Iron Maiden's insanely good Run For Your Lives Tour is a hit-packed metal masterclass with mind blowing visuals
They kicked off the UK leg of their
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Iron Maiden are celebrating their 50th anniversary but still play like rockers a quarter their age
Credit: Olivia Fry - The Sun
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Bassist Steve Harris keeps the rhythm in front of the sold-out crowd at Birmingham's Utilita Arena
Credit: Olivia Fry - The Sun
At one point, guitarist Janick Gers — who is two years off 70 — had his foot up on an amp that was higher than his shoulder.
Then he was spinning the guitar around his neck before pointing it towards the sold-out crowd at Birmingham's Utilita Arena like a weapon, as bassist Steve Harris provided rhythmic perfection next to him.
Eddie, the band's mascot, also put in a shift and was stalking across the stage left, right and centre as the metallers thrashed through their 17-song set.
Ahead of the shows, frontman
read more on iron maiden
And Maiden did that in spades.
As I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with head-banging fans of all ages, a shirtless man ran from the sound deck towards the front of the stage and screamed: 'I would die for metal.'
And I don't doubt it, as the band whipped the crowd further into a frenzy with tracks including Wrathchild, Number Of The Beast, Powerslave and Two Minutes To Midnight.
The set list is packed with proper treats for Maiden fans.
Most read in Bizarre
The band kicked off the show with Murders In The Rue Morgue, then later played Killers — tracks they haven't performed live since their Ed Hunter Tour 26 years ago.
Visually, the show was among the most impressive I've seen recently, opening with the backdrop of the old East London streets some of them grew up in.
Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, 66, comes 13th in elite fencing tournament… only losing to Olympic gold medallist
Classics such as Run To The Hills had the crowd screaming so loudly their energy seemed to push the band on more.
Bruce then dressed as a prisoner sprinting up a staircase, running from a ghost, while Hallowed Be Thy Name played.
Epics such as Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and Rime Of The Ancient Mariner showcased the group's musicianship, before they kicked off the first song of the encore, Aces High.
There were mind-blowing visuals of Spitfire battles blasting around behind them.
Vocally, Bruce was on fire.
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The band's mascot Eddie stalks the stage
Credit: Olivia Fry - The Sun
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The band have sold just over a million tickets for the European leg of their tour
Credit: Olivia Fry - The Sun
And given he barely stood still, the show was a masterclass for rising stars who can only dream of emulating the energy and talent he has perfected on stage over the decades.
As well as roaring rock, the band made a point of paying tribute to their longtime drummer Nicko McBrain, who
And they took the opportunity to introduce new man Simon Dawson, who thrashed the skins so hard from start to finish I'm amazed he didn't break his kit.
Every show on Iron Maiden's UK and Ireland run is sold out, with the band selling just over a million tickets for the European leg.
If you're lucky enough to have a seat at one of the shows, strap yourselves in and get ready for the ride of your life.
It is insanely good.
DANNY IN THE WIGHT MOOD
FRESH from his honeymoon in Greece, The Script's Danny O'Donoghue was still on cloud nine ahead of the group's performance at the Isle of Wight Festival.
He said of his romantic getaway with
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The Script's Danny O'Donoghue performing at the Isle of Wight Festival
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
'If I wasn't in the band, I'd be trying to be travelling around anyway.'
In our exclusive backstage chat, Danny also said his
'There were just so many famous people around and I thought if I got drunk, I'd find some courage. But that never happened.
'I'd have a few beers and l go into myself and want to leg it from the festival.
"Although I've made these changes, very few others have, so I still find people I know asleep under tables at these things.'
They were joined at the festival by acts including Stereophonics, Busted, Razorlight, Amy Macdonald and Sting – who was spotted jumping on the ferry with punters to get to the island.
Last night, Justin Timberlake, Jess Glynne, Texas and Olly Murs rounded off an epic event.
SAM NAN ZOMBIE FILM HELP
ACTOR Sam Locke's nan was the secret weapon for helping him get a role in Danny Boyle's brilliant new film,
He makes his big-screen debut in the zombie horror.
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Sam Locke's nan helped him land a role in Danny Boyle's new film, 28 Years Later
Credit: Alamy
The Welshman popped in to see his grandparents when the call came to shoot an audition tape, and they sprung into action.
Sam said: 'My nan read in for the roles.
"I was sitting with my grandfather and he was telling me, 'If you don't get the role, don't be dis-heartened'.
"About ten minutes afterwards my agent rang with the confirmation.
"There was a lot of excitement.'
