Iron Maiden Ignite Eurockéennes with a Breathtaking “The Trooper” in Front of 35,000 Fans

When Iron Maiden stormed the stage at Eurockéennes in Belfort on July 3, 2025, anticipation had reached a fever pitch among festival-goers. The sprawling grounds of this legendary French festival were packed with metalheads and music lovers of all ages, all waiting for that unmistakable opening riff of “The Trooper.” The band’s arrival wasn’t just the highlight of the day—it was a celebration of decades of heavy metal history and Iron Maiden’s undiminished power.

From the moment Nicko McBrain pounded out the first military-style snare rolls, the crowd erupted. Bruce Dickinson, wielding the Union Jack flag and dressed in his iconic red coat, sprinted across the stage with the energy of a man half his age. His voice soared as he belted out the song’s galloping verses, inspiring thousands to raise their fists and sing every word back at him.

The band’s connection with France runs deep. Iron Maiden has always been adored by French fans, with some of their most legendary European shows taking place in Paris, Lyon, and festivals like Hellfest and Eurockéennes. Their 2025 return to Belfort was both a reunion and a reaffirmation of the band’s longstanding bond with French metal culture.

Adrian Smith and Dave Murray’s twin-guitar attack gave “The Trooper” its signature bite, their harmonized leads slicing through the summer air. Steve Harris, as always, drove the song forward with his galloping basslines, every bit as relentless and precise as when the track first shook the world in 1983. The band’s musicianship remains as sharp as ever, proving that Iron Maiden’s legacy isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about sustained excellence.

The visual spectacle of “The Trooper” has always set it apart. As Dickinson waved the British flag and urged the crowd to join in, massive pyrotechnics lit up the Belfort night. Behind the band, a towering Eddie—Iron Maiden’s infamous mascot—emerged in military regalia, stalking the stage and eliciting roars from the audience. It was classic Maiden: a performance equal parts theater, history, and unfiltered rock energy.

This performance was more than just a repetition of old glories. In 2025, “The Trooper” still resonates with both longtime fans and younger festival-goers. The song’s lyrics, drawn from the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, have always blended history with heavy metal bravado. Seeing Dickinson breathe new life into those verses was a reminder of how Iron Maiden bridges generations and cultures.

Eurockéennes is no stranger to legendary acts, but Iron Maiden’s set felt especially momentous. The sea of flags, the chants of “Maiden! Maiden!” between songs, and the surge of bodies toward the stage all reflected the band’s ability to unify a crowd. For many, hearing “The Trooper” live is a rite of passage—a bucket list moment for any metal fan.

Iron Maiden’s relationship with their audience is one of the most passionate in rock. Throughout the set, Dickinson kept up a lively banter with the French crowd, switching seamlessly between English and surprisingly fluent French. He reminisced about Maiden’s early days playing small clubs in France and thanked the crowd for decades of loyalty.

“The Trooper” has never lost its edge, and in Belfort, the performance was nothing short of explosive. The crowd responded with non-stop movement—mosh pits formed, fans hoisted friends on shoulders, and every chorus was met with a deafening roar. Even those seeing Maiden for the first time couldn’t help but join in the frenzy.

This concert was a testament to the band’s staying power. Iron Maiden, now more than four decades into their career, still headline festivals, sell out arenas, and release new music that stands shoulder to shoulder with their classics. The Eurockéennes show was a perfect example of how Maiden constantly renews their connection with fans, both old and new.

Moments like “The Trooper” performance are why Iron Maiden’s live reputation is unmatched. Their meticulous stagecraft, tireless energy, and musical precision make every concert an event. The Belfort crowd, many of whom traveled from across Europe, left with memories that will last a lifetime.

Iron Maiden’s influence on the metal genre is immeasurable. “The Trooper” alone has inspired countless bands, covered by everyone from Arch Enemy to Coheed and Cambria. The song’s fusion of melody, storytelling, and pure adrenaline continues to set the standard for heavy metal anthems worldwide.

As the set wound down and “The Trooper”’s final notes echoed across the festival grounds, it was clear that Iron Maiden had once again delivered a masterclass in live performance. Fans cheered, chanted, and waved their flags, savoring the afterglow of a night that reaffirmed why Maiden remains one of the most celebrated bands on the planet.

Long after the lights dimmed, social media buzzed with videos and photos from the show—Bruce Dickinson rallying the crowd, Eddie’s menacing march, and the blur of guitarists locked in perfect sync. Reviews poured in calling it a standout of the festival, and even casual observers admitted Iron Maiden’s performance was nothing short of legendary.

In the end, Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” at Eurockéennes 2025 wasn’t just a nostalgic trip—it was a living, breathing celebration of heavy metal’s enduring power. The band’s passion, the crowd’s devotion, and the timeless call to arms in those opening chords combined to make Belfort’s night with Iron Maiden one for the history books.