One of the biggest bands in metal history is about to play one of the biggest shows of their career right here in Montreal. British rock music legends, Iron Maiden will headline Parc Jean-Drapeau on September 3, 2026, as part of their “Run For Your Lives” World Tour — a stadium-scale celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary, with Megadeth and Anthrax both on the bill.
A New Era, With a Familiar Roar
Iron Maiden formed in London, England, back in 1975 and went on to become one of the defining forces of heavy metal, selling well over 100 million albums worldwide. This tour marks a genuinely new chapter for the band: it’s North American fans’ first chance to see Iron Maiden with new drummer Simon Dawson, who stepped in after longtime drummer Nicko McBrain retired from touring following 2023’s Future Past tour.
Incredibly, the rest of the lineup remains the band at its most iconic — vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist and founding member Steve Harris, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers.
The Setlist Goes Back to the Beginning
Rather than leaning on recent material, the Run For Your Lives tour digs into Iron Maiden’s first nine studio albums, spanning 1980’s self-titled debut through 1992’s Fear of the Dark. Frontman Bruce Dickinson said the band has enjoyed revisiting the deep cuts from that era, noting they’re playing classics like “Hallowed,” “Run to the Hills,” “Powerslave,” and “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” some of which haven’t been performed in the North America in over 20 years.
Bassist Steve Harris echoed that sentiment, also saying it’s an honour to have Megadeth joining the tour for what’s being billed as their farewell run, and that the band is glad to have Anthrax back on board after touring together in 2016.
A Massive Production, Built for Outdoor Stages
Iron Maiden in Budapest, Hungary 2025. photo by John McMurtrie
According to longtime manager Rod Smallwood, the scale of the show is deliberately outsized for a 50th anniversary run — bigger than the arenas Maiden has typically played, and scheduled for a time of year that allows the band to perform in full darkness for maximum visual impact. Montreal is one of just a handful of true stadium stops on the North American leg, alongside cities like San Antonio and Los Angeles.
Fans attending can also expect Eddie’s Pop-Up Dive Bar, a fan-favourite touring experience combining Maiden merch, Trooper Beer (Dickinson’s own beer brand), and band memorabilia, which is crossing the Atlantic for North American audiences for the first time. The band’s Trooper VIP Experience will also be available at the Montreal show.
One Ask From the Band: Put Your Phones Away
Iron Maiden has been vocal about wanting fans to stay present during the shows. After finding that European fans largely respected a request to keep phones out of the air during the European leg of the tour, the band is renewing that request for North American audiences, saying it made a real difference to the atmosphere and energy of every show.
Montreal Show Details
- Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
- Venue: Parc Jean-Drapeau
- Support: Megadeth (all dates) and Anthrax
- Tour: Run For Your Lives World Tour — 50th Anniversary
This marks 45 years since Iron Maiden first toured North America, and the Montreal stop is shaping up to be one of the biggest shows the band has ever played on the continent. Tickets and full tour information are available at ironmaiden.com.
Head to ironmaiden.com for all ticketing and tour information.
RUN FOR YOUR LIVES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
AUGUST 2026
29 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena *
SEPTEMBER 2026
03 Montréal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau *^
05 Harrison, NJ – Sports Illustrated Stadium *^
09 Boston, MA – TD Garden *
11 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live *
12 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion *
15 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium *
17 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival
19 Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater *
22 Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre *
25 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium *^
29 San Antonio, TX – Alamodome *^
* Megadeth
^ Anthrax
photos by John McMurtrie
