Iron Maiden's insanely good Run For Your Lives Tour is a hit-packed metal masterclass with mind blowing visuals
Scroll down to see what songs the band played in a set list full of treats for fans
MAIDEN HEAVEN Iron Maiden's insanely good Run For Your Lives Tour is a hit-packed metal masterclass with mind blowing visuals
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
METAL greats Iron Maiden have clocked up half a century of heavy-duty music — but still play like rockers a quarter their age.
They kicked off the UK leg of their Run For Your Lives world tour on Saturday to mark the band's 50th anniversary.
9
Iron Maiden are celebrating their 50th anniversary but still play like rockers a quarter their age
Credit: Olivia Fry - The Sun
9
Bassist Steve Harris keeps the rhythm in front of the sold-out crowd at Birmingham's Utilita Arena
Credit: Olivia Fry - The Sun
At one point, guitarist Janick Gers — who is two years off 70 — had his foot up on an amp that was higher than his shoulder.
Then he was spinning the guitar around his neck before pointing it towards the sold-out crowd at Birmingham's Utilita Arena like a weapon, as bassist Steve Harris provided rhythmic perfection next to him.
Eddie, the band's mascot, also put in a shift and was stalking across the stage left, right and centre as the metallers thrashed through their 17-song set.
Ahead of the shows, frontman Bruce Dickinson promised fans the concerts would 'put a smile on your face and a cheer in your throat'.
And Maiden did that in spades.
As I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with head-banging fans of all ages, a shirtless man ran from the sound deck towards the front of the stage and screamed: 'I would die for metal.'
And I don't doubt it, as the band whipped the crowd further into a frenzy with tracks including Wrathchild, Number Of The Beast, Powerslave and Two Minutes To Midnight.
The set list is packed with proper treats for Maiden fans.
The band kicked off the show with Murders In The Rue Morgue, then later played Killers — tracks they haven't performed live since their Ed Hunter Tour 26 years ago.
Visually, the show was among the most impressive I've seen recently, opening with the backdrop of the old East London streets some of them grew up in.
Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, 66, comes 13th in elite fencing tournament… only losing to Olympic gold medallist
Classics such as Run To The Hills had the crowd screaming so loudly their energy seemed to push the band on more.
Bruce then dressed as a prisoner sprinting up a staircase, running from a ghost, while Hallowed Be Thy Name played.
Epics such as Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and Rime Of The Ancient Mariner showcased the group's musicianship, before they kicked off the first song of the encore, Aces High.
There were mind-blowing visuals of Spitfire battles blasting around behind them.
Vocally, Bruce was on fire.
9
The band's mascot Eddie stalks the stage
Credit: Olivia Fry - The Sun
9
The band have sold just over a million tickets for the European leg of their tour
Credit: Olivia Fry - The Sun
And given he barely stood still, the show was a masterclass for rising stars who can only dream of emulating the energy and talent he has perfected on stage over the decades.
As well as roaring rock, the band made a point of paying tribute to their longtime drummer Nicko McBrain, who retired from touring in December.
And they took the opportunity to introduce new man Simon Dawson, who thrashed the skins so hard from start to finish I'm amazed he didn't break his kit.
Every show on Iron Maiden's UK and Ireland run is sold out, with the band selling just over a million tickets for the European leg.
If you're lucky enough to have a seat at one of the shows, strap yourselves in and get ready for the ride of your life.
It is insanely good.
DANNY IN THE WIGHT MOOD
FRESH from his honeymoon in Greece, The Script's Danny O'Donoghue was still on cloud nine ahead of the group's performance at the Isle of Wight Festival.
He said of his romantic getaway with wife Anais Naing: 'I'm blessed. I'm a big history buff and it was gorgeous.
9
The Script's Danny O'Donoghue performing at the Isle of Wight Festival
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
'If I wasn't in the band, I'd be trying to be travelling around anyway.'
In our exclusive backstage chat, Danny also said his new sober lifestyle had helped him become a better musician, adding: 'I used to get so nervous at festivals.
'There were just so many famous people around and I thought if I got drunk, I'd find some courage. But that never happened.
