The Iron Maidens

Wanda Ortiz, has been playing with "The Iron Maidens" (world's only female tribute to Iron Maiden), since 2002, when she replaced Melanie Cisneros, having been touring around the world, spreading their talent to the Maiden fans.

Q. - Hello Wanda, so what can you tell us about your musical beginnings in Heavy Metal particularly? What bands did you play before joining the Maidens?

Wanda - Before joining The Iron Maidens, I played in many original local bands. None of them ever got famous or made any money but I had a lot of fun! One of the bands I played in, Heartache City, featured Uriah Heep’s former vocalist Steph Fontaine. Working with someone who had toured in a major band before was a nice experience.

Q. - You’ve been playing with "The Iron Maidens" since 2002, when you replaced Melanie Cisneros, what’s the balance of these 16 years?

Wanda - So far, it has been a lot of fun and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to travel, play music, and meet new friends. At the end of this year, the band plans to record a new CD with our current line-up.

Q. - How does it feel like to fit on Steve Harris shoes? Is he a major influence on you?

Wanda - I don’t think anyone can fill Steve’s shoes but we can sure have fun pretending! He is one of my favorite bass players and yes, I have been influenced in a big way by his playing.

Q. - What other influences did you have besides Maiden and Harris?

Wanda - I’ve always been drawn to bands that have great bass lines like Maiden, Rush, and Yes, for example. I also admire bassists like Geddy Lee, Jaco Pastorius, and Chris Squire in addition to Steve Harris.

Q. - Is there an Iron Maiden song that you like most to play live?

Wanda - There are many Maiden songs that I like to play live so it is hard to choose just one. Losfer Words, Phantom of the Opera, Powerslave, and Rime of the Ancient Mariner are a few of my favorites.

Q. - How is the crowd reaction to your shows, Now that the band is getting bigger day after day?

Wanda - Since we are a Maiden tribute band, people who come see us play know they will be hearing songs they like so the reaction has always been very positive.

Q. - Do you try to keep your set list different from Iron Maiden? Or try to play songs that Iron Maiden usually don't play?

Wanda - We play songs that Iron Maiden usually don’t play. It doesn’t make sense for us to play their new stuff because people can see them play their new stuff. They still tour and record and are very active- lucky for us!

Q. - Would you like to have an invitation from Iron Maiden to be their opening act?

Wanda - Yes! The whole band would love that!

Q. - Have you ever thought about recording an originals album with The Iron Maidens?

Wanda - Yes, we’ve thought about it but since we are all busy with this project and with different jobs and projects on the side, it would be hard to find the time.

Q. - And what about playing in an originals heavy metal band?

Wanda - I think that would be a lot of fun if I found the right project and had more time.

Q. - Is there any funny moment that you can share with us?

Wanda - Kirsten’s pants split onstage one time at a show in Germany. It wasn’t fun when it happened but we all laugh about it now.

Q. - How do you want to end up this interview? Anything more you want to say?

Wanda - Thanks so much for the interview and for spreading the word about us! Very much appreciated!! 

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!