Sam revealed he had to be at peak fitness to take on the walking dead, and said: 'Luckily, I'm quite active anyway.
'But we had a week of stunt training and that pretty much trained our endurance.
'It helped us gel together."
Bizbit
DURAN DURAN are bringing their Halloween spectacular to our shores for the first time this year.
They will celebrate it at Manchester's Co-Op Live arena on October 31.
Singer Simon Le Bon said: 'I'm thrilled. And, frankly, a little terrified.'
Tickets go on public sale at 10am on Friday, with an early pre-sale for O2 customers from 10am Wednesday.
MILEY POPS UP IN SHOP
MILEY CYRUS thrilled fans when she made a surprise appearance at an East London record store.
She was joined by
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Miley Cyrus was joined by Naomi Campbell at the Rough Trade shop in London
Credit: The Mega Agency
They popped in to sign copies of their single, Every Girl You've Ever Loved, on Saturday.
For one night only this Friday, fans can see Miley's film Something Beautiful, which accompanies her album of the same name, when it hits cinemas.
I can reveal she blew the budget on the wardrobe for the production, in which she wears a total of 17 outfits.
The film includes videos for every track, along with a cameo by Naomi.
Their song has given pals a laugh, as Naomi says the line: 'She never wears a watch, still she's never late' – but the model is notoriously never on time.
CHARLI'S DUA DUET
DUA LIPA delighted fans at the second night of her Wembley gig by bringing out
Dressed in a white lace bodysuit,
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Dua Lipa delighted fans at the second night of her Wembley gig by bringing out Charli XCX
Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, Charli kept things more simple with a white top, tiny shorts and sunglasses.
Bizarre exclusively revealed last week that Charli was being lined up for a special appearance.
Our Jack was in the crowd and he says it was the highlight of the night.
After a short break, Dua will play two gigs at Anfield in Liverpool later this week.
Meanwhile,
SABRINA AND TYLA ARE WINNING CHOICE
TYLA looked sensational on the red carpet ahead of her hosting duties during the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in LA.
The South African singer who will bring her show to the All Points East festival in London in August, fronted the ceremony, where Sabrina Carpenter was the big winner.
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Tyla looked sensational on the red carpet ahead of her hosting duties during the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in LA
Credit: Splash
She took Favourite Song for Taste, Favourite Female Breakout Artist and Favourite Album for Short n' Sweet.
Sabrina acknowledged her risque image while accepting the awards in a video message.
The chart-topper, who has come under fire for her raunchy outfits and lyrics, said: 'I've always wanted one of these ever since I was a little girl.
'This is so special to me and I just can't thank each and every one of you enough for voting.
'I will continue to make these clean versions of these songs for you.'
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The Irish Sun
9 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
I married stranger on stranded cruise ship – now we LIVE on board… holiday from hell turned into a 15-year honeymoon
IT looked like the holiday from hell - but it quickly became the honeymoon of a lifetime. When Gian and Angie Perroni were left stranded in Belfast after their luxury cruise was delayed for four months, all they could dream of was setting sail. 17 Gian and Angie Perroni got married on an incredible round-the-world cruise ship Credit: SUPPLIED 17 They told The Sun about their 'magical' wedding Credit: SUPPLIED 17 The pair met in Belfast when the Villa Vie Odyssey faced a string of delays Credit: PA 17 They held their extravagant 300-guest wedding on board the ship in May Credit: SUPPLIED But neither of them ever imagined they'd find their soulmate while waiting for the round-the-world cruise to start its epic adventure. After Gian, 63, popped the question to Angie, 54, in September - just weeks after their first date - the next natural step was to hold their big day on board the mega Villa Vie Odyssey. The couple told The Sun how their 300-guest ship-wide ceremony officiated by the captain was "way too much fun". After four months of repairs, the huge cruise finally set sail last October. And Gian and Angie held their "magical" wedding - where the captain plunged into the pool with the bride and groom. They shared heartwarming images of the ceremony which took place on board the ship between Costa Rica and Nicaragua in May. Gian, from Vancouver, Canada, said: "We not only were honoured with the captain officiating the wedding, but he actually took the plunge into the pool with us as well which was a which was a lot of fun." Angie, from Colorado in the States, chimed in: "Very unexpected." Gian added: "We had professional dancers, and everybody had bubble guns and bubble wands, and the captain had the the ship's horn go off when we had our first kiss. "It was all very romantic and just way too much fun." Moment couple are jeered & mocked by cruise ship passengers as boat sets sail without them after showing up 30 mins late The pair, who also got matching Celtic trinity knot tattoos, held a smaller private ceremony on April 30 before pushing the boat out for a ship-wide party two days later. Angie said: "We had a lot of the ship help us out with the wedding, which I thought was very special." She revealed that most of the people helping to organise the wedding - such as photographers and decorating teams - were actually residents living on board the ship. Angie added: "Everyone on board was very much looking forward to it. And because, again, this is our community and not just a cruise, there was a very different support." Picture-perfect couple Gian and Angie are permanent residents on the Villa Vie Odyssey - a mega 600ft vessel which is set to visit almost every holiday hotspot Earth has to offer. 