Iron Maiden’s new world tour is off and running. The band launched their Run For Your Lives tour with back-to-back sold-out shows at Papp László Sportaréna in Budapest, Hungary, this past week — performances that also marked the live debut of new drummer Simon Dawson, who stepped in after longtime drummer Nicko McBrain retired last December.
After the opening nights, longtime manager Rod Smallwood took a moment to thank fans for their overwhelming support. In a statement posted on Iron Maiden’s official website, he reflected on the experience of launching such a monumental run in Budapest.
“Well, what a way of starting this monumental tour with a couple of sold-out nights in Budapest,” he wrote. “It was the perfect place to open this tour — a great venue, an incredible city, in fact, one of my favourites, and you, very passionate Hungarian fans. And of course, not forgetting the travelling fans that came from far and very wide to experience the excitement of the big reveal! To see hundreds of fans and FC members in the aptly-named Heroes Square the day before the first show was fantastic as always.”
The current tour marks a milestone moment, as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of bassist Steve Harris founding the band in 1975. In honor of this, the band debuted a setlist that pulls from the first nine studio albums, from Iron Maiden through Fear Of The Dark, delivered with what is being billed as the group’s most elaborate stage production yet.
Smallwood noted that the new production was well-received in Budapest: “We were delighted to see the reaction and appreciation for the new production that has enabled everyone to experience these iconic songs in a way we’ve never been able to before. This was quite an operation to achieve, but we will let you have more insight into that very soon.”
Of course, much of the attention was on Simon Dawson as he made his first appearance behind the kit. According to Smallwood, the fans helped make it a memorable debut: “We also want to acknowledge the amazing welcome you gave Simon on his first shows with us. He felt your support from the start, and asks me to thank you all.”
There was also praise for the way the audience embraced the live experience without constant phone use: “A huge thank you to every one of you who kept your phones down, respected the band and your fellow fans, and embraced the show the way it’s meant to be experienced — in the room with us. That was a great boost for us, and the band appreciated it greatly. It is so much better when they can see you unencumbered, and that drives them on without that distraction. For the selfish few that didn’t and just had to keep videoing… I wish you nothing but a very sore arm!”
Smallwood added that he hopes this mindful attitude continues as the tour moves forward: “But they were few, and we do hope this support from fans, especially in the floor area in front of the sound desk, continues in Prague [on Saturday] and beyond. As I said before, by all means, take the odd quick pic as a memento of a great night, but otherwise please keep your phone in your pocket.”
With the first indoor shows now complete, the band is shifting to outdoor venues for the next leg. “On we go now to the first huge outdoor show, and another fantastic sold-out crowd waiting for us. We’re starting to hit our stride already, and it’s going to be some ride for these next couple of months. See you there.”
