In 2025, Iron Maiden is proving that age is no barrier to greatness. The iconic heavy metal band has launched a massive global celebration for their 50th anniversary, combining a retrospective world tour, a bold new solo project from frontman Bruce Dickinson, and an in-depth documentary chronicling their five-decade journey.
Kicking off on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, the “Run For Your Lives” world tour is a nostalgic yet electrifying showcase of Iron Maiden’s legacy. The tour features 27 shows across Europe and beyond, with major stops in London, Madrid, Berlin, and Paris. Uniquely, the setlist is drawn exclusively from the band’s first nine studio albums—spanning from their 1980 self-titled debut to 1992’s Fear of the Dark. This era-specific celebration is a gift to long-time fans, offering live performances of Maiden classics in venues packed with decades of loyal followers. Support acts vary by region and include Halestorm, Avatar, and The Raven Age, adding a new generation of metal to the mix.
Meanwhile, Bruce Dickinson is turning heads with his ambitious solo project, The Mandrake Project. This concept album is accompanied by a 12-issue comic book series and dives into themes of identity, power, and the supernatural, told through a rich narrative blending science and the occult. The project’s singles—“Afterglow of Ragnarok” and “Rain on the Graves”—have already garnered critical acclaim and showcased Dickinson’s continued creative fire outside the Iron Maiden banner.
To round out this landmark year, Iron Maiden is also producing a full-length documentary in partnership with Universal Pictures, directed by Malcolm Venville. Featuring candid interviews with both current and former band members, along with appearances from famous fans like Javier Bardem, Gene Simmons, and Lars Ulrich, the film promises rare insights and emotional moments—including the last recorded interview with original frontman Paul Di’Anno.
Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the past—it’s a declaration that the band remains a powerful creative force in the present. Whether through thunderous live shows, new music, or cinematic storytelling, Iron Maiden continues to define and evolve the heavy metal legacy they helped create.