17 They held a private ceremony as well as a ship-wide one Credit: SUPPLIED 17 The wedding took place when the ship was between Costa Rica and Nicaragua Credit: SUPPLIED 17 Guests were given bubble guns for the wedding ceremony Credit: SUPPLIED 17 Gian and Angie joined by loved ones at their wedding Credit: Villa Vie Residences It boasts a jaw-dropping itinerary - including 425 destinations across 147 countries - around 75 per cent of all nations on Earth. Cruise-goers on board the Odyssey are set to visit all their dream holiday destinations across the planet as part of the journey. The huge vessel was previously marred by controversy when crew discovered problems with its rudders and gearbox - causing its launch to be postponed for four months. The residential cruise sells cabins on a permanent basis - with personal rooms starting at $129,000 for 15 years. Despite the eye-watering price tag, the only other residential cruise ship on the planet currently at sea, The World, offers its cheapest cabin for $2.5million. Gian and Angie are permanent owners on the Odyssey - and have their cabins guaranteed for a decade-and-a-half. Having set off just one year ago, they have already visited 36 countries. Unlike traditional cruises, the ship docks at different ports for around five days each, so residents can properly explore rather than just dash between locations. 17 Gian and Angie's matching Celtic trinity knot tattoos Credit: Reuters 17 Guests plunge into the pool during the wedding Credit: Villa Vie Residences 17 Angie said she couldn't imagine a better place' to have the wedding Credit: SUPPLIED 17 The Villa Vie Odyssey was once marred by controversy Credit: Instagram Globe-trotters Angie and Gian are currently not on board the ship and have returned home due to a family matter. But they say their inboxes have been flooded by friends from their on board community who can't wait for them to get back. Describing day-to-day life on board the infamous vessel - it seems like the party never ends. "We party hard... The only little space we have left in our cabin is a little liquor storage," Angie said. "You definitely have your party years on board, for sure." Gian, who works in online marketing, said: "We've created some very, very good friendships. "There's been one other wedding on board already, another wedding off the ship, and then a few that have gone the opposite direction as well..." They also revealed the range of fellow crew members on board the ship. Angie said: "Once you start chatting with people and getting their history, it's pretty fascinating the different walks of life that are that are on board." Her husband said: "We've become friends with an ex-state Governor, we had an astronaut on board - one of the few people that's been on the moon." Villa Vie Residences' CEO Mikael Petterson previously revealed: 'We have a very diverse community including a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a White House chief of staff, an astronaut and many scientists and doctors on board that share their knowledge and experiences.' What happened to the Villa Vie Odyssey? by Harvey Geh THE Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship offering a three-and-a-half-year world tour, was scheduled to set sail from Belfast in May 2024. But a series of technical issues with the ship's rudders and gearbox led to a four-month delay, keeping the vessel docked at the Harland & Wolff shipyard - where the Titanic was built. During this time, passengers who had sold their homes and packed up all their belongings were stranded in Belfast. The cruise company, Villa Vie Residences, provided accommodation for them in local hotels and serviced apartments - before eventually ending these funds and offering on board credit instead. Gian Perroni and Angela Harsanyi made international headlines when they met and fell in love before getting engaged during the unexpected delay. After numerous postponements, the ship finally set sail on the last day of September 2024 - but had to anchor in Belfast Lough overnight to complete last-minute paperwork and administrative checks before it could officially begin its voyage. Villa Vie admitted the project faced significant challenges - with the unexpected repairs and logistical issues costing them millions of pounds. The extended delays led to tensions among some residents, with one passenger kicked off the cruise for allegedly being 'negative' on a WhatsApp group. Despite its tumultuous and highly publicised four-month delay, the Odyssey finally embarked on its journey in October 2024. In terms of the demographics, Gian estimates 80 per cent of all residents on board the ship are American, quipping: "I even married one." Despite this, he thinks life on board the Odyssey "feels very international", as there are "a lot of different languages being spoken". "As we go to places like, for example, Japan, we've had people that have lived there, that have helped set up itineraries," he said. And even though they are said to be living their dream lives on board the mega-cruise - day-to-day life at sea isn't always plain sailing. "We collectively miss the ease of visiting family when we want or need to, especially the further away we are from home," Gian admitted. "But that is balanced by our ability to invite family to visit and cruise with us." They also listed one other surprising thing they never thought they'd miss before embarking on the years-long adventure. 