Iron Maiden - The London Stadium June 28th, 2025
Reviewed by Matt Wisdom • 29 June 2025
Whilst meandering towards this massive venue, I still have to take several looks to fathom just how far Iron Maiden have progressed since I first started following them. In the days of yore, I saw regular adverts for them playing London club venues such as The Ruskin Arms, The Bridgehouse, The Cart and Horses and The Marquee. The London Stadium states that it holds 80,000 for concerts. I'd say all other than a few here this evening are wearing IM shirts, too. Maiden have been at this level for some time, though it still astonishes me. The fact that they are also able to evaporate the cavernous space with their presence, (on so many levels), is utterly commendable.
This tour goes by the sobriquet of "Run for your Lives", celebrating 50 years of Maiden, and also touted as containing songs from 1980-1992. The start of the show hints at a sort-of chronological feel, with a wonderful CGI sequence taking us through the streets of the East End of London, incorporating many IM reference points along the way. Playing along to this, is the intro tape of "The Ides of March" from the "Killers" album. We then fly right into "Murders in the Rue Morgue", giving new Drummer Simon Dawson a chance to stamp his personality on proceedings immediately. His characterful style is closer to earlier Maiden drummers, Clive Burr and Doug Sampson (now with Airforce). With his arrival, the band appear to be playing songs closer to the tempo of the original recordings. Over the next three songs, we are treated to more of the Di'Anno era, namely "Wrathchild", "Killers", and "Phantom of the Opera". The sound is holding out fantastically well, just the right volume and clarity. Bruce's voice is on great form, taking no time at all to settle. He also changes his clothes/costumes more often than a West End actor.
Unusually for him, Bruce says very little during the first handful of songs. When he does, he describes this gig as a homecoming gig for Steve Harris, and in a different way, for the band themselves. As we know, Steve is a hardcore West Ham United fan. This must be a very special day for him. Not only that, this venue is also very close to where he formed the group in 1975. He delivers the goods tenfold today. Although they now have a new drummer, the IM line up hasn't really altered for half of the band's existence thus far. The three-guitar combo of Dave Murray, Janick Gers and Adrian Smith remains as strong and as awe-inspiring as ever. Such wonderful variety and seamless interplay. So many syncopated sections to cover, and all very masterfully shared out. The next part of the gig is really a "Powerslave" and "Seventh Son" section. Very welcome, as to me, those two albums are where the Dickinson line up (at that point) really hit it's stride fully. Highlights of this segment for me, are the title track of "Seventh Son", with it's Prog twists and classical leanings, and "2 Minutes to Midnight". The latter is a contender for one of the most perfectly written Rock/Metal singles ever. A stunning riff, hard-hitting lyrics, and a stirring chorus. Nothing wasted.
Everything is flying past expeditiously, and we are soon roaring into one of the fan favourites, "The Trooper". Bruce is sounding very fine on these challenging songs too, where breath control and force are required in equal measure. Very fittingly, the main part of the set wraps up with "Iron Maiden". The band trot off very modestly, though that's due to the fact we know they are returning anyway. After a few minutes only, the sound of war planes is heard, so we know it has to be "Aces High". It's interesting to hear at this point in the set, as it was so often the opening song many years ago. "Fear of the Dark" and "Wasted Years" conclude the evening. "WY" is a lovely way to end the evening, as it was initially written to convey how gruelling the touring schedule was for Maiden during the 1980's. Thankfully for them, they are now able to reduce the gigs and play in larger venues.
To analyse how rock groups can become so popular is multi-faceted; it has to be. If it wasn't a multitude of factors, then they simply couldn't be this great. Iron Maiden have always had so many constituent parts. Very driven individuals, great performers, and immense song writing. And oodles of charisma. They've also achieved it all without compromise on any level. You can add many more factors, too. With a new line-up, I'm also starting to imagine how new material might sound if they translate it to the studio. A fascinating thought. Oh, and I can't finish without mentioning Eddie, who appears strikingly in different formats throughout.
What a wonderful evening, a classic (in all senses) rock group still performing to such an distinguished level. Walking out of the Stadium, I take one last look over my shoulder. Was that really a Stadium? I'm sure it was the Cart and Horses. I really am.