IRON MAIDEN: Run For Your Lives Montreal ! Show Review Parc Jean Drapeau Sept 3, 2026- The Metal Voice

The Metal Voice
12 minutes ago
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Parc Jean-Drapeau Montreal, Quebec, Canada, September 3, 2026 Review by Jimmy Kay and Perrin Wolfson

ALL PHOTOS by Jimmy Kay: THE METAL VOICE

Iron Maiden hit the stage last night in Montreal celebrating their 50 year anniversary playing songs exclusively from their first nine studio records during their Run For Your Lives world tour.

The X factor that separates Maiden from other bands is their music, their image and most important their community.

Last night, fans from different generations and geographies congregated at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau open air, rain or shine, to celebrate the music, the memories, and the legacy of Iron Maiden.

In the crowd you could see Maiden shirts representing every tour and era of the band. Friends met up before the show at EDDIE'S Dive Bar and again afterward, sharing their Maiden war stories, favorite albums, and favorite songs.

There were also touching moments throughout the crowd. You can see Father and sons and daughters sharing the Maiden experience together, you can say passing the Eddie torch from one generation to the next. That is what the Iron Maiden community is all about.

The night's atmosphere felt more like a mini metal festival with tens of thousands of fans with the best of the best bands on stage, all killer no filler: ANTHRAX opening, Megadeth as a special guest and Maiden headlining.

An Impeccable Setlist

The setlist was nothing short of impeccable. It was an immense treat to hear Iron Maiden kick off the show with a rarely played trio of songs from their second album Killers: “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” “Wrathchild,” and “Killers.” Bruce Dickinson delivered what were arguably some of the best live versions of these Paul Di’Anno-era songs that he has ever performed in his career. But the true Di’Anno-era highlight came with the fourth song, when the band launched into the classic “Phantom of the Opera” from their legendary debut album. Accompanied by an eerie Phantom of the Opera backdrop on the massive video screens, the band did complete justice to the original recording. The powerful backing vocals harmonies, particularly those from Adrian Smith, added another dimension to the performance.

Fresh Visuals and a New Engine Behind the Kit

The use of video screens and graphics throughout the show, rather than relying on traditional static backdrops, was a major win. The visuals freshened up the presentation of every song and enhanced the overall experience for audience. It was a feast for the senses. And then there was the new guy behind the drum kit. Simon Dawson found his groove. He served as a powerful new motor for the band, bringing his own personality and approach to the songs while respecting what Nicko McBrain perfected over so many years. Dawson was not simply trying to replicate Nicko, he brought a fresh take to the material, and by the time the set progressed, he looked completely at home behind the kit.

The Number of the Beast and a Treat for the Hardcore Fans

The set continued with the fan-favorite staple “The Number of the Beast,” with the Montreal crowd roaring along to the iconic “666” chorus.

Then came another major surprise.

Iron Maiden reached deep into the catalog and treated the hardcore fans to “Infinite Dreams” from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, a song that had not been performed live in Canada for around 38 years. For those of us who have been waiting decades to hear it live, however, “Infinite Dreams” was an absolute gift.

NOTE : Throughout the night singer Bruce Dickinson demonstrated his language skills by addressing the crowd in French taking once again shots at the LAKE ONTARIO/ AMERICA controversy

The Powerslave Suite

Next came a crowd roaring three-song stretch from Powerslave: “Powerslave,” “2 Minutes to Midnight,” and “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”

The highlight was undoubtedly the epic “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” clocking in at approximately 13 minutes and 45 seconds.

This may have been one of the best performances of the song Iron Maiden has ever delivered.

The massive video screens played footage that followed and illustrated the story of the song, adding another layer to an already monumental performance. The combination of the music, the storytelling, the visuals, and the band's performance transformed “Rime” into an immersive experience rather than simply another song in the set.

From there, the band moved into some of their most beloved staples: “Run to the Hills,” “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,” “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” and “Iron Maiden.”

The Encore

The encore began with the goosebump-inducing World War II-era “Aces High,” preceded by Churchill’s famous speech.

The crowd then erupted for the fan favorite “Fear of the Dark,” before Iron Maiden closed the night with “Wasted Years.” It was a fitting way to end the show, a song about time, memories, and appreciating the journey. And there was perhaps no better song to summarize the experience of Iron Maiden, their fans and the community.

Up the Irons

This is a tour not to be missed. probably the best tour in years.

Iron Maiden proved once again why they remain one of the greatest live bands in the history of heavy metal. But beyond the musicianship, the production, the songs, and the spectacle, what stood out most was the community.

Generations of fans. Fathers and sons. Old friends. New friends. Fans who have followed the band for decades and younger fans discovering the magic for the first time.

Everyone gathered together under the banner of Eddie.