‘Put your phones away': Iron Maiden makes a plea ahead of 50th anniversary tour

San Francisco Chronicle​

21-05-2025

As Iron Maiden prepares to launch its Run for Your Lives World Tour, the legendary British heavy metal band is asking fans to step back in time — by putting away their phones.
In a message posted to the band's website, longtime manager Rod Smallwood urged concertgoers to 'severely limit' mobile phone usage during the shows, telling them to live 'in the moment' and enjoy the experience in real time.
'We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens,' Smallwood wrote. 'The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment, particularly for the band who are on stage looking out at rows of phones, but also for other concertgoers.'
He added, 'We feel that the passion and involvement of our fans at shows really makes them special, but the phone obsession has now got so out of hand that it has become unnecessarily distracting, especially to the band. I hope fans understand this and will be sensible in severely limiting the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans.'
The tour, which begins Tuesday, May 27, in Budapest and includes a headlining slot at October's Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, celebrates 50 years since bassist Steve Harris founded the band in 1975.
Iron Maiden promises a special setlist that spans the group's early albums through its latest release, 'Fear of the Dark,' alongside what it calls 'their most spectacular and elaborate show ever.'
Smallwood said the band hopes fans will respect the immersive performances and 'be fully actively involved to enjoy each and every one of these classic songs in the spirit and manner they were first played' more than five decades ago.
'This show isn't just a celebration of our music; it is, as you will see, also about our years of art, of Eddie and of the many, many worlds of Maiden we have created for you,' he said. 'So please respect the band, respect the other fans and have the time of your lives as you join your Maiden family by singing your heart out, rather than getting your phone out!! It's really not a lot to ask is it?'
Iron Maiden joins a growing number of artists encouraging screen-free shows, including acts such as Madonna, Jack White and Tool.
While the request won't be enforced with locked pouches, the band is betting on fan loyalty to preserve the spirit of the performance.