Iron Maiden roared back onto the stage in Budapest on May 29th, launching their 50th anniversary Run For Your Lives World Tour with a show that thrilled longtime fans and celebrated their legacy. Playing the first of two sold-out nights at the Papp László Sportaréna, the band dusted off rarely performed classics, stirring deep nostalgia among the 12,500-strong crowd. It marked the live debut of touring drummer Simon Dawson, and poignantly, the first full concert without longtime drummer Nicko McBrain since his retirement in December 2024.
Staying true to their promise, Iron Maiden’s setlist drew exclusively from their early discography, spanning 1980’s self-titled debut to 1992’s Fear of the Dark. Powerslave was the night’s centerpiece, contributing four tracks, including the dramatic return of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” not played live in 16 years. The Killers and The Number of the Beast eras were well represented, while No Prayer for the Dying was notably absent—something a few fans lamented.In a surprise that thrilled die-hards, Maiden opened with “Murders in the Rue Morgue” and resurrected the Killers title track, unseen live since 1999’s Ed Hunter Tour. The energy was palpable as Iron Maiden blended theatricality, musicianship, and decades of heavy metal legacy into a blistering, emotional performance. Their Budapest kickoff proved the band’s enduring power, setting the tone for a historic world tour that honors their storied past with unrelenting passion. Fans can find the full setlist and video highlights at planetrock.com.
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