For Once, a Top Act Won't Bypass Beijing: The Iron Maidens, Yugong Yishan, June 18

Music coverage in Beijing can be depressing, as big names like Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, and Metallica all divert to Shanghai, while we get ... Pitbull. We here at the Beijinger music desk operate on the following premise: all live music events pre-cancelled or your money back.

But now, the biggest metal act since Metallica comes to China and of course, and they're coming to Beijing (and also Shanghai, it must be said).Hot off of dates at major North American music venues like Shamrocks in Chino Hills, California, and Hamilton, Ontario's This Ain't Hollywood, The Iron Maidens, the world's only known all-female Iron Maiden cover band, will make us all into their powerslaves at Yugong Yishan on June 18.

The five-piece formed in 2001 in southern California, which is a long way from the England of Iron Maiden's actual birth. "First and foremost on the agenda of The Iron Maidens is talent. These women are highly trained professionals with diversified musical backgrounds ranging from orchestral and musical theater to blues and rock. The band and its members have been the recipients of many awards including best tribute band, and best in category (guitar, bass, drums, voice) at events such as The Rock City News Awards, The LA Music Awards, and The All Access Magazine Award Show to name a few," their website informs us.

Frankly, we couldn't care less whether they can actually play or not. Iron Maiden cover band almost had us, and all-female Iron Maiden cover band certainly does, especially when it's fronted by "Bruce Chickinson" (née Kirsten Rosenberg).

Tickets are on sale now via the Guitar China Taobao store, with prices ranging from RMB 180 to 580. 580? Let's not overdo it.

Photo: Guitar China/The Iron Maidens