RUN FOR YOUR LIVES WORLD TOUR (2025/2026)

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Some time ago, I saw some footage filmed by a band themselves (not Maiden but still pretty known band), and it showed a lot of material of how the audience behaved during the concert. Just the sight of it—an unbelievable number of smartphones recording while the band was playing. That kind of crowd didn’t even know how to react or give back any energy or feeling. It was just pathetic.
 
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It's a nice sentiment I think. Let's not kill the atmosphere with dozens of people turning their backs on the stage and doing selfies, on what could be the last or one of the last Iron Maiden tours.

I think he knows it'll be mostly ignored though. Given that its illegal to smoke indoors but there are people doing that too in the middle of indoor venues
 
Early 2010s were the last era of shows with a lively audience. Its a downhill since then. And lately it became so annoying that the bands were forced to take some action. Some band asked the venue to lock peoples phones and give it back only after the show.

All this would never happen if people didnt have became social media zombies.
Yes and early 2010s was the last moment smartphones weren't everywhere yet. Some people had them, many still had ordinary phones (like Bruce himself!). Smartphones were also nowhere near as sophisticated as they are now.

Funny to recall Steve Jobs only launched the iphone in 2007. Instagram only created in late 2010 etc.

Amazing how recently and how quickly life (and gigs) changed as a result.
 
The talk of 'many worlds of Maiden' suggests to me the stage is going to vastly change visually for each set of songs. I think we'll see the usual curtain backdrops, but they'll be framed on the sides and above by LED screens (like the Future Past, save the 'above' part) and the usual riser platforms themselves will have LED screens on the front of them. Would look fantastic in an arena, but may look a bit dumb outside in daylight.
 
I'm guessing that the "RFYL" show production might emulate what Rush did on what turned out to be their final tour.

The band performed their history in a reverse chronological order while changing the stage decoration to match each era, ending with them in a faux high school gymnasium playing "Working Man." It was genius.

If Maiden plans something akin to this, makes sense why they are requesting no phones at the end because it would ruin the effect of performing "Sanctuary," for example, at the Ruskin Arms in 1975...if that's what they're going for.
 
If Maiden plans something akin to this, makes sense why they are requesting no phones at the end because it would ruin the effect of performing "Sanctuary," for example, at the Ruskin Arms in 1975...if that's what they're going for.
This is what Maiden wrote to fanclub members

We ask, on behalf of the band staring right down at you, that you refrain from intrusive filming of the show. Enjoy the unique, privileged, experience fully – by all means take a quick ‘look where I am’ snap but please put the phone away and politely ask others to do the same. Come the last song (Can you guess what it is?) by all means ‘fill your boots’ but until then let’s be more mid-80’s about our concert-going experience shall we?

So I doubt that's what they are going for.
 
This is what Maiden wrote to fanclub members

We ask, on behalf of the band staring right down at you, that you refrain from intrusive filming of the show. Enjoy the unique, privileged, experience fully – by all means take a quick ‘look where I am’ snap but please put the phone away and politely ask others to do the same. Come the last song (Can you guess what it is?) by all means ‘fill your boots’ but until then let’s be more mid-80’s about our concert-going experience shall we?

So I doubt that's what they are going for.
Die With Your Boots On will genuinely be a great closing song, hasn't been played by the band in 20 years, and I think is a underrated-fan favourite. And the big middle section with the Davey > Bridge > Adrian solo section is one of their strongest I think. And a big ending. What's not to love!
 
When people just stand there filming with their phones, they’re not giving the band that intangible energy. And I think the band loses some of its oomph because of it. That back-and-forth exchange of energy disappears. Which, in turn, takes away the urge to keep performing live. I’m being ironic, of course—but there might be some truth to it.
 
But the point was, they have asked people to not film until the last song, so that means they won't end with Sanctuary and go for a Ruskin Arms 1978 vibe with no phones to be seen.

And of course they will end the show with the line Run For Your Lives
 
Running Free
Sanctuary
Run To The Hills

What an incredible encore.

no

But calm down - I have hope it will be:

Judas Be My Guide
The Prophecy
Only The Good Die Young

I don't
 
The band clearly isn't fine with the sea of phones. I think that was Rod's underlying message.

Life can be really tough for (tattooed) millionaires!

I am not happy with how much they charge for tickets either. :P

Disclaimer: I rarely use my phone at gigs and, having been going to concerts for nearly 35 years, I much prefer the pre-smartphones atmosphere.
 
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It's a nice sentiment I think. Let's not kill the atmosphere with dozens of people turning their backs on the stage and doing selfies, on what could be the last or one of the last Iron Maiden tours.

I think he knows it'll be mostly ignored though. Given that its illegal to smoke indoors but there are people doing that too in the middle of indoor venues

Davey was one of them at the O2 before the encores on TFF tour in 2011!
 
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