IRON MAIDEN – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam | 2026

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam was packed to the rafters for a long-awaited and sold-out show by Iron Maiden. As part of their Run For Your Lives World Tour, celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary, the English heavy metal icons delivered a setlist that largely revisited their career-defining early years. It was a triumphant evening that once again solidified the band’s legendary status. Pics by Anton Riemersma.

From raw cellars to epic hymns

The structure of the set was nothing short of masterful. The band opted for a beautiful chronological and thematic build, with the early days of pubs and small clubs well represented. Songs from the first two albums dominated the opening, with a spine-tingling performance of Phantom of the Opera as an early highlight. As we have been accustomed to for decades, the guitar work was bulletproof. The foundation was rock-solid, with band leader Steve Harris leading the charge as tirelessly as ever, making his bass guitar roar.

As the set progressed, the intensity and grandeur built toward the later material. Long, epic songs took center stage. The absolute surprise of the night was Infinite Dreams, which was dusted off for the first time in 38 years, a true “goosebump moment” for the die-hard fans. Along with breathtaking performances of Rime of the Ancient Mariner and the raw title track Killers, these formed the backbone of the show. Naturally, massive singalongs were not in short supply; during fan favorites like Fear of the Dark and Aces High, the Ziggo Dome turned into a surging, roaring mass of sound.

Visual splendor and vocal vitality

Visually, the show was a relief. There were no overstimulating, hyperkinetic LED orgies; instead, the band utilized tasteful backdrops and visual screens that perfectly aligned with the themes of the albums and individual songs. It was atmospheric, theatrical, and perfectly calibrated, providing enough visual support without distracting from the music.

Frontman Bruce Dickinson sounded and looked as if time had stood still for him. He is still in excellent voice and remains an indefatigable athlete on stage. Of course, he had to strain or pull back a fraction during the highest register, but at his age, that is more than forgiven. His charisma and vocal range remain truly impressive.

The changing of the guard on drums

The only real point of adjustment, and perhaps the weak link for the purist, was the position behind the drum kit. After decades of being accustomed to the eccentric, loose, and flamboyant style of fan favorite Nicko McBrain, the new drummer operates in a significantly more restrained manner. He certainly does what he is required to do and keeps the train firmly on the tracks, but he lacks the swinging suppleness of his predecessor. At times, the drumming felt a bit stiff and sluggish. It is a matter of time and road experience, but for the connoisseur, the contrast was unmistakable.

Conclusion

Iron Maiden proved in Amsterdam that after fifty years, they still belong to the absolute elite of the metal world. With a razor-sharp rhythm section, a Bruce Dickinson in excellent vocal form, and a setlist that both honors history and satisfies the hunger of the fans, the concert at the Ziggo Dome was an absolute masterclass in heavy metal. Up the Irons!

Setlist

Doctor Doctor (UFO) (Tape)
The Ides of March (Tape)

Murders in the Rue Morgue
Wrathchild
Killers
Phantom of the Opera
The Number of the Beast
Infinite Dreams (voor het eerst sinds 1988 weer live gespeeld)
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
Churchill’s Speech (Tape)
Aces High
Fear of the Dark
Wasted Years