Iron Maiden kicked off their Run for Your Lives 50th anniversary tour on Tuesday, unveiling significant changes to both their lineup and stage production. This highly anticipated launch took place at the Papp Laszlo Sportarena in Budapest, Hungary, where the band performed several tracks that had not graced their live sets in over a decade. Notably, this event marked the introduction of Simon Dawson as the new drummer, stepping in for Nicko McBrain, who announced his retirement from touring last December. The tour’s opening night set a thrilling tone for the journey ahead, showcasing how the band continues to evolve while honoring their storied legacy.

In addition to these personnel changes, Iron Maiden implemented another significant transformation in their live performance — one that, while perhaps less headline-grabbing than the arrival of a new band member, represents a substantial evolution in their presentation.

Discover the Exciting Innovations in Iron Maiden’s 2025 Stage Production

Traditionally, Iron Maiden has adorned their stages with intricate physical backdrops and impressive analog props, which they’ve utilized to signify new “movements” throughout their setlist. This was particularly evident during their recent Legacy of the Beast tour. However, for the kickoff of their 2025 tour, the iconic band opted for a modern approach, employing digital screens in place of traditional backdrops and props. This shift not only enhances the visual experience but also aligns with contemporary technological advancements in live music production.

Fan-captured footage from the Budapest performance revealed a gigantic screen dominating the stage backdrop, displaying a mesmerizing array of Eddie mascots, thematically relevant scenery, and cover art corresponding to the 17 songs performed during the night. The use of digital imagery proved particularly striking during the performance of “Powerslave,” where Bruce Dickinson sang from a riser above the drums, with a colossal sphinx Eddie looming dramatically behind him, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle.

READ MORE: Iron Maiden Launch 50th Anniversary Tour: Setlist and Video

The digital visuals were nothing short of spectacular, featuring scenes such as a ship battling fierce winds during “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” a menacing guillotine appearing during “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” a giant, writhing Eddie striving to escape his confines in “Iron Maiden,” and breathtaking aerial stunts showcased during “Aces High.” These transformative visuals offer fans a fresh yet nostalgic experience that highlights the band’s rich history while embracing modernity.

Rest Assured — Iconic Giant Eddie Still Takes Center Stage

For fans who cherish Iron Maiden’s theatrical and vaudevillian stage aesthetics, there’s good news: the band has not completely abandoned physical props in their performances. During “The Trooper,” Dickinson still faced off against a life-sized Eddie, providing the audience with that signature Iron Maiden thrill. Moreover, a massive, leather-clad version of the band’s iconic mascot prowled the stage during “Killers,” which made a notable return to the setlist for the first time since 1999, delighting long-time followers of the band.

Overall, the Run for Your Lives tour production signifies a noteworthy evolution for Iron Maiden, one that may alienate some traditionalists who prefer the classic approach. Yet, there’s an undeniable sense of reassurance knowing that, even after half a century in the music industry, the band continues to innovate and put their unique spin on their performances, keeping the spirit of rock and roll alive and thriving.

Catch the Exciting Highlights of Iron Maiden’s Tour Kickoff in Budapest on 5/27/25