Iron Maiden’s long-awaited Run For Your Lives world tour is now storming through Europe. Marking their 50th anniversary, the band recently performed in Dublin, Ireland, showcasing their signature theatrics and a powerful setlist filled with unexpected deep cuts. Despite retirement rumors, the band’s performance proves they’re far from slowing down.
Bruce Dickinson’s vocals remain powerful, the triple guitar assault from Gers, Smith, and Murray is as sharp as ever, and Steve Harris’ galloping bass lines continue to drive the band’s sound. Playing a high-energy two-hour set while sprinting and leaping across the stage is nothing short of remarkable—especially for a band five decades into their career.
A Setlist for the Die-Hards
When the band announced this tour, they specified that the setlist would cover only material released between 1980 and 1992 a period widely considered their golden era. From their 1980 self-titled debut through 1992’s Fear of the Dark, this era includes both their most iconic hits and some of their richest deep cuts.
What stood out was just how committed Maiden were to this concept. The show opened with five songs from the Paul Di’Anno era an unexpected move that thrilled longtime fans, even if it wasn’t clear how many in the audience recognized those tracks.
Setlist Structure and Highlights
After that bold opening, the set settled into a rhythm an epic deep cut followed by a massive anthem. For fans of Powerslave, hearing the band nail the nearly 14-minute “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” was a major highlight. Similarly, deep cuts from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son like “The Clairvoyant” and the title track stood out as showstoppers. These rarities were balanced with crowd favorites like “The Number of the Beast,” “Run to the Hills,” and “The Trooper,” which followed the deeper cuts and energized the crowd.
Admittedly, casual fans might not connect as deeply with the lengthier, more complex songs. But Maiden compensates with an explosive second half filled with greatest hits, capped off by an encore of three back-to-back classics.
Still Delivering at the Highest Level
With the band members averaging 68 years old, Iron Maiden’s ability to play energetic, two-hour shows with the same intensity as their early days is astonishing. Even more impressive is Bruce Dickinson’s ability to sing all the songs in their original keys something many legacy acts no longer attempt. Unlike many modern bands who rely on backing tracks or altered tunings, Maiden performs live and raw, using only a pre-recorded intro for “Aces High.”
In fact, during one song, the band added a few extra bars by mistake. Dickinson laughed it off, reminding fans that Maiden plays without a click track—debunking any rumors to the contrary.
New Drummer, Same Fire
This tour also marks the debut of Simon Dawson behind the kit, following longtime drummer Nicko McBrain’s retirement last year due to health issues. Dawson, who plays with Steve Harris in British Lion, is a solid fit rhythmically. However, some songs. like the typically brisk “2 Minutes to Midnight” felt a touch slower or less tight than usual. Still, Dawson’s ability to handle demanding tracks like “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” proves he’s more than capable, even if the chemistry isn’t quite at McBrain’s level yet.
Final Verdict
If you’re considering catching Iron Maiden on this tour, the setlist should be your first consideration. Casual fans may want to brush up on the Di’Anno-era material and some lesser-known tracks. For die-hards, this is a dream set. Regardless, the show’s stunning production and Maiden’s unrelenting stage presence make it well worth the ticket. With plenty of hits in the mix, even newcomers will find something to headbang to.
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