'I'd have a few beers and l go into myself and want to leg it from the festival.
"Although I've made these changes, very few others have, so I still find people I know asleep under tables at these things.'
They were joined at the festival by acts including Stereophonics, Busted, Razorlight, Amy Macdonald and Sting – who was spotted jumping on the ferry with punters to get to the island.
Last night, Justin Timberlake, Jess Glynne, Texas and Olly Murs rounded off an epic event.
SAM NAN ZOMBIE FILM HELP
ACTOR Sam Locke's nan was the secret weapon for helping him get a role in Danny Boyle's brilliant new film, 28 Years Later.
He makes his big-screen debut in the zombie horror.
9
Sam Locke's nan helped him land a role in Danny Boyle's new film, 28 Years Later
Credit: Alamy
The Welshman popped in to see his grandparents when the call came to shoot an audition tape, and they sprung into action.
Sam said: 'My nan read in for the roles.
"I was sitting with my grandfather and he was telling me, 'If you don't get the role, don't be dis-heartened'.
"About ten minutes afterwards my agent rang with the confirmation.
"There was a lot of excitement.'
Sam revealed he had to be at peak fitness to take on the walking dead, and said: 'Luckily, I'm quite active anyway.
'But we had a week of stunt training and that pretty much trained our endurance.
'It helped us gel together."
Bizbit
DURAN DURAN are bringing their Halloween spectacular to our shores for the first time this year.
They will celebrate it at Manchester's Co-Op Live arena on October 31.
Singer Simon Le Bon said: 'I'm thrilled. And, frankly, a little terrified.'
Tickets go on public sale at 10am on Friday, with an early pre-sale for O2 customers from 10am Wednesday.
MILEY POPS UP IN SHOP
MILEY CYRUS thrilled fans when she made a surprise appearance at an East London record store.
She was joined by Naomi Campbell at the Rough Trade shop.
9
Miley Cyrus was joined by Naomi Campbell at the Rough Trade shop in London
Credit: The Mega Agency
They popped in to sign copies of their single, Every Girl You've Ever Loved, on Saturday.
For one night only this Friday, fans can see Miley's film Something Beautiful, which accompanies her album of the same name, when it hits cinemas.
I can reveal she blew the budget on the wardrobe for the production, in which she wears a total of 17 outfits.
The film includes videos for every track, along with a cameo by Naomi.
Their song has given pals a laugh, as Naomi says the line: 'She never wears a watch, still she's never late' – but the model is notoriously never on time.
CHARLI'S DUA DUET
DUA LIPA delighted fans at the second night of her Wembley gig by bringing out Charli XCX.
Dressed in a white lace bodysuit, Dua beamed as she performed her guest's party track, 360.
9
Dua Lipa delighted fans at the second night of her Wembley gig by bringing out Charli XCX
Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, Charli kept things more simple with a white top, tiny shorts and sunglasses.
Bizarre exclusively revealed last week that Charli was being lined up for a special appearance.
Our Jack was in the crowd and he says it was the highlight of the night.
After a short break, Dua will play two gigs at Anfield in Liverpool later this week.
Meanwhile, Charli headlines The Other Stage at Glastonbury this weekend.
SABRINA AND TYLA ARE WINNING CHOICE
TYLA looked sensational on the red carpet ahead of her hosting duties during the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in LA.
The South African singer who will bring her show to the All Points East festival in London in August, fronted the ceremony, where Sabrina Carpenter was the big winner.
9
Tyla looked sensational on the red carpet ahead of her hosting duties during the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in LA
Credit: Splash
She took Favourite Song for Taste, Favourite Female Breakout Artist and Favourite Album for Short n' Sweet.
Sabrina acknowledged her risque image while accepting the awards in a video message.
The chart-topper, who has come under fire for her raunchy outfits and lyrics, said: 'I've always wanted one of these ever since I was a little girl.
'This is so special to me and I just can't thank each and every one of you enough for voting.
'I will continue to make these clean versions of these songs for you.'
