Piece of Eddie, Boise’s Iron Maiden tribute band, is playing at the Ironwood Bar & Grill Friday night, October 1as part of the Rock Tribute Night to support Jesse Tree Idaho. Four bands will be playing, with Outside the Frame as “Nirvana”,WickID Garden as “Stone Temple Pilots”, Last Call as AC/DC and Piece of Eddie as “Iron Maiden”. Jesse Tree Idaho is an organization devoted to helping households with financial assistance if they are in risk of eviction or homelessness and unable to pay rent. They also provide case management assistance for landlord mediation, budgeting help and housing stability planning. The event will ask for a $10 Donation, with donations to benefit Jesse Tree. Their programs cover the Treasure Valley and supply needed assistance to many in these uncertain, trying times.
Hannah Sharp, the Development Director of Jesse Tree, said, “It’s been a difficult two years navigating a pandemic and growing housing crisis in the Treasure Valley. We have relied on community partnerships to help get the word out about Jesse Tree’s programs and services, as well as to help fundraise for our programs.” She added that “We are thankful for these bands (and fans!) who recognize the need to support their neighbors at a time when they are facing eviction and homelessness.”
Piece of Eddie came about as a project of local drummer Moose, whose passion for Iron Maiden went back to much younger years. Moose talked with The Boise Beat about the band, the music; and the upcoming event.
Q: Moose, when did the idea for Piece of Eddie come about?
A: I have been heavily influenced by the music of Iron Maiden since I was about 12, the same time I was learning to play drums. 40 years later, I still completely love playing the classic Iron Maiden songs. I have always wanted to play in an Iron Maiden tribute band. After relocating to Boise a few years ago, I put an ad on Craigs List for musicians to play Iron Maiden hits.
Q: Your shows have a lot of the classic tributes to Iron Maiden’s music and showmanship. How is it to recreate many of the iconic parts of an Iron Maiden show?
A: It is so cool to hear the screaming guitar solos and Bruce’s vocals in a band I created. We all have such a deep respect and love for the musicianship that Iron Maiden possesses. It is all about the music, the beat and the story.
Q: Eddie plays a big part in not only Iron Maiden’s shows but your show and name too. Who is Eddie?
A: Eddie is the “mascot” of Iron Maiden. He is a time traveler and his stories, most of the songs of Iron Maiden, are about the struggle between good and evil throughout history. Many times, Eddie becomes a soldier or pilot or tail gunner in a war and tells the story of that soldier in that particular war. Or, as a pharaoh in ancient Egypt fighting evil in his time to keep his civilization alive. Or, as in a couple of Iron Maiden’s most famous songs, The Number of the Beast, the point of view of the devil himself and the souls he tortures or Run to the Hills, a song about American Indians fighting the white man, the white devil, to keep their land and way of life and their lives. Eddie is sometimes on the good side and sometimes on the evil side. Eddie usually appears at any live show as well…
Q: Tell me about the band members; who they are, what they bring to Piece of Eddie; and their instruments.
A: Jennifer Lea – vocals; Alfred De Varona, bass guitar; Esteban Anastasio, guitar; Grady Bell, guitar; and Moose, drums. They all bring the love of Iron Maiden and the talent and chops to actually perform it.
Q: You have a lead singer who is definitely not the “image” of Bruce Dickinson or Blaze Bailey, but who puts on a truly awesome performance. Can you talk about that?
A: Singer, Jennifer Lea, is amazing. She is a blues singer that loves Iron Maiden. She is a small powerhouse of the Bruce Dickinson highs and lows and energy on stage. She absolutely kills it as an Iron Maiden vocalist.
Q: What are your favorite songs? Is there one or two that you think you present an iconic performance of?
A: Revelations or Powerslave come to mind, but every song has its own awesomeness, so it is hard to have a favorite.
Q: What is the reason that you are doing this benefit show for Jesse Tree? Do they loom large as an inspirational charity to you?
A: We were asked to do a tribute night that would benefit a local charity. Finding out it was Jesse Tree that helps with eviction prevention and homelessness in the area, especially in these times we are in, made it that much more important.
Q: Can you tell me a little about the other bands on the bill Friday night?
A: Three other tribute acts to famous bands Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and AC/DC are on the bill.
Q: The Ironwood is a place that you’ve played before. What do you think of it as a venue?
A: The Ironwood is a terrific music venue. It is a bar and grill and they have live music almost every week.
Q: Is there any other message you want to tell people about Friday night’s show?
A: Come out and support local musicians paying tribute to your favorite rock bands.
Thanks, Moose, sounds like there’s an awesome show planned. We’ll see you there!
The Rock Tribute Night to Benefit Jesse Tree takes place this Friday night, October 1 from 8pm-12am. The Ironwood has a full menu as well as a large bar, plus tables and even a large dance floor. COVID protection is in place at the Ironwood Bar & Grill. The donation for the event is $10. Of course, feel free to give a larger donation if you want. The donations help people in the Treasure Valley who may be your friends and neighbors. Helping to prevent others from homelessness is one of the most amazing things you can do for others at this time.According to Hannah Sharp, “We are so thankful for all of the bands participating and to the Ironwood for hosting this event!”.
Having seen A Piece of Eddie perform before, they provide an exciting show and great music. The group stays true to the original songs, while the group puts their own original mark on the performance. This is a great chance to see some great bands and make a donation that can make a difference in other people’s lives.
Rock Tribute Night
Featuring
Outside the Frame as “Nirvana”
WickID Garden as “Stone Temple Pilots”
Last Call as “AC/DC”
Piece of Eddie as “Iron Maiden”
Friday, October 1, 8pm-12am
Ironwood Bar & Grill
5467 N. Glenwood Street
Boise, ID 83714
(208) 803-4464
Ironwood Bar and Grill Facebook page
Piece of Eddie Facebook Page
Top photo and poster courtesy of Audra Solito
All other photos by Ed Simon for The Boise Beat
