Iron Maiden‘s June 22 performance at Paris’s La Défense Arena will serve as the backdrop for a professionally filmed and recorded concert feature tied to the band’s ongoing Run For Your Lives tour.
To assist with the production, the British metal veterans will implement a phone-free policy for fans in the standing/general admission section. The measure will use Yondr pouches, lockable storage devices designed to prevent concertgoers from accessing their phones during performances while still keeping the devices in their possession.
In a message shared on social media, Iron Maiden explained the decision: “Tomorrow’s show at La Défense Arena will use Yondr pouches to make the standing/General Admission floor entirely phone-free while we record the ‘Run For Your Lives’ Tour film. This will enable us to create the optimal viewing experience for our fans on release and a unique viewing experience for our standing fans in Paris.
“If you have a standing ticket, your device will be locked in the pouch on arrival and unlocked when you leave at the end of the night.
“Bring a physical payment card to use at the bars and merch stands.
“There are areas within the arena where you will be able to access your phone for emergencies.
“Your pouch will stay with you for the duration of the show – no one else will be handling your device.
“Head to the venue early to make sure everything goes smoothly.
“This is ONLY for the standing area at tomorrow’s show. No other show will use Yondr pouches. This was declared when the tickets went on sale last year. Adjustments for disabled customers are available with proof of disability. Pouches can be unlocked in designated areas for you to access your phone should you need to.”
The policy applies only to the standing area of the Paris concert and is being introduced specifically for the filming of the upcoming tour movie.
Iron Maiden are not the only major act to adopt this approach. Tool have regularly asked audiences to keep phones out of sight until the closing song of their sets, creating a more focused concert environment.
The move also follows a similar policy introduced by Ghost during the band’s recently completed Skeletour, where attendees were required to experience the show without access to their phones.
With the Paris performance being documented for future release, Iron Maiden are aiming to capture both the band and the crowd in an environment free from raised screens, while giving fans in attendance a different live experience for one night only.
