Iron Maiden is gearing up to embark on a monumental world tour in 2025, celebrating their 50-year legacy as one of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time. Dubbed the Run For Your Lives World Tour, this highly anticipated trek will span from May to August, covering major cities and venues across Europe. As part of this special tour, Iron Maiden promises fans a truly unique experience with a setlist that will exclusively feature songs from their first nine studio albums, stretching from Iron Maiden (1980) to Fear of the Dark (1992). For die-hard fans of the band, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the golden era of Iron Maiden brought back to life on stage.
A Special Year for Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden’s 2025 world tour is not just another tour; it is a celebration of half a century of heavy metal dominance. Founded in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, the band has been a pioneering force in metal music, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike. To mark this incredible milestone, the Run For Your Lives tour will focus on their early albums, which are considered classics of the genre.
Vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who has been a central figure in the band’s success since joining in 1981, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tour: “Next year is a very special one for Iron Maiden, and we’re going to be giving our fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience. This is a tour that’s gonna put a smile on your face and a cheer in your throat.” Dickinson, known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, is eager to give fans an unforgettable performance.
“If you’ve seen us before, then get ready to take that experience to a whole new level. If you’ve never seen us before, then what the hell have you been waiting for? Now’s your chance to find out what you’ve been missing! Iron Maiden’s definitely gonna get ya!” he added, reinforcing the high expectations for this landmark tour.
A Setlist for the Ages
The focus on their first nine albums offers a rare chance for fans to hear classic tracks that shaped Iron Maiden’s legacy. Albums such as The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, Powerslave, and Somewhere in Time are not only fan favorites but also critical to the evolution of heavy metal in the 1980s and early 1990s. Tracks like “Run to the Hills,” “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” and “Fear of the Dark” are expected to be staples in the setlist, while lesser-performed tracks might make a surprise appearance, making this tour a must-see for both longtime followers and new fans.
Steve Harris, the mastermind behind many of the band’s biggest hits, also shared his excitement about revisiting the band’s early material. “To be able to bring this very special show to all our fans across the UK and Ireland next year is going to be a great way to mark 50 years of Iron Maiden. We can’t wait to see you all there!” Harris said. His passion for the band and its history is evident in the care that is being put into crafting a setlist that will pay tribute to the band’s origins.
The Legacy of Iron Maiden’s Early Albums
Iron Maiden’s early discography remains a cornerstone of the metal genre. Albums like Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981) laid the groundwork for their later success, with raw energy and fast-paced, aggressive soundscapes. As the band’s sound evolved with The Number of the Beast (1982) and Powerslave (1984), they cemented their place as one of the leading bands in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Their ability to blend complex musical arrangements with powerful storytelling set them apart from their contemporaries.
Albums like Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988) pushed the boundaries of what heavy metal could achieve, incorporating elements of progressive rock and conceptual storytelling. It’s no wonder these albums continue to resonate with fans decades after their release. The Run For Your Lives tour is a tribute to this era, ensuring that the band’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of metalheads.
Tour Dates and Supporting Acts
The Run For Your Lives World Tour will cover major cities across Europe, with Iron Maiden playing in some of the most prestigious arenas and stadiums. The tour kicks off in May 2025 and runs through August, making stops in cities like Budapest, Prague, and Stockholm. Highlights of the tour include:
- May 27: Budapest Aréna, Budapest, Hungary
- May 31: Letnany Airport, Prague, Czech Republic
- June 16: Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland
- June 28: London Stadium, London, England
- July 5: Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain
- July 19: Paris La Défense Arena, Paris, France
- August 2: PGE Narodowy, Warsaw, Poland
Supporting Iron Maiden on this massive trek are bands such as Halestorm, The Raven Age, and Avatar. Halestorm, known for their hard-hitting sound and powerhouse vocalist Lzzy Hale, will join Maiden on select dates, bringing a fresh modern rock edge to the shows. The Raven Age, a melodic metal band that has toured with Maiden in the past, will also support the UK and Ireland dates. Avatar, a Swedish heavy metal band known for their theatrical performances, will accompany Iron Maiden during the final leg of the tour in Spain, Portugal, and Germany.
A Special Homecoming
One of the most highly anticipated shows of the tour will be at London Stadium, where Iron Maiden will perform for their hometown crowd. Steve Harris, a lifelong supporter of West Ham United, is particularly excited about this show. “My love of football and my support of West Ham is no secret, and I know many of our fans around the world have shared that with me too. So we’re all very excited to be playing at the London Stadium as part of the Run For Your Lives tour,” Harris said.
This homecoming show will not only be a celebration of Iron Maiden’s 50-year history but also a nod to their roots in London. It is sure to be one of the biggest and most emotional performances of the tour, as the band reflects on their incredible journey from playing small clubs in East London to headlining stadiums around the world.
Tickets and Availability
Tickets for Iron Maiden’s Run For Your Lives World Tour are available now, and fans are urged to grab them quickly, as demand is expected to be high. With such a special setlist and lineup of supporting acts, this tour promises to be one of the biggest events of the year for metal fans. Whether you’re a lifelong Maiden fan or someone who has yet to experience the band live, 2025 offers the perfect opportunity to witness heavy metal history in the making.
Iron Maiden’s Run For Your Lives World Tour is not just a celebration of their past but a testament to their enduring legacy. As they prepare to mark 50 years in the industry, there’s no doubt that this tour will leave a lasting impact on both the band and their fans
