Iron Maiden has announced a new policy regarding phone usage at their upcoming concerts. The announcement was shared by Louder Sound.
The band’s management has requested fans to minimize phone usage during performances. They emphasized the importance of experiencing the shows firsthand.
“We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens,” Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said in a press release. “The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment, particularly for the band who are on stage looking out at rows of phones, but also for other concertgoers.”
Smallwood elaborated on how phone usage affects the concert experience.
“We feel that the passion and involvement of our fans at shows really makes them special, but the phone obsession has now got so out of hand that it has become unnecessarily distracting, especially to the band,” he continued. “I hope fans understand this and will be sensible in severely limiting the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans.”
The manager stressed the value of being present during performances.
“We would very much like you to be ‘in the moment’ instead and be fully actively involved to enjoy each and every one of these classic songs in the spirit and manner they were first played,” Smallwood stated. “This show isn’t just a celebration of our music. It is, as you will see, also about our years of art, of Eddie and of the many, many worlds of Maiden we have created for you. So please respect the band, respect the other fans and have the time of your lives as you join your Maiden family by singing your heart out rather than getting your phone out!! It’s really not a lot to ask, is it?”
Iron Maiden is preparing to launch their first 50th-anniversary live shows next week.
The band has chosen a more collaborative approach with their fans, unlike other artists who enforce strict phone bans.
A report from Metal Addicts revealed the band’s preference for a relaxed approach. They opted not to use technologies like Yondr pouches, which some performers use to lock away devices during shows. This decision demonstrates the band’s trust in their fanbase’s voluntary cooperation.
The “Run For Your Lives” tour carries special meaning. Blabbermouth noted that it marks 50 years since Steve Harris formed the band in late 1975. The tour will begin on May 27, 2025.
Iron Maiden’s official website confirmed that the anniversary celebration will be their most spectacular show to date. The setlist will span their first nine studio albums, from “Iron Maiden” to “Fear Of The Dark.”
The band’s phone policy aims to create an immersive experience. This approach honors their legacy and preserves the traditional concert atmosphere that has built their devoted following over five decades.
