Iron Maiden ‘Run For Your Lives’ World Tour + The Raven Age 21/06/2025

Live from Utilita Arena Birmingham

Photos © David Rattenbury Photography

Iron Maiden kicked off the UK leg of their Run For Your Lives tour last night at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, delivering a masterclass in heavy metal theatrics that proved once again why they remain the undisputed kings of the genre. From the moment ‘Doctor Doctor’ cued, the packed arena erupted in a fervour that barely subsided for the next two and a half hours, comprising classic tunes from the first nine albums. Openers The Raven Age did a great job of getting the crowd warmed up, with a atmospheric and melodic performance against a moody backdrop.

The band’s commitment to visual spectacle was evident from the opening moments. In lieu of physical backdrops, Maiden have incorporated the latest screen technology, with each song having its own bespoke “set” displayed on the stage. Of course, some traditions never die – Eddie makes an appearance in the rotten flesh by song three, Killers. Bruce also got into his wardrobe, donning iconic costumes like the iconic Powerslave mask that transported fans straight back to 1984. The theatrical elements continued throughout the evening – during ‘2 Minutes to Midnight,’ Bruce appeared in military camouflage jacket and beanie, embodying the song’s wartime imagery with his characteristic flair, and during ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ Dickinson emerged in a tattered, mystical robe that perfectly captured the song’s prophetic atmosphere (though I couldn’t help wonder how he didn’t melt in the heat!)

The costumes were great, and his performance was greater – but it was his cheeky banter that had the crowd in stitches, particularly his defence of departing drummer Nicko McBrain’s touring replacement, Simon Dawson. Addressing rumours head-on about Simon not being very good because he has a tiny drum kit, he suggested that people that say that must have a tiny dick.” Classic Bruce – never one to shy away from controversy with a grin. The frontman’s stage presence remained as commanding as ever, even acknowledging one of the hottest days on record with typical humour: “It’s cold in here. You all look nice and chilled, must be the venue’s air conditioning…” before launching into ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner.’ He quipped about animal rights activists preventing them from flying an actual albatross around the arena, but the band’s storytelling prowess needed no live birds to transport the audience to Coleridge’s maritime nightmare.

‘Run to the Hills’ and ‘The Trooper” were huge singalong moments, as Bruce, now dressed as the Trooper,  waved a massive Union Jack, while a giant Trooper Eddie emerged playing his rapier sword like a guitar alongside Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, who were on blistering form – a moment of pure Iron Maiden absurdity that had the crowd roaring approval.

Perhaps the most innovative staging came during ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name,’ where Bruce rose from beneath the stage in a cage, the backdrop transformed to resemble the view from a medieval castle cell overlooking gallows. Performing most of the song imprisoned, Bruce eventually escaped, which is where the video screens really came into their own. In a seamless transition, Bruce (now in the video) ran up a winding slope from a phantom, eventually being hung and becoming a ghost himself. With a puff of smoke the real Bruce then reappeared on stage clutching the noose in his hand. The new video staging also made an impact on the track Iron Maiden, where a giant angry Eddie appears to pull some cabling from the back of the stage, accompanied by real pyro to sell the effect. This is one of the best uses of video technology I’ve ever seen in a live music show.

At 66, Bruce Dickinson remains an absolute force of nature, his voice soaring effortlessly through complex arrangements while his stage craft continues to evolve. The band are tight as ever, proving that Iron Maiden’s legacy isn’t just preserved – it’s still being written. Founder and fearless leader Steve Harris was on top form, managing to hold down the low end while also being attacked by a 12 foot zombie.

After 50 years (yes, it really has been 50 years!) Steve Harris’ metal band from the east end of London aren’t resting on their well earned laurels – they’re continuing to push boundaries and show why they are still the definitive heavy metal ensemble.