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
28 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Love Island twist as FOUR islanders leave the villa for sleepover with new bombshells at Casa Amor
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island's four new bombshells have already left the villa in the series' latest chaotic twist - but they've not gone far, and they're not alone. The Sun can reveal the newbies have taken four OG's with them to the Casa Amor villa for a sleepover. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 The Love Island villa is set for a shake-up Credit: Eroteme 6 The Sun can reveal a HUGE Casa Amor twist Credit: Getty 6 Four new bombshells are set to mix things up on Love Island, including Poppy Harrison Credit: Instagram 6 Caprice Alexandra is also one of the four newbies who have already set foot in the ITV2 show villa Credit: Instagram Last summer, the same twist saw Joey Essex and Grace Jackson hook up in steamy scenes - and producers are hoping for more of the same from 2025's Islanders. Whilst we are keeping shtum on which of the OGs are selected for the saucy stopover, we can reveal that their choices leave their partners' losing their heads back at the main villa. A source said: 'The saucy sleepover worked brilliantly last year and bosses felt now was the perfect time to deploy the same cheeky twist. 'Dejon and Meg have just made up, Tommy and Megan and Conor and Emily are wavering, and everyone else is scrambling for a connection. 'The bombshells aren't playing it safe though and their choices make for brilliant TV.' NEW BOMBSHELLS The Sun earlier revealed the four new bombshells who are fresh on Love Island The first is Giorgio Russo, who is football champion Alessia Russo's brother. The half Italian hunk is known as Gio and, just like his England Women's and Arsenal champion sis, he's big into his fitness. Yet his villa entrance may well mean he will miss Alessia's stint in the Women's Euro's 2025, which kicks off on July 2. The other lad is Will Means, who will be more than a rival for Gio in the gym. Sam Thompson takes swipe at Love Island's Harry as he claims he's worked out 'real reason' for his tears He competes in Hyrox world championship races and has even done an Ironman. The boys are joined by two stunning girls. The Sun had already revealed that gorgeous blonde Poppy Harrison had flown out to Mallorca ready for romance, and now she's in the villa. She has set foot in the ITV2 matchmaking show compound after only calling time on her latest relationship last week. 6 Arsenal star Alessio Russo's brother Gio Russo is another villa newbie Credit: Instagram 6 Will Means is a Hyrox fanatic and already has his sights set on a villa partner Credit: Instagram A source at the time said: 'Poppy is super flirtatious on a night out and I could see her fitting in well with this year's cast. 'She is a fan of the show." They continued: "Her split came with her ex came out of the blue - her boyfriend wasn't expecting it at all. "She's a smart girl and is likely heading into the villa with a gameplan." Poppy boasts over 8,000 followers on Instagram, giving her fans a glimpse into her luxurious lifestyle. She can be seen skiing with influencer pal, Maddie Eastham, showing off her designer purchases and sunning herself in Cannes. Another shows her with a personalised-plate £50,000 Range Rover Evoque. She often posts glamorous photos on nights out and on holiday in a bikini. Last but not least is Caprice Alexandra, who looks to be another travel bunny. Her Instagram is filled with curvy bikini snaps from the likes of Mauritius and Morocco.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Strictly star Kai Widdrington makes first public appearance with girlfriend Chloe on first night of Evolution tour
It comes after Kai's ex-Nadiya revealed the pair are 'no longer friends' TWO TO TANGO Strictly star Kai Widdrington makes first public appearance with girlfriend Chloe on first night of Evolution tour Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY Come Dancing's Kai Widdrington has finally made his first public appearance with girlfriend Chloe Wells on the first night of his Evolution tour. The Sun exclusively confirmed earlier this year that Kai, 29, had found love again with Chloe - nine months on from his bitter break-up with his Nadiya Bychkova, 35. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Kai Widdrington showed off his beautiful girlfriend Chloe Wells at his new stage show, Evolution Credit: Louis Wood 7 Kai and Chloe looked completely smitten with each other at the after party Credit: Louis Wood 7 The couple only had eyes for each other Credit: Louis Wood 7 Kai had a bitter break up with his Strictly co-star Nadiya Bychkova Credit: Instagram, The loved-up pair have been gradually introducing their romance to fans, after they went Instagram official in April. Kai couldn't keep his hands off his stunning girlfriend, as she joined him to celebrate the first night of his Evolution tour. The new couple looked completely smitten with each other as they posed for the camera. At one point, Kai was seen planting a huge kiss on Chloe's cheek, as the pair went public with their romance. SMITTEN KAI It comes as Kai recently spoke about his relationship for the first time. Last month, the dancer told of how he is the "happiest" he has have ever been" and "in the best shape", before admitting he was in a "really good place." Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Kai admitted he had "made a few changes" in his life, said: "I'm feeling really good, I don't know what it is. "2025 is the half of 10 years, I'm turning 30 in August, and as you said things come at the perfect time. "I feel very very happy and it's largely down to my other half as well." LOVE STORY The Sun revealed earlier this year, how Kai had started seeing Chloe, who is an executive assistant for a firm in the City. Strictly's kai Widdrington breaks silence on new girlfriend after Nadiya split and gushes 'i'm the happiest i've ever been' A pal said at the time: 'Chloe and Kai met in a pub in West London and hit it off from the start. 'Chloe is a great girl and has absolutely no interest in the limelight; she just likes Kai for Kai. "They have a real laugh together and although it's early days, they're planning on moving in together in the coming months. 'Kai found it very damaging to his mental health having his past relationship with Nadiya played out in public, and thankfully Chloe has no interest at all in being in the spotlight. 7 Kai is completely smitten with his new girlfriend Credit: Louis Wood 7 The pair went Instagram official in April Credit: Instagram "She also isn't a Strictly superfan which makes things easier. 'They're super-content, and Kai attributes a lot of his looking so well to being in a happier place in life thanks to her. They make a really cute couple.' Chloe, originally from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, now lives in London. This is Kai's first relationship following his break-up from Ukrainian pro, Nadiya, whom he dated for two years. The pair launched a sell-out tour but, awkwardly, were forced to dance together nightly whilst in the process of separating. Last year Nadiya gave an interview to promote her solo tour, and confirmed she and Kai were "no longer friends".
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts says 'I failed on every level'
Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts has been working to transform a rural Welsh pub into a tourist destination, but the building is still in dire need of renovation Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts openly confessed to hitting rock bottom in his latest endeavour, as he struggles with the mammoth task of converting a down-at-heel Welsh pub into a holiday hotspot. Currently faced with the enormous challenge of refurbishing the rural Hendrewen Hotel in Rhondda Valley, the premises are far from ready, with parts of the building close to collapse. Once confident that a two-year timeline and a £500,000 budget would suffice to revive the eight-bedroom inn, 61 year old Roberts now finds himself dealing with major delays two years into the renovation. Speaking to The Sun, he shared: "I'm still smiling but, oh my word, what a challenge it's been." He candidly admitted: "I'll be honest, it's the first commercial property I've ever done. There have been lots of residential houses and flats, but commercial properties have a lot more complications." Roberts estimates that the project is about "60%" complete and remains optimistic that the work will "come together really quickly" as he approaches the home stretch. His goal is to have the doors open by next Easter at the absolute latest, subject to overcoming hurdles such as planning permission related to local flood risks. The TV personality recounted the numerous obstacles he's encountered, saying there were "lots of hoops to jump through", and initially finding the building plagued by slanted walls, collapsing windows, and bats roosting in a leaking roof, reports the Express. In a surprising twist, Roberts revealed he hadn't even shared the news with his wife Kirsty about purchasing the dilapidated pub while in Wales recuperating from a heart operation. The local watering hole is set to become the star of a ten-part ITV documentary series next year, cheekily titled Oops! I Bought A Pub. Taking inspiration from Jeremy Clarkson, plans are afoot to dangle a Rolls-Royce upside down from the dining room ceiling, mirroring the chrome tractor feature at Jeremy's establishment, The Farmer's Dog. Guests will have the chance to stay in one of the venue's eight uniquely themed bedrooms, each named after different TV shows and designed with an "individual feel". There's also a new bar and restaurant in the works for the property. The pub aims to bring about 30 jobs to the area, including a teaching kitchen where celebrity chefs will impart their knowledge to the youth. And for those with musical aspirations, there will be a stage area to showcase their talents.
