The May 27 event at the Budapest Arena in Hungary saw the iconic UK outfit deliver a 17-song set of tracks highlighting the band’s early era, including the first performances for some in more than 20 years - and the first show with new touring drummer Simon Dawson following the retirement of long time member Nicko McBrain.
“Well, what a way of starting this monumental tour with a couple of sold-out nights In Budapest,” shared manager Rod Smallwood. “It was the perfect place to open this tour - a great venue, an incredible city, in fact, one of my favourites, and you very passionate Hungarian fans. And of course, not forgetting the travelling fans that came from far and very wide to experience the excitement of the big reveal! To see hundreds of fans and FC members in the aptly-named Heroes Square the day before the first show was fantastic as always.
“We were delighted to see the reaction and appreciation for the new production that has enabled everyone to experience these iconic songs in a way we’ve never been able to before. This was quite an operation to achieve but we will let you have more insight into that very soon.
We also want to acknowledge the amazing welcome you gave Simon on his first shows with us. He felt your support from the start — and asks me to thank you all.
“A huge thank you to every one of you who kept your phones down, respected the band and your fellow fans, and embraced the show the way it’s meant to be experienced - in the room with us. That was a great boost for us and the band appreciated it greatly. It is so much better when they can see you unencumbered and that drives them on without that distraction. For the selfish few that didn’t and just had to keep videoing... I wish you nothing but a very sore arm! But they were few, and we do hope this support from fans, especially in the floor area in front of the sound desk, continues in Prague tomorrow and beyond. As I said before, by all means take the odd quick pic as a memento of a great night, but otherwise please keep your phone in your pocket.
“On we go now to the first huge outdoor show and another fantastic sold out crowd waiting for us. We’re starting to hit our stride already and it’s going to be some ride for these next couple of months.
See you there. Rod”
The 2025 Run For Your Lives series marks 50 years since bassist Steve Harris formed the band in East London on Christmas Day in 1975 after leaving his former outfit, Smiler; the new group rehearsed for months before making its official live debut in May of 1976.
Iron Maiden released its debut EP, “The Soundhouse Tapes”, in 1979 before issuing a self-titled album the following year; the group has delivered 17 studio albums to date up to and including 2021’s “Senjutsu.”
Iron Maiden currently has tour dates scheduled into August, with more expected to be announced at some point as part of a 2-year global trek.
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See also:
Official Iron Maiden documentary announced
Iron Maiden share Nicko McBrain tribute from his final concert
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain announces retirement from touring
Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno dead at 66
Search Iron Maiden at hennemusic