17 It is currently sailing as part of its massive 425-destination voyage Credit: Villa Vie Residences 17 Angie said her sunset wedding was 'absolutely gorgeous' Credit: Villa Vie Residences 17 The pair say they still 'party hard' Credit: SUPPLIED Gian said: "It's not easy to hit fast food restaurants whenever we want, but we're likely healthier because of that." But the pros far outweigh the cons, the couple emphasised. Angie said: "It's just a whole another way to to live and see the world. I find it absolutely fascinating." Gian added: "We've been happily surprised at, for lack of better word, the stickiness - almost everybody that was with us in Belfast is still on the ship." Although Gian is a seasoned traveller, Angie said she had "never been out of the country" before she decided to step outside her comfort zone and board the Odyssey. And she's looking forward to ticking a few spots off her bucket list - with holiday hotspot Fiji being a "big one" for her. The cruisegoer said of the journey: "It's a lifestyle like I couldn't envision when I started... it's wonderful. And I would definitely recommend it to anybody especially young." The couple are set return to the "loveboat" in the coming weeks, most likely when the ship docks in South Korea. 17 The couple got engaged just weeks after their first date Credit: PA
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I had steamy holiday sex on a sofa then flew home to my loyal boyfriend – flings are what girls' trips are for
Plus, The Sun's Dear Deidre team shares their response to Bridget's brazen cheating NO REGRETS I had steamy holiday sex on a sofa then flew home to my loyal boyfriend – flings are what girls' trips are for MUM-OF-TWO Bridget Zyka, 43, has spent the last two weeks in Ireland. The most spontaneous thing she has done with her two favourite males during her two-week break is taking her sons, Mateo, four and Conor, two, to soft play. 3 Bridget believes "if your other half goes on holiday without you, you can't be surprised if they're unfaithful". Credit: Bridget Zyka 3 Bridget admits to spending her 20s and 30s cheating on partners Credit: Bridget Zyka Advertisement But that wasn't the case when she was single two decades ago. Bridget admits that faithfulness and fidelity were two words she crossed out of her vocab whenever she was on holiday. She says: 'There is something about boarding a flight and leaving work and your everyday world behind that means you get a free sex pass. "I was travelling round the world in my late twenties when I ended up in New Zealand. 'Before long I found myself loved up and in a long-term relationship with a Kiwi bloke. Advertisement 'We'd been together for a year when this guy I'd had a flat share with in Canada got in touch and said he would be in Australia. 'The weather was crap in New Zealand at the time, so I went to meet this certain platonic mate on the Gold Coast in Oz. 'I also knew he fancied me but nothing had ever happened – before now. 'I booked a flight for a weekend and we arranged to meet up on one of the nights. Advertisement 'We went for a drink and one thing led to another and I ended up back at his apartment. I'd bought a bottle of something strong at duty free and we started doing shots. 'It was a spur of the moment thing but we ended up having sex on the sofa. Spotting the signs your partner is cheating 'Would it have happened after a day in the office when I was back in London and working in IT? Of course not.' Bridget, today a body positivity coach, is happily married to Aldo, 39, a builder and they live in Hertfordshire. The couple met when they were both single in Covent Garden. Bridget, then 36, confesses such was the sexual attraction between them that they slept together on the first night. Nine years on Bridget reckons they're still 'very loved up' as a couple and faithfulness is the bedrock of their marriage. A fair cry from her younger self. Advertisement 'When I woke up with my 'platonic' friend I was shocked with myself the next morning. I'm not someone who cheats and I don't have one-night stands either. But the sex was incredible. We were so compatible - it was like fireworks going off. 'When I flew back and saw my boyfriend waiting for me at the airport I did feel a bit guilty. 'But there was no way I was going to tell him. I can see now it was just a 'meh' relationship. I did end things with him not that long after. 'I'd like to say it was out of character for me but back then it wasn't. Cheating is what girly holidays were invented for! [And] if your other half goes on holiday without you, you can't be surprised if they're unfaithful. Bridget 'When you're single and have zero responsibilities you can do what you want – and I did. Advertisement 'I have absolutely no regrets about being unfaithful while on holidays throughout my 20s and early 30s. 'If us women are honest with ourselves it is a rite of passage for all of us. 