Bruce Dickinson Kicks Off North American Solo Tour with Historic Performance
Bruce Dickinson launched his North American solo tour on Friday night at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California, thrilling fans with a momentous occasion: the live debut of Iron Maiden’s “Flash of the Blade.” This iconic track, originally featured on the band’s “Powerslave” album, had never been performed live before, making the night even more special for attendees.
Historic Live Debut
Before diving into the performance, Dickinson engaged the audience with a playful hint, stating, “Nobody has ever played this song, apart from on a record, of course. It’s a song that I wrote, so I don’t know whether any of you have got any clue what song it might be. But, like usual, it’s a conundrum. I shall not tell you. You will just have to figure it out. It probably won’t take long.”
As predicted, excitement surged through the crowd when he began reciting the iconic chorus: “You’ll die as you lived in a flash of the blade,” signaling the start of the performance.
Full Set List from the Tour Kickoff
The concert featured a robust 16-song setlist, showcasing a blend of tracks from Dickinson’s seven solo albums. He performed three selections each from his upcoming 2024 release, The Mandrake Project, as well as classics from Balls to Picasso (1994), Accident of Birth (1997), and The Chemical Wedding (1998). Notably, “Shadow of the Gods” from The Mandrake Project also made its live debut during the show.
The setlist included a cover of the Edgar Winter Group’s “Frankenstein,” and the encore featured fan favorites “Tears of the Dragon,” “Gods of War,” and “Starchildren,” capping off a memorable night for fans.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Dickinson’s solo tour continues with a performance in Las Vegas the following night and will run through early October, concluding on October 5 in Los Angeles. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming shows as Dickinson continues to share his solo work and Iron Maiden classics.
Iron Maiden’s Future Plans
While Dickinson embarks on his solo journey, Iron Maiden recently completed the first leg of their European “Run for Your Lives” tour, which is set to extend into 2026 with more dates to be announced. However, fans should not expect to see Iron Maiden perform at the Las Vegas Sphere. Dickinson clarified, saying, “Maiden’s about the relationship between the band and the audience… but I think the band would be very uncomfortable with the idea.”
Setlist from August 22, 2025, Anaheim, California
1. “Accident of Birth”
2. “Abduction”
3. “Laughing in the Hiding Bush”
4. “Shadow of the Gods” (live debut)
5. “Chemical Wedding”
6. “Flash of the Blade” (Iron Maiden song; live debut)
7. “Resurrection Men”
8. “Rain on the Graves”
9. Drum solo
10. “Frankenstein” (The Edgar Winter Group cover)
11. “The Alchemist”
12. “Book of Thel”
13. “Road to Hell”
14. “Tears of the Dragon” (Encore)
15. “Gods of War” (Encore)
16. “Starchildren” (Encore)
Conclusion
Bruce Dickinson’s solo tour kickoff in Anaheim marked a historic event, particularly with the live performance of “Flash of the Blade.” This milestone, combined with a diverse setlist from his solo career, set a thrilling tone for the rest of the tour. As Dickinson continues to share his music with fans across North America, the anticipation builds for both his individual performances and Iron Maiden’s future endeavors.
FAQs
Q: When does Bruce Dickinson’s solo tour end?
A: The tour concludes on October 5, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Q: What is the significance of “Flash of the Blade” being performed live?
A: This performance marked the first time the song had ever been played live, making it a historic moment for fans and Dickinson.
Q: Will Iron Maiden be performing at the Las Vegas Sphere?
A: No, Bruce Dickinson has stated that Iron Maiden will not perform at the Las Vegas Sphere, citing the importance of the band’s relationship with their audience.
