I'm just a bit older and a huge Maiden fan too. They just came through my town, and I agonized if I should go see them, as I've wanted to since I was like 13 but never have. They would be the one band I want to see. My 9 year old daughter is actually a fan too but only likes a few songs. Driving over two hours to bring the whole family, find parking, etc, the $$$ for not so great tickets, just didn't seem worth it. We actually spent time on youtube watching videos from the show, and it's like, well I'd maybe even rather just watch footage than be there to some extent. I have a terrible memory, so I can hardly even remember anything from any concert I went to anyway.
Anyway, I made a choice recently that I'm just not interested in going to any more Arena rock shows. As you say, too many hordes of idiots. From here on in I'll see acts I like in smaller more intimate venues. I really can't stand Blaze and I think Janick is a bit of a goofball, but I would have rather seen Maiden in a club in that form than go to an arena show. I'm kind of hoping in 5 years or whatever they will become "uncool" again and I might be able to see them in a smaller venue. I seriously doubt that they would even bother doing that again though.
One show that did play in a smaller venue in my area recently was B.B. King. I regret not getting out to that one (I was a bit busy and stressed), not sure he'll be able to make it back.
Anyway, hope you enjoy the show.
