Iron Maiden has announced new filming plans for their forthcoming cinematic tour documentary, confirming the project will be completed at Eddfest — their 50th anniversary celebration at Knebworth — on July 11, following a power outage that cut their June 22 concert at La Défense Arena in Paris dramatically short.
The Paris show, part of the band’s current “Run For Your Lives” world tour, had been playing to more than 30,000 fans in the middle of a ferocious heatwave — with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees — when a total power cut struck the building approximately 50 minutes in, toward the end of “Two Minutes to Midnight,” plunging the entire stadium into silence and darkness.
Full power was eventually restored, and the band retook the stage roughly an hour later. Local police granted a curfew extension to 11:35 PM — but no further, as Paris public transit closes shortly thereafter and officials did not want more than 30,000 fans stranded in the city’s streets in the extreme heat. In the time remaining, Iron Maiden was able to complete their main set, closing with “Iron Maiden,” though the three planned encores — “Aces High,” “Fear of the Dark,” and “Wasted Years” — were not performed.
Steve Harris addressed the situation in an official statement: “You all know what happened in Paris, we all know what happened in Paris, so we’re gonna finish it off at Knebworth, and we’ll see you there.”
Bruce Dickinson added: “We’re not going to lose what we did in Paris but we’re going to add to it with some amazing stuff from Knebworth. So Knebworth, be on ya best behavior!!”
With fans from both the Paris concert and Eddfest now set to be part of the finished film, the decision means the “Run For Your Lives” production — currently halfway through its world tour run — will receive a proper cinematic conclusion at one of the most storied venues in rock history.
Eddfest will also feature Iron Maiden’s “Infinite Dreams” museum experience, bringing to life the band’s pictorial book of the same name with more than 50 items spanning nearly 50 years of history. Among the artifacts on display: the iconic pharaoh’s head from the World Slavery tour, Eddie’s ray-gun from the 1986 Somewhere on Tour, the electric chair from the The X Factor era, the tank commander Eddie from the A Matter of Life and Death tour, the baphomet from The Number of the Beast, the Phantom of the Opera organ from the Maiden England tour, and personal mementoes from the late Paul Di’Anno onward.
Longtime Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said: “We’ve raided Eddie’s archive, Steve’s garden and our very own offices, warehouses and homes to bring you some actual pieces of our history! More than 50 items from almost 50 years of history will be on display for tens of thousands of you to see. Try to be there early, because sadly there likely won’t be time for every one of you to take everything in, especially as we have so many other exciting things happening on site. This weekend is for you, our fans. We are trying to do something special and a bit different in celebration of 50 years — a full-on MAIDEN experience from the moment you arrive on site to the minute you leave.”
The festival’s “Maidenville” on-site village will be open to campers throughout the weekend. Friday’s entertainment includes live performances from former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley and Gypsy’s Kiss, as well as Eddie’s Dive Bar, the Unfair Funfair with Eddie-themed rides and games, and Eddie’s Emporium. Saturday-only ticket holders will also have access to “Maidenville” once the main arena opens. Full information, FAQs, and remaining tickets are available here.
