Iron Maiden Unleashes “Killers” Live in Budapest on May 28, 2025, Kicking Off Their 50th Anniversary Tour
On May 28, 2025, Iron Maiden launched their highly anticipated “Run For Your Lives” world tour at the Papp László Sportaréna in Budapest. The concert wasn’t just the start of a tour—it was a thunderous celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary. From the first riff to the final bow, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of nostalgia and raw energy, uniting generations of Maiden fans under one roof.
The setlist for the evening exclusively covered songs from Iron Maiden’s first nine studio albums, ranging from their 1980 self-titled debut to 1992’s “Fear of the Dark.” Fans were treated to an epic journey through the band’s golden years, packed with deep cuts and signature classics. The focus on earlier material gave longtime fans a rare opportunity to hear songs that hadn’t graced the stage in decades.
The show opened with UFO’s “Doctor Doctor,” the traditional prelude to Maiden concerts, setting a suspenseful tone. It transitioned into “The Ides of March” before exploding into “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” a track that hadn’t been performed live since 2005. This deep cut electrified the crowd and made it clear that Iron Maiden was digging deep into their archives for this special tour.
“Killers,” the brutal title track from their 1981 album, was another standout moment. It marked its triumphant return to the live setlist after a 26-year absence, thrilling old-school fans who had waited decades to hear it live again. The aggression and tight musicianship captured the essence of Maiden’s early sound in a way that felt both fresh and reverent.
“Phantom of the Opera” returned to the stage after more than a decade, and its complex shifts in tempo and mood reminded everyone why it remains one of the band’s most revered compositions. The song’s theatrical edge felt perfectly at home in a city like Budapest, where the grandeur of opera and the ferocity of metal collided beautifully.
Another surprise was the inclusion of “The Clairvoyant,” performed live for the first time since 2013. It added a layer of mysticism to the set, with its soaring melodies and introspective lyrics. The song provided a quieter, more emotional interlude amidst the otherwise relentless pace of the show, highlighting the band’s dynamic range.
A major change in the lineup gave the night an added layer of significance. Simon Dawson stepped in as drummer, replacing the retired Nicko McBrain. Though fans were naturally skeptical, Dawson quickly won over the crowd with precise, energetic drumming that kept the band’s engine roaring from start to finish.
The stage setup broke from Maiden’s typical tradition of massive physical sets and elaborate props. Instead, the band used enormous digital screens to project stunning visuals, including several iconic incarnations of their mascot Eddie. These modern enhancements allowed for more flexibility in storytelling and created a cinematic experience unlike any previous Maiden tour.
One of the most unforgettable parts of the night was the encore, which included “Aces High,” “Fear of the Dark,” and “Wasted Years.” Fans were especially surprised to hear “Fear of the Dark” moved to the encore slot, a change that gave the show an unexpected jolt of electricity at the end. The crowd roared every word back at Bruce Dickinson, turning the arena into a choir of metal devotion.
Bruce Dickinson, despite being in his mid-60s, showed no signs of slowing down. His vocals remained as commanding as ever, and his dramatic flair kept all eyes glued to the stage. Whether sprinting across the risers or commanding the crowd like a battle-hardened general, he demonstrated why he remains one of rock’s most enduring frontmen.
Guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers weaved their signature triple-axe assault with blistering accuracy. Whether on harmonized leads or dueling solos, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Steve Harris, the band’s founder and bassist, anchored the entire show with unrelenting power, never once missing a beat.
The “Run For Your Lives” tour will span Europe and the UK through the summer, and the Budapest kickoff set a high bar for what’s to come. Fans can expect an evening rich in classic songs, modern visuals, and a celebration of Maiden’s half-century legacy. This isn’t just a nostalgia act—it’s a living, breathing force of metal history.
To add a festive twist to the tour, Iron Maiden has introduced Eddie’s official pop-up dive bars in select cities. These pre-show gatherings offer themed drinks, exclusive merchandise, and a chance for fans to connect. It’s a clever and fun way to extend the concert experience beyond the stage and into the community.
The Budapest show proved that Iron Maiden isn’t interested in coasting through their 50th year—they’re aiming to evolve while staying true to their roots. The setlist, the visuals, and the musicianship all showed a band that respects its legacy but refuses to rest on it. It was a high-octane performance that honored every era of Maiden’s career.
For those who missed the Budapest show, there are still plenty of chances to catch the tour in action. Tickets remain available for upcoming dates, and if this opening night is any indication, Iron Maiden is on track to deliver one of the most memorable tours in metal history. Half a century in, they still run to the hills—and take us with them.
