For the first time in history, Iron Maiden performed their legendary composition “Alexander the Great” live on stage – a tribute to the Greek king and great commander.
This performance took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia on Sunday May 28th, where Iron Maiden opened their 2023 “The Future Past” tour.
Alexander The Great#IronMaiden #TheFuturePastTour pic.twitter.com/9GtDhKyJnC
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) May 28, 2023
It took 37 years for Iron Maiden to fulfill the age-old wish of their fans around the world and play their legendary track “Alexander the Great” live on stage for the first time. This was reportedly a big surprise at the start of their new tour.
The rock “anthem”, a tribute to the legendary Greek kinfu Aude Macedonia, was released in 1986 on the album “Somewher in Time” and was originally 8:35 minutes long.
The poem tells about the conquests of Alexander the Great, his victory over the Persians, the founding of Alexandria and his death, emphasizing his courage, courage and ambition, which led him to create a historical legacy that has survived to this day.
The reason why the band never performed this song live remained a big mystery for decades. In fact, when asked publicly, various excuses have been given, such as what Bruce Dickinson said a few years ago: Adrian Smith doesn’t remember the guitar solo!
Anyway, the time has come, and “Alexander the Great” is finally played live by the famous heavy metal band, causing great delight among those who attended the concert and enjoyed it.
It is unknown if Iron Maiden will perform this song on all of their scheduled shows. However, it is known that the Greeks will not hear it live, since Greece is not included in the “The Future Past” tour.
Iron Maiden – Alexander The Great Lyrics SongMeanings
for that which I leave is too small for thee“
(King Philip of Macedonia – 339 BC)
near to the east
In a part of ancient Greece
In an ancient land called Macedonia
was born a son
To Philip of Macedon
The legend his name was Alexander
At the age of nineteen
He became the Macedon king
And he swore to free all of Asia minor
By the Aegian Sea
In 334 BC
He utterly beat the armies of Persia
Alexander the Great
His name struck fear into hearts of men
Alexander the Great
Became a legend ‘mongst mortal men
King Darius the third
Defeated fled Persia
The Scythians fell by the river Jaxartes
Then Egypt fell to the Macedon King as well
And he established the city called alexandria
By the Tigris river
He met King Darius again
And crushed him again in the battle of Arbela
Entering Babylon and Susa, treasures he found
Took Persepolis the capital of Persia
Alexander the Great
His name struck fear into hearts of men
Alexander the Great
Became a God among mortal men
A Phrygian King had bound a chariot yoke
And Alexander cut the”Gordian knot“
And legend said that who untied the knot
He would become the master of Asia
Helonism he spread far and wide
The Macedonian learned mind
Their culture was a Western way of life
He paved the way for Christianity
Marching on, marching on
The battle weary marching side by side
Alexander’s army line by line
They wouldn’t follow him to India
Tired of combat, pain and the glory
Alexander the Great
His name struck fear into hearts of men
Alexander the Great
He died of fever in Babylon
Translation into Russian:
“Seek, my son, another kingdom for yourself,
For what I leave is too little for you!”
(King Philip II of Macedon, 339 BC)2
Close to the east
Part of Ancient Greece
In an ancient country called Macedonia,
At Philip of Macedon
A son was born
According to legend, named Alexander.
At the age of nineteen
He became the ruler of Macedonia
And he swore to free all of Asia Minor.
By the Aegean
In 334 BC
He to smithereens defeated the army of the Persians3.
Alexander the Great,
His name struck fear into the hearts of the people.
Alexander the Great,
He became a legend among mortals.
King Darius III
Was defeated and fled from Persia;
The Scythians fell near the Jaxarth River4;
Then Egypt also submitted to the Macedonian king,
Where he founded the city of Alexandria.
By the Tigris River
He met Darius again
And once again crushed him at the battle of Arbella5.
Entering Babylon and Susa, he found treasures
And captured Persepolis, the capital of Persia.
Alexander the Great,
His name struck fear into the hearts of the people.
Alexander the Great,
He became a god to mortals.
The Phrygian king tied the yoke of the wagon,
And Alexander cut the Gordian knot6.
Legend has it that whoever untied it,
Become the ruler of all Asia.
He spread Hellenism everywhere,
Science developed in Macedonia:
Taking a course in the Western way of life,
He paved the way for Christianity.
On the march, on the march…
Exhausted soldiers walk side by side
Numerous ranks of Alexander’s army.
They didn’t follow him to India,
Tired of battles, pain and glory.
Alexander the Great,
His name struck fear into the hearts of the people.
Alexander the Great,
He died of a fever in Babylon.
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