IRON MAIDEN Manager Criticizes ‘Selfish’ Fans for Ignoring Request to Keep Phones Away: ‘I Hope You Experience a Very Sore Arm’

IRON MAIDEN manager Rod Smallwood expressed gratitude to the band’s supporters for attending the initial two performances of the “Run For Your Lives” world tour, which commenced on Tuesday, May 27 at Papp László Sportaréna in Budapest, Hungary. These concerts marked MAIDEN‘s debut live shows featuring new drummer Simon Dawson, who took over from longtime drummer Nicko McBrain last December.

On May 30, Smallwood released a statement via MAIDEN‘s official website: “What an incredible way to kick off this monumental tour with two sold-out nights in Budapest. It was ideal to launch here — an amazing venue, a stunning city — one of my favorites — and incredibly passionate Hungarian fans. I must also acknowledge the dedicated fans who traveled from all corners to witness the thrilling big reveal! It was fantastic to see hundreds of fans and FC members gather at the aptly-named Heroes Square the day before the first show.

“We were thrilled by the reaction to the new production, which allowed everyone to enjoy these iconic songs in a manner we haven’t experienced before. It’s been quite an effort to bring this together, and we’ll share more details soon.

“We also want to extend our appreciation for the warm welcome you gave Simon during his first performances with us. He felt your enthusiasm from the get-go — and he asked me to convey his thanks.

“A massive thank you to all of you who kept your phones down, respected the band and fellow fans, and engaged with the show as it should be — right there with us. That truly uplifted us, and the band greatly appreciated it. It’s so much better for them to see the audience without distractions. For the few who kept filming… I wish you nothing but a very sore arm!

“But they were few, and we hope this support from fans, especially in the area in front of the sound desk, continues in Prague [on Saturday] and beyond. As I mentioned before, feel free to snap the occasional quick pic as a keepsake, but otherwise, please keep your phone in your pocket.

“Now we move on to our first major outdoor show, where another fantastic sold-out crowd awaits us. We’re already finding our rhythm, and it’s going to be an exhilarating couple of months.

“See you there.”

The “Run For Your Lives” world tour commemorates 50 years since bassist Steve Harris established MAIDEN in late 1975. In celebration, fans can expect a special setlist covering the nine studio albums from “Iron Maiden” to “Fear Of The Dark”, all showcased in the band’s most elaborate show ever.

Following the Budapest concerts, there will be 31 additional stadium, festival, and arena performances across Europe. With over a million tickets already sold and numerous shows sold out, fans are advised that extra tickets will be released closer to the performance dates — and on the day itself — with the release of venue and production holds.

Earlier this month, Smallwood posted on the MAIDEN website titled “Put away your phones and get ready to Run For Your Lives!” where he encouraged fans to experience the performances “in the moment” instead of through smaller screens later.

“We genuinely want fans to enjoy the shows firsthand, rather than through their small screens,” Smallwood stated. “The prevalence of phone usage these days detracts from the experience, particularly for the band, who are performing while facing rows of phones, but also for other attendees.

“We believe that the passion and engagement of our fans really make the shows special; however, the obsession with phones has become a major distraction, especially for the band. I hope fans understand this and will be considerate by significantly limiting their phone camera use out of respect for the band and fellow fans.”

The “Run For Your Lives” world tour is part of IRON MAIDEN‘s 50th-anniversary celebrations and will feature various fan “meet-up” events in the cities where the band performs. As successfully debuted in Australia on the last tour, these will include Eddie‘s official pop-up dive bar, open for pre-show and post-show gatherings in 20 cities during the tour. They will offer Trooper beer and Darkest Red wine, along with food, exclusive merchandise, and additional entertainment. More details can be found at ironmaiden.com. Please note that the band will not be in attendance at these events. Additionally, a feature-length documentary film will be released in cinemas worldwide later this year by Universal Pictures Content Group, as well as an official hardback book celebrating 50 years of IRON MAIDEN, to be published by Thames & Hudson. More information on both exciting releases will be shared soon.

Dawson previously collaborated with Harris as part of his BRITISH LION project.

McBrain‘s last performance with MAIDEN occurred five months ago in São Paulo, Brazil.

The 72-year-old British musician, known as Michael Henry McBrain, announced his retirement on December 7, 2024, in a statement posted on MAIDEN‘s website and social media. He also mentioned that the concert at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil, that night would be his final show with the legendary heavy metal band.

Despite retiring from touring, McBrain stated that he would remain closely linked to IRON MAIDEN and continue to work on “various projects” with the band, while also focusing on personal endeavors and existing businesses.

On December 8, 2024, IRON MAIDEN announced Dawson as its new touring drummer.