Metallica, Iron Maiden and Slayer fans can bang their heads to some of the heaviest songs during a night of metal in Joliet.
WRXQ-FM (100.7) aka Q Rock and FM Entertainment present Blackened, Maiden Chicago and Reign in Blood on Jan. 21 at Joliet’s The Forge.
“All three bands are gonna obliterate everything so show up early,” said Taran de Pablos, vocalist for Iron Maiden tribute Maiden Chicago.
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He added that Slayer tribute Reign in Blood is playing one of its first shows while Metallica tribute Blackened is a well-established group, which Maiden Chicago has performed with at venues including Durty Nellie’s in Palatine, House of Blues Chicago and Merrionette Park’s 115 Bourbon Street.
Maiden Chicago has played at The Forge once or twice a year since 2017.
“We love playing there,” said De Pablos of North Riverside.
“It’s a great stage to (do) the full show with all the banners. We can put all the lights, smoke, big backdrops and the Iron Maiden mascot.”
Maiden Chicago formed in 2010 and De Pablos joined in 2017, replacing Bill Swanson, who had invited the Spain native to take over as singer.
The current lineup includes guitarists Al Contreras of Frankfort and Vic Sabal of Downers Grove, bassist Gary Ingram of Orland Park and drummer Dan Driskill of Bourbonnais.
“We play a lot of the Iron Maiden classics that everybody knows — ‘The Trooper,’ ‘Run to the Hills,’ ‘Wasted Years,’ ‘The Number of the Beast,'” De Pablos said.
“Then we always throw some good three or four deep cuts that actual Maiden fans know but maybe the general public doesn’t. We don’t like to reveal the names of those songs before the show because it ruins the surprise.
“We are big fans of the band and that’s why we try to learn as many songs as we can.”
De Pablos cited “Children of the Damned” as one of his favorite Iron Maiden songs to perform live.
“It showcases the vocals quite a bit. The verses are mellow and the choruses are very explosive. You can really hear the nuances of the voice,” he said.
De Pablos, whose day job is teaching at Cicero District 99’s Cicero West Elementary School, was approximately 10 years old when he discovered Iron Maiden.
“I remember being at the supermarket and hearing a commercial for the new album at the time, which was ‘Powerslave.’ They were playing the song called ‘2 Minutes to Midnight’ and I remember the music itself blowing my mind,” he said.
Maiden Chicago is known for its unique concerts.
“We don’t base the show on the same set of songs every time. Every show is different. Every set list is different. There’s always a surprise or two thrown in,” De Pablos said.
“Some (tributes) just play the same set of hits all the time but we’d rather mix it up with songs that Iron Maiden hasn’t played live in decades because that’s what we would want to hear as fans so that’s what connects with fans of Iron Maiden.
“That sets us apart a little and also that we try to make the production as big as we can.”
Blackened, Maiden Chicago and Reign in Blood
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 21
Where: The Forge, 22 W. Cass St., Joliet
Tickets: $10
Information: 815-280-5246; theforgelive.com
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
More things to do this week
Here are some other events occurring the week of Jan. 20-26 in the Southland.
Brick Fest Live
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Life-size models, interactive shows, hands-on build zones and more are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 21-22 at Tinley Park Convention Center. Tickets are $19.99-$39.99 for ages 3 and older; free for ages 2 and younger. At 18451 Convention Center Drive. 708-342-5485; tinleyparkconventioncenter.net.
Walk & Talk
Forest Preserves of Cook County presents this 1.7-mile hike at 10 a.m. Jan. 21 at Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East with frequent stops and interpretation. Admission is free. At Fieldcrest Drive, southwest of Crawford Avenue. 312-533-5751; fpdcc.com.
Windows and Doors
The opening reception is from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at Tall Grass Arts Association in Park Forest. The exhibit continues to Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Admission is free. At 367 Artists Walk. 708-748-3377; tallgrassarts.org.
Nikki Glaser
The comedian performs at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet as part of The Good Girl tour. Tickets are $43-$53. At 102 N. Chicago St. 815-726-6600; rialtosquare.com.
— Jessi Virtusio