Iron Maiden turns 50: A milestone 2025 tour to remember

Iron Maiden is gearing up for their highly anticipated Run For Your Lives World Tour, kicking off on May 27th next year in Budapest. The tour will span across 27 cities in Europe, covering stadiums, festivals, and arenas. This isn’t just another tour — 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the band's formation by Steve Harris in 1975.

To commemorate this milestone, the band has promised a setlist featuring songs from their first nine studio albums, ranging from their self-titled debut Iron Maiden (1980) to Fear of the Dark (1992). If all goes according to plan, fans can expect the most elaborate and visually spectacular show the band has ever produced.

Iron Maiden has been a dominant force in heavy metal since their inception, selling over 100 million albums worldwide and performing close to 2,500 shows across 64 countries. Their longevity and success are credited to their loyal fan base and the band's tireless commitment to delivering fresh and exciting live performances that make people want to get out of the house. The Run For Your Lives tour promises to continue that tradition.

Bruce Dickinson, the band's iconic frontman since 1981, has expressed his excitement for the 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. 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!"

How Iron Maiden is gonna get ya

The band's manager, Rod Smallwood, echoed Dickinson's sentiment, highlighting the effort that has gone into preparing a show that will both celebrate their legacy and deliver something new for their fans. He says they have been working hard for months to bring a spectacular and elaborate show that will bring the songs to life more than ever before. They are covering classics and fan favorites from the first nine albums, many of which haven’t been played in years.

The tour will also feature special guests. American rock band Halestorm will join for the first half of the tour, including the outdoor shows in London and Dublin. Swedish metal band Avatar will take over guest duties for the second half, while British metal act The Raven Age is set to open all UK and Ireland shows. The band’s connection to The Raven Age is personal — guitarist George Harris, son of Steve Harris, is a founding member of the group.

London Stadium

One of the standout moments of the tour will be Iron Maiden's performance at London Stadium, home to West Ham United Football Club, on June 28th. The stadium, with a capacity of over 60,000, will serve as a homecoming for Harris and several other band members, who grew up in the surrounding area. Iron Maiden has a long history with West Ham; Harris is a lifelong supporter, and the band has even collaborated with the club on official merchandise in the past.

This concert will mark the first time Iron Maiden has played at the stadium, and it will be the largest non-festival venue they’ve ever headlined in the UK. Playing at London Stadium is going to be something special.

Tour perks

For fans who want to enhance their experience, Trooper VIP packages, named after the band’s famous 1983 single "The Trooper," will be available at all tour stops.

These packages often include exclusive merchandise, pre-show events, and other perks to make the night even more memorable. Iron Maiden’s dedication to their craft and their fans remains unwavering as they prepare for one of the biggest tours of their career.
It's more than just a hobby!

With five decades of music, countless iconic live performances, and the promise of an unforgettable show, the Run For Your Lives tour is set to be a defining chapter in the band’s storied history.