Iron Maiden’s iconic frontman Bruce Dickinson has made it categorically clear that he would rather retire from performing live than risk diluting the group’s credibility by relying too much on backing tracks. He underscored during an open interview that Iron Maiden will never be a “Disneyland Maiden,” a term that referred to groups who enhance their live sound through the use of pre-recorded elements.
As one of the most revered figures in heavy metal, Dickinson’s stance on live performances is unwavering. With Iron Maiden’s 2025 ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour on the horizon, which celebrates their 50th anniversary, Dickinson expressed his passion for delivering a pure and raw experience to fans. The tour, which will take Maiden across the UK and Europe, promises a setlist consisting exclusively of tracks from their first nine studio albums. Kicking off in Budapest in May, the tour will visit major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, London, and Glasgow, with tickets still available for some shows.
While explaining the current wave of bands bringing backing tracks to their live sets, Dickinson had no qualms in stating that Iron Maiden would never do so. He then shared a talk he had with a fan when he was lauded for Iron Maiden’s consistency in performing live without relying on technological tricks. The fan had commented on how many other bands use backing tracks, to which Dickinson responded strongly: “No! No, no!
” He underlined how Iron Maiden is really dedicated to authenticity, saying, “Maiden has to be one hundred per cent real – and fucking fierce! ” Dickinson says that nothing less is acceptable, and such a philosophy spreads to every aspect of Iron Maiden’s live performances. He said, “While some other bands would maybe change the sound or bring in backing tracks to fill it out, Iron Maiden is very proud of their raw, unvarnished performance.” Dickinson proudly stated that the band never has to “detune” and doesn’t have any of the artificial help. For him, this makes the music they play and their live shows really powerful and rootsy. “If we use backing tracks, that’s the day I quit,” he added.
Or the day we stop.
If it’s not real, it’s not Maiden.” The ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour promised to be memorable, considering the genre of mix of classic tracks and new experiences in the band’s shows for fans. Dickinson had announced that there were going to be elements in the ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour that fans had never seen before. His enthusiasm was evident, and he assured fans through ticket-holders that the shows would be something really special, making them feel like a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. Along with the tour, Iron Maiden fans have something more to anticipate with a significant event for the band’s 50th anniversary.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that a new documentary is in the works, set to feature the final interview with the band’s original frontman, Paul Di’Anno, who sadly passed away at the age of 66 in early 2025. Although the title and release date for the documentary are still under wraps, the film is expected to arrive in the autumn, providing fans with an intimate look at the band’s incredible journey over the last five decades. The documentary will be directed by Malcolm Venville, who previously worked on Churchill At War, and produced by Dominic Freeman, who has worked on Spirits in the Forest – A Depeche Mode Film. In addition to the documentary, the band will also be releasing a visual book called Infinite Dreams in the autumn. The collection will be a treasure trove of memorabilia and will give fans an even greater connection to the history of the band.
Featuring iconic album and single artwork, photos of the band’s instruments, handwritten lyrics, and rare photographs—some never seen before—the book will be a fitting tribute to the band’s legacy. The archive will also include images of stage props and other historical artifacts, making it a must-have for any dedicated Iron Maiden fan. Iron Maiden’s adherence to remaining true to their roots is evident as they celebrate this milestone anniversary. Dickinson’s passion for realism has ensured Iron Maiden remains top of their game, although some bands might utilize technology to enhance their live show. Iron Maiden regularly confirms that they are much more than just a band; they’re a power to be reckoned with, regardless of whether they’re refusing to use backing tracks or how enthusiastic they seem to be about providing the fans with something new and exciting. Their fans will be able to continue experiencing the unadulterated power of their music in its purest form due to their upcoming tour and documentary, which are sure to pen another chapter into their famous story.
