The Iron Maidens: Interview with Drummer Linda McDonald

The Iron Maidens are an all-female tribute to the music and live spectacle of Iron Maiden. Each band member took the time to answer a few questions about life in a tribute band, how the band came together and what they set out to accomplish in music.

Linda "Nikki McBurrain" McDonald drums for a number of original and tribute acts. She shares a few of her thoughts on pounding the skins for the Iron Maidens.

How was the band formed?

"Mostly through word-of-mouth. From my side, I was looking for a bass player for my original band at the time and scouted the bass player in a co-ed Maiden tribute. After talking, the tables were turned and I was asked to join the Maiden tribute, which was turning all-female. Sara (Marsh, guitarist) was already on board."

What would you say is the band's "mission statement"?

"Without a doubt, the mission of this project is to spread the love of and perform Iron Maiden's music."

What draws you to Iron Maiden's music?

"As a bass player, I'm drawn to music that has fun and challenging parts for bass so that's what drew me to Maiden initially."

What is more important in a tribute band, the perfect look or the perfect sound?

"In a good tribute band, the sound ALWAYS comes first, with the stage, clothing and signature moves of the members up next. It's about recreating the whole live show vibe of the original band."

How important are production values to your show?

"Very important, especially delivering the type of show that will match Iron Maiden's shows on a smaller stage. We have the devil, Grim Reaper, several Eddies and stage effects that will leave you in awe."

What is more difficult, performing in an original band or a tribute band?

"Well, performing in an original band allows you to express your own voice. People do not have a blueprint to compare your performance as they do with a tribute band. Tribute band audiences can be brutal if you don't perform or deliver the music properly, where you can't deliver your own music wrong because it is your own."

What is more important, approval from the fans or from the original band?

"Approval from the fans. They are the ones who want to hear this music live and they are the ones who will come see you perform when the original band is not around to play their town. We would be lucky if the real Maiden had any interest in seeing us perform, though I do know they know of us and I think they know we are not misrepresenting their material or their band."

What songs get the best crowd reaction?

"Run to The Hills" is always a crowd pleaser, as is "The Trooper "and "Wasted Years". Lately we have been playing "Alexander the Great" and they seem to go wild for it considering the real Maiden has never performed that song live and the Maiden fans are hungry for that one live!

What is your favorite song to perform? Why?

""Phantom of the Opera" and "Revelations" because they are such classics and a roller coaster of an emotional ride."

What are your favorite non-Iron Maiden records?

"Stuff by Pantera, Judas Priest, SOD, Static X, Steve Vai."

What is the most important part of a song?

"Aggression and vocal melodies and harmonies, guitar harmonies, and of course a slamming drummer doesn't ever hurt."

What was the first album or song that was important to you?

"Maiden Japan" was extremely important to me because it was the drumming on that album that made me decide to play the drums. Clive Burr is just on fire on that recording! In addition, "Fast as a Shark" by Accept really opened my eyes to the power of metal. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing the first time I heard that song."

What is the most common misconception about your band?

"That girls can't play Maiden, and that we are delicate little flowers of girls who can't hold our own."

Leather or spandex? Why?

"Spandex for performing in - Have you ever sweat in leather? Blegh! Leather for non-performance wear is just fine and preferred."

Where can we find more info about the band or any other projects?

"www.theironmaidens.com will tell you all you care to know about The Iron Maidens. My other projects can be found at: www.myspace.com/lindamcdonald, www.phantomblue.com, www.myspace.com/thelittledolls , www.thelittledolls.com, www.myspace.com/valleydollsrock."

This is another part of a five part interview with the members of The Iron Maidens. More information on the band is available at the www.ironmaidens.com or www.myspace.com/theironmaidens.