On September 16, 2025, Bruce Dickinson brought his highly anticipated Mandrake Project Tour to the History Night Club in Toronto, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This marked Bruce’s first solo project in years, and he did not disappoint.
Hometown heroes Crown Lands made a remarkable impression as the direct support for Bruce Dickinson, showcasing their undeniable talent and captivating stage presence. This dynamic duo, consisting of vocalist/drummer Cody Bowles and guitarist/bassist/keyboardist Kevin Comeau, brought an electrifying energy to the venue that left fans buzzing long after the last note.
With prog-rock influences that evoke the spirit of legends like Rush, Crown Lands crafts music and lyrics deeply inspired by Indigenous resistance to colonialism. Their sound is both broad and heavy, creating an immersive experience that belies their two-piece setup. If you closed your eyes during their performance, you would swear there were four musicians on stage, each note resonating with power and precision.
The crowd was undeniably engaged, reveling in every moment of Crown Lands‘ set. It was clear they were not just performing; they were sharing a piece of themselves with the audience. The joy radiating from both Bowles and Comeau was infectious, making it impossible not to be swept up in their passion for music. Crown Lands is undoubtedly a great band all around, one that deserves your attention as they continue to rise in prominence within the music scene.
Despite the venue not reaching full capacity, a real shame considering how remarkable this show was. Bruce delivered one of the best performances of the year. A master storyteller at heart, he captivated the audience by sharing anecdotes before many songs, drawing everyone into his world. After nearly five decades in the music scene, Bruce’s voice sounded album-quality live; it literally blew me away. There were no pitch-shifting tricks or vocal filters, just pure talent shining through with incredible intonation and pitch that had him hitting high notes like a young lad from the ’80s.
Backed by his “House Band From Hell,” a stellar ensemble of hand-picked musicians from around the globe, including Philip Naslund and Chris Declercq on guitars, Dave Moreno on drums, Mistheria on keyboards, and Tanya O’Callaghan on bass. The entire band showcased their individual skills without missing a beat; their camaraderie was palpable and infectious.
Bruce’s iconic catchphrase “Scream for me Toronto!” ignited an electric atmosphere among fans who were eager to sing along. The track Book of Thel had everyone jumping in unison.
The show included two Iron Maiden classics: Flash of the Blade and an electrifying rendition of Revelations, reminding fans why they fell in love with his music decades ago. As an Iron Maiden fan since the ’80s myself, I can confidently say that Bruce never ceases to amaze with his powerhouse talent.
The set list for the evening was nothing short of spectacular, comprising 16 captivating songs and an electrifying drum solo. Among the highlights were iconic tracks like Accident of Birth and Chemical Wedding, which showcased the band’s unmatched artistry and powerful performances. Resurrection Men resonated deeply with fans, while Road to Hell brought an exhilarating energy to the stage.
Adding a unique twist to the night, a cover of Edgar Winter’s classic Frankenstein had everyone on their feet, proving that this band can not only deliver their hits but also breathe new life into beloved classics. Each song was expertly crafted into a memorable experience, making it clear that this performance was one for the books. If you missed it, you truly missed out on an unforgettable musical journey!
All photos by Sue Hebert Sadzak
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