Iron Maiden Kicks Off 2026 Concert Tour in Athens

Iron Maiden electrified fans during their first concert of 2026 with a thrilling performance in Athens, Greece, on Saturday night. This show marked the official launch of the latest leg of the band’s Run for Your Lives World Tour, a global trek celebrating the iconic group’s 50th anniversary.

Set List Highlights

The majority of the set list mirrored that of the previous year’s leg, featuring classic tracks such as “Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “Killers,” alongside the iconic “The Number of the Beast.” However, just five songs into the show, frontman Bruce Dickinson took a moment to engage with the enthusiastic crowd.

Bruce Dickinson Addresses the Crowd

“We couldn’t think of a better place in Europe to start this tour,” Dickinson declared, praising the audience as “absolutely f—ing awesome tonight.” He continued, acknowledging that many fans had seen parts of the show before, and teased an exciting addition to the set. “We thought we’d just do a little bit of something different, just for this next song. Because it’s a song that we have not played for many, many years. No, it’s not ‘Alexander the Great,’” he joked, referencing the famous Greek king. “But it will be when you go to bed tonight, your ‘Infinite Dreams.’”

Return of a Rarity: “Infinite Dreams”

With that, the band launched into “Infinite Dreams,” a beloved track from their seventh studio album, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. This performance marked the first time the song had been played live since 1988, during a tour promoting the album. The song’s revival was foreshadowed by the recent release of a career-spanning photo book titled Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams, hinting at its return to the set list.

Fan Reactions and Upcoming Tour Dates

Fan-shot footage of Iron Maiden performing “Infinite Dreams” has surfaced online, capturing the excitement of this historic moment. Following the Athens concert, the band’s European leg will continue until the end of July, followed by a North American leg beginning in August.

Full Set List from Athens Concert

• 1. “Murders in the Rue Morgue”
• 2. “Wrathchild”
• 3. “Killers”
• 4. “Phantom of the Opera”
• 5. “The Number of the Beast”
• 6. “Infinite Dreams” (first time since 1988)
• 7. “Powerslave”
• 8. “2 Minutes to Midnight”
• 9. “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
• 10. “Run to the Hills”
• 11. “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son”
• 12. “The Trooper”
• 13. “Hallowed Be Thy Name”
• 14. “Iron Maiden”
• 15. “Aces High”
• 16. “Fear of the Dark”
• 17. “Wasted Years”

Conclusion

Iron Maiden’s return to the stage in Athens not only celebrated their legacy but also delighted fans with the surprise revival of “Infinite Dreams.” As the band continues their world tour, fans eagerly anticipate more unforgettable performances and the chance to witness the legendary group celebrating their 50-year journey through heavy metal music.

FAQs

When did Iron Maiden first perform “Infinite Dreams” live?

Iron Maiden last performed “Infinite Dreams” live in 1988 during their tour for the album Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.

What is the significance of the Run for Your Lives World Tour?

The Run for Your Lives World Tour celebrates Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary and showcases their extensive catalog of music.

When will Iron Maiden’s North American leg of the tour begin?

The North American leg of Iron Maiden’s tour is set to start in August 2026.