Iron Maiden Kicks Off ‘Run for Your Lives’ Tour in Budapest

Iron Maiden launched their highly anticipated ‘Run for Your Lives’ tour in Budapest, Hungary, on Tuesday night, delivering a thrilling performance that included six songs not played live in over a decade, alongside another three that hadn’t graced the stage in at least five years. This tour marks a significant milestone for the iconic heavy metal band as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

A Set List to Remember

The set list for the evening was drawn from the band’s first nine studio albums, spanning from their self-titled debut in 1980 to 1992’s ‘Fear of the Dark.’ While they notably omitted tracks from the 1990 album ‘No Prayer for the Dying’—a decision that many fans agree was wise—they showcased music from every other album during this period. Highlights included four tracks from the 1984 album ‘Powerslave’ and three each from 1981’s ‘Killers’ and 1982’s ‘The Number of the Beast.’

Opening the Show with a Bang

The concert kicked off with a trio of songs from ‘Killers’: “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” which hadn’t been performed since 2005, “Wrathchild,” returning for the first time since 2017, and the title track “Killers,” which last saw a live performance in 1999. The excitement continued with “Phantom of the Opera” (last played in 2014), “The Clairvoyant” from ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son’ (last played in 2013), and “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (last played in 2009), marking their comeback after more than a decade away from live shows. Additionally, “Powerslave” (last played in 2017) and “2 Minutes to Midnight” (last played in 2019) were both performed for the first time in over five years.

Changes in the Band

This concert also marked Iron Maiden’s first live performance following the retirement of long-time drummer Nicko McBrain, who bid farewell to fans at the end of last year’s ‘The Future Past’ tour. His role has been taken over by Simon Dawson, who is known for his work with British Lion, alongside founding bassist Steve Harris.

Tour Dates and Future Performances

Following their Budapest opener, Iron Maiden is set to play a second show at the Budapest Arena on Wednesday night. The tour will continue across Europe, with the final currently scheduled date on August 2 in Warsaw, Poland. As of now, there are no announcements regarding a North American tour, but fans remain hopeful.

Complete Set List from Budapest Show

Iron Maiden May 27, 2025 Budapest, Hungary Set List:

• (Intro tape) “The Ides of March” (from 1981’s Killers)
• “Murders in the Rue Morgue” (from Killers)
• “Wrathchild” (from Killers)
• “Killers” (from Killers)
• “Phantom of the Opera” (from 1980’s Iron Maiden)
• “The Number of the Beast” (From 1982’s The Number of the Beast)
• “The Clairvoyant” (From 1988’s Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
• “Powerslave” (From 1984’s Powerslave)
• “2 Minutes to Midnight” (From Powerslave)
• “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (From Powerslave)
• “Run to the Hills” (From The Number of the Beast)
• “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” (From Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
• “The Trooper” (From 1983’s Piece of Mind)
• “Hallowed Be Thy Name” (From The Number of the Beast)
• “Iron Maiden” (from Iron Maiden)

Encore:

• “Aces High” (From Powerslave)
• “Fear of the Dark” (From 1992’s Fear of the Dark)
• “Wasted Years” (From 1986’s Somewhere in Time)

Conclusion

Iron Maiden’s ‘Run for Your Lives’ tour promises to be a remarkable celebration of their rich legacy, bringing back fan-favorite tracks and showcasing the band’s enduring influence in the heavy metal scene. With a diverse set list and a new drummer, the excitement around the tour is palpable, and fans eagerly anticipate what’s next in store for the legendary band.

FAQs

When is Iron Maiden’s next concert?

Iron Maiden will perform their next concert at the Budapest Arena on May 28, 2025.

Which albums are featured in the tour set list?

The set list includes songs from their first nine studio albums, excluding ‘No Prayer for the Dying.’

Who is the new drummer for Iron Maiden?

Simon Dawson has replaced Nicko McBrain as the drummer for Iron Maiden.

Are there plans for a North American tour?

As of now, there have been no announcements regarding a North American tour.