I bought this CD, and after hearing how bad the sound quality was on this live recording, I got rid of it. The argument about this being a live recording is paltry at best. Just because a band records a live album does not mean they should release bad sound quality. Anyone who knows anything about music knows that live recording is about the band performance, recording mix, and the final mastering done in the studio. I've heard audience recordings sound better than this mess released by Maiden. To coincide with Bruce Dickinson's final tour with Iron Maiden, the band issued two live recordings, A REAL LIVE DEAD ONE, and A REAL DEAD ONE. In fact, the two "Dead One" live releases have the worst sound quality of any released live recording by any band, and this is from a band that released "Maiden Japan" and "Live After Death." The band doesn't sound as inspired as it does on its previous live collections.
Bruce's voice is absolutely shot. His faltering screech which opens "Be Quick or Be Dead" is cringe-worthy, and a taste of things to come throughout the recording. And Janick's blaspheming of Adrian's classic solos deserves his immediate execution.
Not a pleasant listening experience, no matter how "hardcore" you consider your fanaticism toward Maiden to be. It's a shame, too, because the song list on Dead One was actually interesting. It would have been nice to really "hear" Where Eagles Dare, but unfortunately it's just a bunch of noise.
If I seem too angry, I'm sorry but I was expecting something good or at least normal.
