has made the biggest impact. Josey suffered a severe knee injury during the 2011 season and the early prognosis was not positive. After tearing his ACL, MCL, PCL and patella tendon, it was a very real possibility that Josey would never play football again. For a year and a half he rehabbed, strengthened and believed. "No one knows what he's had to go through and all the work he's gone through and his determination." Gary Pinkel said before the 2013 season even began. And determined Henry has been especially this past Saturday as his 57 yard touchdown run catapulted Missouri to a 28-21 win over Texas A&M which vaulted Mizzou into this weekend's SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.

So now we get to watch this Missouri team, which has dealt with so many emotional and physical ups and downs in the past two years play upstart Auburn for the championship of the most prestigious football conference on earth. An Auburn team that has seemed destined for greatness all season after rebounding from an 0-8 conference season in 2012. An Auburn team that just defeated its arch-rival Alabama on one of the most thrilling plays in the history of college football. And Missouri knows that they will have to look past the bravado and the large Georgia Dome stage to emerge victorious. A win on Saturday would give Mizzou the respect that they so richly desire and have fought so hard to obtain. But regardless of outcome, the Tigers have unquestionably opened the eyes of their own fan base as well as the nations.

Motley Crue 'Red Hot' in Miami

September 14th, 2014

Motley Crue's third show in the state of Oklahoma in as many days solidified the fact that the band is still capable of delivering a great rock show to a raucous crowd. An overflow crowd over over 10,000 invaded the outdoor amphitheater at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK on this night and never let up as the band torched through a barrage of nostalgic hits. Before the show, rock fans young (but mostly old) littered the small casino in anticipation of a great night of rock and roll debauchery; they would not be disappointed.

Before the Crue would grace the crowd with its 32-year-old presence, local rockers Hinder took the stage to a nice reception. It was clear that many in attendance were not aware the band's original singer (who no one seemed to know the name of) would not be fronting the band on this night. Regardless, the new-aged-rockers belted out a few hits such as "Lips of an Angel," to respectable cheers, although some of the older rockers started with chants of "Crue! Crue! Crue!" as Hinder's set wound down.

After an abnormally long break, Motley Crue's intro tape hit and the crowd revved to a frenzy. The opening bass chords of "Red Hot" and the emergence of the band's singer, Vince Neil sent cell phone cameras flying high overhead as well as roars of excitement. Neil was in very top form on this night, hitting high notes on songs like "Livewire" that he previously allowed the crowd to sing in his stead. The band really began hitting their stride during the three song stretch that included their 2008 hit "Saints of Los Angeles," "Too Young to Fall In Love," and "Same Ol' Situation." The large (and cramped) crowd seemed to grow louder after each song and even wildly cheered on guitarist Mick Mars' short solo.

Unusually missing from a night of typical Motley mayhem was Tommy Lee whom appeared to be relegated to a backup role during this show. His playing was intense and precise, although his kit was barely visible to most fans. He did not perform a solo, or indulge in any "look at me" behavior which usually accompanies any Crue concert. He did receive a huge pop when he emerged from his kit to play the opening chords of "Home Sweet Home" which never fails to sent a nostalgic rock crowd swaying with delight. The final song of the night would be "Kickstart My Heart" from their most successful album, "Dr. Feelgood." A tune that proved to be the final nail in the coffin of a tremendous showing by a band who's live show has been ridiculed in the past for various reasons. The end could very well be near for this band, who has survived everything from ex-wives and death to reality shows and lawsuits. But it is clear that the masses (including the 10,000 plus in Miami) still clamor for their presence.

Setlist

Red Hot

Wildside

Louder than Hell

Saints of LA

Too Young to Fall in Love

Same Ol' Situation

Looks that Kill

Don't Go Away Mad

Livewire

Shout at the Devil

MF of the Year

Too Fast for Love

Primal Scream

Dr. Feelgood

Girls Girls Girls

Home Sweet Home

Kickstart My Heart

Iron Maiden Go 'Aces High' in Kansas City

The last time legendary heavy metalers Iron Maiden rolled through the Kansas City area, they drew a measly 3,000 people in support of their "Brave New World" album in 2000. On September 7th, 2013, the band brought Megadeth and a ton of nostalgia with them as their "Maiden England" tour hit the Sprint Center on a lively Saturday evening. A crowd of over 12,000 packed the beautiful arena in downtown Kansas City, MO and witnessed Maiden's spectacle, which was a throwback to their 1988 tour by the same name.

It was clear from the opening chords of "Moonchild" that the crowd would be on board for the long haul as the thunderous applause nearly shook the building following the band's first song of the night. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson continued to urge the crowd to "Scream for me Kansas!" (despite the venue being on the Missouri side, a common mistake and one we will let slide especially from a foreigner), but the crowd never actually needed to be prompted as the band rolled through a rising set including songs from "Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son."

The star of the night was Dickinson, who is known as one of the great metal singers of all time and at age 55, was more than willing to run around the stage like a man 25 years his junior. His voiced soared over three guitars, bass and drums throughout the evening. The rest of the band were amazingly tight as well, especially during the 12 minute production "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son." All in all, it was a glorious night for metal as the band were cheered valiantly for their efforts following the song "Running Free," their final song of the show. As the members of Iron Maiden all head towards their 60's, there is no guarantee that the Kansas City area will ever catch a glimpse of these legends again, but for one night in September...the city was ruled by Eddie.

By Clint Switzer