Legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden has officially announced their upcoming world tour, “Run For Your Lives,” which celebrates an impressive 50 years of their iconic career. The tour is set to begin in May 2025 and will continue into 2026, giving fans across the globe a chance to witness one of the greatest bands in heavy metal history live on stage.
A Retrospective Tour Honoring Iron Maiden’s Legacy
The “Run For Your Lives” tour will be a retrospective journey through Iron Maiden’s incredible discography, offering fans a unique setlist that spans their early and most influential years. According to the band’s Instagram announcement, the tour will feature songs from all nine of their studio albums, beginning with their debut Iron Maiden (1980) and ending with Fear of the Dark (1992). This promises to be an unforgettable experience for longtime fans, showcasing the band’s evolution from their raw, hard-hitting early days to their status as heavy metal legends.
In the announcement, Iron Maiden shared their excitement: “We promise our fans a very special setlist that spans our career’s most important moments.” Fans can expect to hear iconic tracks like “The Number of the Beast,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” and “Fear of the Dark,” among many others that have defined Iron Maiden’s sound over the decades.
Tour Dates: UK and Europe Announced
While specific global tour dates are yet to be fully revealed, Iron Maiden has confirmed the UK and European leg of the “Run For Your Lives” tour, which will take place between May and August 2025. So far, the band has announced 27 stadium concerts in Europe, with the tour kicking off on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary. These massive stadium shows are expected to draw huge crowds, as fans gather to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary.
Fans in the UK can also look forward to several concert dates across major cities, with more details expected soon. Given the global nature of the tour, it is highly likely that Iron Maiden will announce dates for North America, South America, Asia, and other continents in the coming months.
Supporting Acts: Halestorm, Avatar, and The Raven Age
Iron Maiden’s “Run For Your Lives” tour will feature a powerhouse lineup of supporting acts, adding to the excitement of the shows. American hard rock band Halestorm will open for Maiden, bringing their energetic and hard-hitting sound to the stage. Joining them will be Swedish metal group Avatar, known for their theatrical performances and heavy, melodic sound. Rounding out the lineup is the UK’s own The Raven Age, a rising star in the metal scene with deep ties to Iron Maiden — the band was co-founded by George Harris, son of Iron Maiden’s bassist Steve Harris.
This diverse mix of supporting acts ensures that the concert experience will be a full-scale metal extravaganza, with each band contributing their unique style to the evening.
The Legacy of Iron Maiden
Formed in 1975 in London, Iron Maiden has become one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. Known for their elaborate stage shows, powerful live performances, and complex musical arrangements, the band helped shape the genre of heavy metal. Their mascot, Eddie, has become a cultural icon, appearing on nearly all of their album covers and in countless stage setups.
The current lineup includes:
- Bruce Dickinson (vocals) – Known for his soaring voice and dynamic stage presence.
- Steve Harris (bass) – Founder and primary songwriter, whose galloping basslines define Iron Maiden’s sound.
- Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, and Janick Gers (guitarists) – Together, they create the band’s signature triple-guitar harmonies.
- Nicko McBrain (drums) – Providing the thunderous rhythms that drive their music.
What to Expect in 2026
While the full tour schedule for 2026 has not yet been released, it is expected that Iron Maiden will continue to add dates and locations as they embark on their global journey. Given their enduring popularity and the significance of this milestone tour, it wouldn’t be surprising to see additional shows added in more countries across various continents.
Fans should stay tuned for further announcements as the band prepares to expand the tour beyond Europe and the UK.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Heavy Metal’s Most Iconic Band
Iron Maiden’s “Run For Your Lives” tour is shaping up to be a monumental celebration of the band’s 50-year legacy. For both long-time fans and newer audiences, this retrospective tour offers a chance to experience the full scope of Iron Maiden’s music, from their earliest hits to the tracks that have defined heavy metal for decades. With major stadium shows planned, a setlist spanning nine albums, and a lineup of powerful supporting acts, this promises to be one of the biggest rock tours of 2025 and 2026.
Whether you’ve followed Iron Maiden since the ’80s or have recently discovered their groundbreaking music, this tour is not to be missed. The band’s enduring legacy continues to influence generations of rock and metal musicians, and their upcoming tour will only further solidify their status as one of the greatest heavy metal bands in history.
Fact Check Information:
- Tour Name: “Run For Your Lives” 50th Anniversary World Tour.
- Tour Start: May 2025.
- Announced Locations: 27 stadium concerts in Europe, starting in Budapest, Hungary.
- Supporting Acts: Halestorm, Avatar, The Raven Age.
- Iron Maiden formed in 1975 and has released over 15 studio albums. Their 50th anniversary is being celebrated with this global tour.
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