Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary tour rolled into town last night, and what unfolded on stage was nothing short of a heavy metal pilgrimage. For a band known for defying convention, this celebratory setlist may be the…

Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary tour rolled into town last night, and what unfolded on stage was nothing short of a heavy metal pilgrimage. For a band known for defying convention, this celebratory setlist may be the closest the legendary British metal icons have ever come to delivering a bona fide “greatest hits” show. And while Iron Maiden will always lean into epic storytelling over radio-friendly nostalgia, this performance felt like a heartfelt, thunderous nod to a half-century of undying loyalty between band and fans.

An Explosive Start

The band stormed the stage to the roaring chants of tens of thousands, launching straight into the galloping fury of Aces High. With Bruce Dickinson donning his classic bomber pilot jacket, the stage lit up with wartime theatrics and vintage warplane visuals. From the first scream, Dickinson’s voice was powerful and commanding — a testament to his remarkable endurance at age 66.

What followed was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and deeper cuts, covering every era of the band’s storied career. Though they’ve never been a “jukebox” act, there was an air of retrospective warmth in this setlist. 2 Minutes to Midnight, The Trooper, and Revelations had the crowd in a frenzy, fists in the air, chanting every word.

A Sonic Retrospective

This 50th anniversary tour, dubbed “The Future Past + Legacy”, masterfully bridges Maiden’s early days with their more ambitious modern catalog. Tracks like Senjutsu and Death of the Celts from their latest double album stood tall alongside classics from Powerslave and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. The juxtaposition of the cinematic Hell on Earth and the anthemic Wasted Years was particularly striking — proof that Iron Maiden’s musical ambition has only grown more theatrical and expansive with time.

Though some fans might have hoped for rarely performed gems from the Paul Di’Anno era or Somewhere in Time, the night’s selections still captured the essence of each decade. Phantom of the Opera, played mid-set, was a jaw-dropping reminder of their early progressive spirit, while Fear of the Dark — sung by the entire crowd almost louder than the PA — brought generations together in gothic harmony.

Visual Spectacle

Of course, no Maiden show is complete without Eddie — the band’s towering undead mascot — and the 50th anniversary version did not disappoint. Whether battling Dickinson on stage dressed as a feudal samurai or looming behind Nicko McBrain’s drum kit as a monstrous cyborg, Eddie’s ever-changing personas stole the visual spotlight, eliciting cheers every time he appeared.

The production was as meticulous as it was massive. Each song came with custom visuals, flame jets, lasers, and stage sets that shifted from dystopian futurescapes to ancient cathedrals. Yet despite the grandeur, there was no sense of indulgence. Everything served the music — and the myth.

The Band at Their Peak — Still

Steve Harris, the band’s heartbeat and galloping bass engine, was in fierce form, leading from the front and prowling the stage like a man half his age. Guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers delivered their signature triple-axe harmonies with precision and fire, balancing technical finesse with headbanging zeal. Nicko McBrain, who suffered a stroke less than two years ago, performed behind the kit with masterful energy — a stirring testament to his resilience.

What struck many in the crowd was how energized and hungry the band still sounded. Despite a half-century career, this performance carried no hints of fatigue. Maiden remains a band that plays every show like it could be their last — even when they insist they’re nowhere near done.

A Legacy Cemented

Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary tour isn’t just a nostalgic celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of their enduring relevance. In an age when many legacy acts are content to coast on their past, Maiden continues to evolve without ever forgetting their roots. Their refusal to become a traditional “greatest hits” band makes this near-retrospective feel all the more special.

As the final notes of Hallowed Be Thy Name echoed through the arena and Bruce Dickinson bellowed his final “Scream for me, [City]!” it was clear this wasn’t merely a concert. It was a victory lap for one of the most uncompromising, electrifying bands in music history — and a reminder that true legends never go quietly.

Setlist Highlights:

• Aces High
• The Trooper
• Revelations
• Senjutsu
• Phantom of the Opera
• Fear of the Dark
• The Number of the Beast
• Hallowed Be Thy Name
• Wasted Years
• Hell on Earth

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
An exhilarating tribute to 50 years of thunder, defiance, and metal mastery.