Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden Prefers to Quit Live Shows Over "Disneyland Maiden" with Backing Tracks

Bruce Dickinson prioritizes authenticity in music, stating he’d quit live performances before using backing tracks. Read on to find out more about Iron Maiden’s upcoming tour and their dedication to real music.

Iron Maiden's Stance on Authenticity

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has made it clear that he would rather step away from live performances than turn into what he calls “Disneyland Maiden” by relying on backing tracks. In a recent interview, Dickinson emphasized the band's commitment to a genuine live experience, saying, “Maiden has to be one hundred percent real – and fucking fierce!”

Upcoming 'Run For Your Lives' Tour

As the legendary British heavy metal band gears up for their 'Run For Your Lives' tour in 2025, they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This special tour will feature setlists comprised exclusively of songs from their first nine studio albums. Kicking off in May in Budapest, the tour will include performances in Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, London, and Glasgow by late June. If you're eager to catch them live, you can find the remaining tickets for the shows here.

Bruce's Take on Backing Tracks

During his conversation with Classic Rock, Dickinson discussed the trend of bands using backing tracks to enhance their live sound. He firmly stated that Iron Maiden would never follow that path. He explained, “The idea that you can turn it into Disneyland Maiden by using backing tracks, a few tricks…no!”

Dickinson shared a recent encounter with a fan who commended Iron Maiden for their authenticity, to which he responded, “Yeah, and we’re doing it for real!” He believes that using backing tracks detracts from the experience and authenticity of their performances. “If we use backing tracks, that’s the day I quit,” he asserted. “Or the day we stop. If it’s not real, it’s not Maiden.”

Exciting Plans for the Future

Dickinson has teased that the band will be “doing stuff we’ve never, ever done before” on the Run For Your Lives tour. He expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming shows, adding, “For those of you who have bought tickets, which is like all of you, it’s gonna be really, really cool. I’m really looking forward to it!”

In addition to the tour, Iron Maiden is making headlines with the announcement of a new documentary film to commemorate their 50th anniversary. This documentary will feature the final interview with their former frontman, Paul Di’Anno, who sadly passed away last year at the age of 66. Although the official title and release date are yet to be announced, it’s anticipated to arrive in the autumn.

“It’s gonna be really, really cool.” - Bruce Dickinson

New Visual Book and More

Iron Maiden will also release a new visual book titled Infinite Dreams in the autumn. This book will be filled with stunning images of iconic album and single artworks, the band's instruments both past and present, stage props, hand-written lyrics, and archival artifacts. Fans can look forward to previously unseen photographs of the band that will make this visual book a must-have for any true Iron Maiden enthusiast.

Unique FAQs

• Why does Bruce Dickinson oppose the use of backing tracks?
  Bruce believes that using backing tracks compromises the authenticity and realness of live performances.
• When does Iron Maiden’s 'Run For Your Lives' tour start?
  The tour kicks off in May 2025 in Budapest.
• What will the setlist for the tour include?
  The setlist will consist solely of songs from Iron Maiden's first nine studio albums.
• Will Iron Maiden release any new content soon?
  Yes, they are set to release a documentary and a visual book titled *Infinite Dreams* in the autumn.
• What is Bruce Dickinson’s vision for Iron Maiden’s future performances?
  He aims for the band to always deliver genuine, fierce performances without reliance on technology like backing tracks.

If you're a fan, don't miss out on the chance to grab your favorite album cover poster at our store here to celebrate Iron Maiden's legacy!