'I made sure I did everything I wanted to do before I settled down and left no sexual stone unturned.' Indeed, Bridget worked hard, played hard and travelled hard in her 20s and early 30s. She reckons she cheated on at least three boyfriends while on holiday during that time. 3 Bridget with her husband Aldo, who she has never cheated on Credit: Bridget Zyka Advertisement 'Look, if you are fully committed to your soulmate, then it's never going to happen. But if the relationship isn't strong then of course the lethal ingredients of distance, sunshine and being in a different country means any temptation that comes your way is going to test even the most committed couple. 'You're coming face to face with gorgeous men on beaches and in bars; they often don't have many clothes on. Unless you are rock solid, then the odds of sex with someone who isn't your other half are very likely. "It's what girly holidays were invented for," she admits. 'It's why I cheated on another boyfriend while I went interrailing around Europe with a girlfriend. 'You get to reinvent yourself and do things you wouldn't do. Advertisement 'Loads of friends have had flings, too. If your other half goes on holiday without you, you can't be surprised if they're unfaithful." Bridget says her cheating past is NOT something she discusses with her husband and she wasn't bothered if anyone posted about her antics online. 'I was too busy having fun to worry about whether anyone was taking sly pictures of me with someone's arm around me. I definitely wasn't stalking anyone's posts on social media. Life was – and still is – too short to worry about what other people say about me.' The Sun's Sex and Relationship Expert Dear Deidre's advice By Sally Land, The Sun's Sex and Relationship Expert There are plenty of reasons why people cheat and being in an unfulfilling relationship, feeling limited by our regular lives, having low self-esteem and simply not feeling ready for real commitment are likely the most relevant here. And while it's true that plenty of young people stray when they go on holiday, the same can also be true for older men and women also. Cheating on a girls' or boys' holiday is certainly not a given. It's true that long distance relationships are challenging to maintain and no matter how strong the relationship they often end when one partner meets someone who is geographically closer. But a holiday or mini-break isn't the same, if you're giving into temptation every time you pack your bags, you need to ask yourself if you're in the right relationship. Needing constant attention and being hooked on the thrill of the chase is another driver. If this sounds familiar, you'd do well to work on your own self-esteem and sense of security, otherwise this could develop into a lifelong pattern. And most people who have betrayed a partner while on a break do feel guilty. Often it's through behaving in a way that on reflection, we are uncomfortable with, that we learn about who we want to be and what our values are. For many it's only when we meet someone we truly love that all ideas of an exciting fling disappear - because the thought of jeopardising such a precious relationship is terrifying. If you'd like a second opinion email me and my team of counsellors for free and personalised advice: deardeidre@ Having waved goodbye to her hedonistic past, Bridget reckons that she will give the talk to her sons when they're old enough to have a relationship and start travelling independently. Advertisement 'I will absolutely warn them to be careful and not take risks. I gulp at a lot of the silly things I did. You try to be responsible but it all goes out the window when the plane takes off. 'I will warn them about contraception being a man's responsibility, too. The last thing I want is for them to become a father in their late teens. And at the very least, I will tell them, 'If you can't be good, be careful.'"
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
BBC calls in police to investigate new Strictly allegations
The BBC has asked the police to investigate Strictly Come Dancing amid fresh allegations, according to reports, after claims two of its stars used cocaine. The Sun On Sunday reported that the corporation has alerted the Metropolitan Police to new allegations about the hit dance competition show, the details of which it does not specify. A BBC spokesperson said on Saturday the corporation does not comment on police investigations. It comes after reports in The Sun earlier this month alleged two Strictly cast members' drug use was discussed on the BBC dancing show, and said that the corporation had appointed law firm Pinsent Masons to lead the investigation. The scandal-hit show was also the subject of a review in 2024, when the BBC looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. The corporation upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made – and introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving welfare. This included the introduction of a chaperone who is present 'at all times' during training room rehearsals. EastEnders star James Borthwick was also suspended from the BBC after a video emerged of the actor using a disabled slur on the set of the dance programme. The cocaine use allegations were reportedly made in a legal submission by law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, who was dropped by the BBC after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour. It is understood that the BBC often appoints external law firms to help it lead investigations. The BBC spokesperson previously said: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. 'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment.
