Iron Maiden sax busker regales fans with scorching version of The Trooper

As business plans go, this one is pretty sound. You’re a busker. You scan the local gig listings for the biggest shows. You learn one of the headliner’s most famous tunes, and when the day comes you play outside the venue as the audience departs. They’ve probably been drinking. And you watch the money roll in.

And so it came to pass.

On Friday, Iron Maiden played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on the 11th date of the latest North American leg of their ongoing Book Of Souls tour. And waiting outside as the audience left the arena was a saxophonist armed with a well-rehearsed version of the band’s 1983 classic The Trooper.

And the money rolled in.

It’s helps that the sax player is good, of course. Apparently he performs at the AAC after most events, regaling patrons as they leave Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Starts games.

But here it’s the Maiden Army. Mild curiosity is replaced by willing participation, as the horns get thrown, everyone sings along with the “whoa oh oh oh oh” bits, and the greenbacks drop into an oversized bucket.

We don’t know who you are, sax man. But we salute you.

Iron Maiden setlist, Dallas AAC

If Eternity Should Fail
Speed of Light
Wrathchild
Children of the Damned
Death or Glory
The Red and the Black
The Trooper
Powerslave
The Great Unknown
The Book of Souls
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden

TeamRock+ Exclusive: Iron Maiden – How We Made The Book Of Souls

Classic Rock is the online home of the world's best rock'n'roll magazine. We bring you breaking news, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes features, as well as unrivalled access to the biggest names in rock music; from Led Zeppelin to Deep Purple, Guns N’ Roses to the Rolling Stones, AC/DC to the Sex Pistols, and everything in between. Our expert writers bring you the very best on established and emerging bands plus everything you need to know about the mightiest new music releases.