Did you see Kaedy's blog the other day?  It was an awesome retrospective on Led Zeppelin's 1st album, released in 1969 and the reaction that some critics had to this AMAZING record.   I'm younger than Kaedy and although don't remember when it was released, I do remember the impact it had on me the 1st time I heard it front to back.  Now listen, I'm not here to steal her thunder because, well - her blog was written so well and the memory for so many people is so dear to them - instead - I'm going to time travel 1983 - some 14 years later.

I believe it was 1983 the first time I heard an Iron Maiden record.  I know, I know - they have NOTHING on Led Zeppelin but I bring it up because it was just announced that they are coming to Atlanta on June 23rd.  It's been 25 years since I've seen Maiden in concert and I will be honest - I feel like a high school kid all over again - excited to go to one of my first HEAVY METAL shows.  The stage show, the ear ringing sound levels....EDDIE!!! 

Run to the Hills, The Number of the Beast, Flight of Icarus, The Trooper, 22 Acacia Ave, Aces High - Okay - so they aren't "You Shook Me" or "Dazed and Confused" but as Led Zeppelin MADE heavy metal into a realistic genre - without them, there might not be an Iron Maiden and without Iron Maiden - this high school kid jonesing for a Metal show might just be a 40 year old guy dreaming of the past!   LONG LIVE METAL    \m/