2 July 2025 rocknews

While some were still nursing overpriced cocktails and debating BBC editorial standards on a sleepy Somerset farm, London became the true epicentre of rock. On Saturday, June 28th, Iron Maiden stormed the London Stadium with a sold-out show that felt more like a pilgrimage than a gig — a celebration of 50 years of metal mastery.

Behind the Scenes: Maiden Say Thank You

To mark the occasion, Maiden dropped a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube, giving fans a glimpse into the chaos, camaraderie, and craftsmanship that powered the show. From backstage banter to sweeping shots of the roaring crowd, it’s a love letter to the fans who turned up in denim, leather, and legacy.

Pop-Up Dive Bars & Pint-Fuelled Camaraderie

Outside the stadium, Eddie’s Dive Bar popped up like a mirage for the faithful — serving Maiden-themed brews and blasting classic tracks. It was a scene of veteran rockers raising pints, swapping stories, and laughing at the absurdity of champagne-swilling weekend retreaters who’d rather Instagram their wristbands than headbang to “The Trooper.”

Setlist for the Ages

Maiden’s set was a thunderous journey through their early catalogue, with tracks spanning their first nine albums. Here’s what shook the stadium walls:

Murders in the Rue Morgue
Wrathchild
Killers
The Number of the Beast
Phantom of the Opera
The Clairvoyant
Powerslave
2 Minutes to Midnight
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Run to the Hills
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
The Trooper
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Iron Maiden
Encore:

Aces High
Fear of the Dark
Wasted Years

Upcoming Tour Dates

The Run For Your Lives tour continues with stops in:

July 3 – Eurockéennes, Belfort, France
July 7 – Lisbon, Portugal
July 10 – Madrid, Spain
Full tour info on Iron Maiden’s official site

Contrast & Controversy: Glastonbury’s BBC Blunder

While Maiden were delivering a masterclass in rock showmanship, Glastonbury was mired in controversy. The BBC’s decision to livestream Bob Vylan’s set — including chants now under police investigation — sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The contrast couldn’t be starker: Maiden’s crowd was united in joy, while Glastonbury’s was divided by scandal.

As one fan put it: “We came for riffs, not riots.”

Your Turn: Share Your Best Moments

Were you there? Did you catch Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals or Eddie’s monstrous stage antics? Drop your favourite moment in the comments — and let us know which track made your spine tingle.