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?