Iron Maiden, the legendary British heavy metal band, are back on the road in 2025 with their much-anticipated “Run For Your Lives” tour, and true to form, they are delivering the electrifying live performances fans expect.

However, this time around, the band is doing things a little differently — and some aspects of the show have raised eyebrows and sparked lively discussions among the metal community.

From a new drummer stepping into impossible shoes to an innovative production style and a surprising setlist, the Budapest kickoff show has plenty to unpack.

Let’s dive into the strange and intriguing details that make this tour stand out — and ask whether it lives up to the hype.

One of the most talked-about elements of the Run For Your Lives tour is Iron Maiden’s new live drummer, Simon Dawson.

Replacing the iconic Nicko McBrain is no small feat.

Nicko’s drumming has been synonymous with Iron Maiden’s sound for decades, and fans worldwide associate him with the band’s identity.

So, naturally, the question on everyone’s mind was: could Simon fill those legendary shoes? The answer, as witnessed in Budapest, is a mixed bag.

Early in the show, during “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” Simon’s nerves were palpable.

It’s understandable — stepping onto the stage with thousands of die-hard metalheads watching, and following a legend, is daunting.

Yet, as the concert progressed, Simon grew more confident and showcased his technical skill and proficiency.

Steve Harris’s choice of Simon seems justified on a technical level, though some fans and critics note that Simon’s style and feel are distinct from both Nicko and Clive Burr, another celebrated past drummer.

This difference is not an insult but rather a sign of evolution.

Simon Dawson brings a fresh energy and a unique presence to the band, which is visible not just in his playing but also in his stage interaction and the drum kit setup itself.

While it may take some time for fans to fully embrace this change, the initial reception suggests that Simon is carving out his own place in Iron Maiden’s storied history.

The “Run For Your Lives” setlist is a carefully curated collection of Iron Maiden’s biggest hits, mostly from the band’s first nine albums.

The show kicks off with “The Ides of March,” a track that many fans have long begged to hear live.

Interestingly, this song serves as an intro played on tape rather than a live performance, similar to how “Blade Runner” was used on the “Future Past” tour.

It’s a perfect atmospheric opener that pumps up the crowd while nodding to the band’s early legacy.

Following this, the band launches into classics like “Murders in the Rue Morgue” (not played live since 2005), “Wrathchild,” “Killers” (not performed live since 1999), “Phantom of the Opera,” and “The Number of the Beast.

” This first segment highlights the band’s roots and satisfies longtime fans eager to relive the glory days.

The rest of the setlist includes fan favorites such as “Two Minutes to Midnight,” “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” “The Clairvoyant,” and “Run to the Hills.

” These songs are staples in Iron Maiden’s live shows, so their inclusion was expected.

However, some surprises stood out: “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” made the cut instead of “Infinite Dreams,” which many anticipated given its recent heavy teasing by the band.

The encore also brought unexpected choices.

Rather than closing with “Running Free” or “Die With Your Boots On,” Iron Maiden played “Aces High,” “Fear of the Dark,” and “Wasted Years.

” The inclusion of “Wasted Years” was particularly notable, as it’s a track from “Somewhere in Time,” and fans had hoped for a rarer live debut from that album.

Overall, the setlist balances mainstream appeal with deep cuts, though some fans wished for a few more surprises, such as songs from the “No Prayer for the Dying” album, which remains underrepresented.

Perhaps the most striking difference of the Run For Your Lives tour is the production design.

Iron Maiden promised a show unlike any other, and they delivered.

Instead of the classic backdrops the band has used for decades, this tour features a massive LED screen behind the stage.

This modern approach allows for dynamic and visually stunning backdrops that connect the band’s vintage songs with cutting-edge technology.

The screen displays incredible visuals that enhance the storytelling of the music, making the experience more immersive.

For example, the visuals during “Aces High” were so memorable that they inspired a piece of exclusive tour merchandise — a hidden gem that fans discovered only after the show.

Another revolutionary change is the replacement of the traditional inflatable Eddie (the band’s iconic mascot) during the song “Iron Maiden.

” Instead of the usual giant inflatable, a digital Eddie appears on the screen, mimicking a real-life presence.

Fans who attended the Budapest show described this digital Eddie as breathtaking and a bold move that could signal a new era for Iron Maiden’s live performances.

Despite the physical demands of the demanding setlist, the band’s performance was reportedly one of their strongest in recent years.

Bruce Dickinson, the band’s legendary frontman, surprised many by sounding stronger vocally than he has in a decade.

His stamina and energy on stage are remarkable, especially considering the band’s 50-year history.

The band members also appeared tight and energized, suggesting that the new lineup, including Simon Dawson, is gelling well.

This cohesion bodes well for the remainder of the tour and reassures fans that Iron Maiden remains a formidable live act.

The Run For Your Lives tour kickoff in Budapest was a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation.

The introduction of Simon Dawson brought a fresh, if initially nerve-wracked, dynamic to the band’s rhythm section.

The setlist honored Iron Maiden’s rich early catalog while throwing in some surprises that kept fans guessing.

The production’s leap into digital visuals and the bold digital Eddie were standout moments, marking a potential shift in how the band presents itself live.

While some longtime fans may miss the classic touches and crave deeper cuts, the tour seems designed to appeal broadly — satisfying die-hard metalheads and newer audiences alike.

Bruce Dickinson’s vocal form and the band’s tight performance only add to the excitement.

In conclusion, the Run For Your Lives tour is not just a nostalgic trip but a statement that Iron Maiden is evolving without losing their essence.

For fans and newcomers, this tour promises a powerful live experience that honors the past while embracing the future.

If the Budapest show is any indication, Iron Maiden’s journey is far from over — and the run, indeed, is worth it.