Iron Maiden Manager Expresses Frustration with Mobile Filming at Shows

Iron Maiden’s manager has voiced his disapproval of fans filming the band’s performances, wishing them “nothing but a sore arm.”

The iconic band’s ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour recently launched in Budapest, Hungary, and will include stops in major cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, Birmingham, Manchester, and London. Fans can find the full list of tour dates and any available tickets online.

Before the tour kicked off, manager Ron Smallwood encouraged concert-goers to limit phone use during performances. In a post titled ‘Put Away Your Phones and Get Ready to Run For Your Lives!’, he urged fans to fully engage with the music, experiencing it in the moment instead of through a screen. He emphasized that the band aimed for audiences to enjoy their shows as fans did back in the 1980s when many of their classic songs were first performed.

Following the Budapest concert, Smallwood took to Instagram to thank those who respected the band’s wishes by keeping their phones away. “Your presence was a huge boost for us, and the band greatly appreciated it,” he wrote. He continued, “It’s much better for the band to see an unencumbered crowd, as that really energizes their performance. For those who couldn’t resist filming, I wish you nothing but a very sore arm!”

Smallwood expressed hope that this supportive atmosphere would continue as the tour moves to Prague and beyond. While he acknowledged the desire to capture memories with quick photos, he reiterated the importance of keeping phones tucked away during the show.

This current tour is significant for Iron Maiden as it celebrates their 50th anniversary. Fans can look forward to a setlist comprised solely of songs from the band’s first nine studio albums, with frontman Bruce Dickinson hinting at some surprises.

Joining the tour is new drummer Simon Dawson, replacing longtime member Nicko McBrain, who stepped back from touring after suffering a stroke in 2023 that affected his mobility.

In addition to their tour, Iron Maiden has also announced an upcoming documentary film celebrating 50 years of the band, featuring a final interview with the late Paul Di’Anno, along with appearances from fans and notable figures such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich from Metallica, and Gene Simmons from KISS.

Lastly, Dickinson recently unveiled plans for a graphic novel inspired by soil from William Blake’s grave, alongside sharing insights about his early days with the band and the songs he can no longer perform.