Iron Maiden Addresses Paris Concert Disruption Caused by Citywide Power Outage During Phone‑Free Filming Attempt

Iron Maiden had to truncate their Paris performance after a widespread power outage swept through the city.

The band launched their phone‑free show at La Défense Arena in Paris on Monday June 22, but a local power failure halted the concert for roughly an hour.

Although the venue normally enforces an 11 p.m. curfew, officials extended it to 11:35 p.m. once electricity returned. They noted that further delays were impossible because all local transit ceased by 12:15 a.m., leaving attendees without a way to get home.

To comply with the revised 11:35 p.m. deadline, the group omitted three tracks—Aces High, Fear of the Dark, and Wasted Years—from their setlist.

In a statement addressing the disruption, the band said: “Last night Maiden returned to La Défense Arena in Paris. Having performed two sold‑out shows there last year in the 37,000‑seat indoor arena—home of Racing 92 rugby—this year’s return was intended to capture the performance for a forthcoming concert film, with the venue and enthusiastic French audience providing an ideal setting.

“However, roughly fifty minutes into the set, near the conclusion of “2 Minutes to Midnight,” a total blackout halted the performance.”

Frontman Bruce Dickinson also issued a statement, noting that the show was being recorded for a concert film and that the band is determined to finish the project despite the setback.

“Despite the interruption, the audience and atmosphere were outstanding, and just as we have overcome every obstacle in our career, we will find a solution for the missing encore tracks in the final film,” he said.

He added that “no one is more frustrated than the band and crew,” especially knowing that many fans had traveled far and remained patient throughout the outage.

“What we will remember most is the incredible spirit inside the arena,” he concluded. “Your patience, understanding, and unwavering support during this difficult moment meant everything to us. The energy in the hall was remarkable—exactly what we expect from Parisian audiences and a reminder of why we love performing there.”

French newspaper Le Figaro reported that officials are investigating whether the outage stemmed from the extreme heat, with manager Rod Smallwood noting temperatures reached as high as 44 °C that day and the venue’s air‑conditioning shutting down when power failed.

Although it remains uncertain whether the heatwave triggered the venue’s outage, the incident appears linked to the extreme weather, which left roughly 68,000 French households without power (according to France 24).

The same outlet noted that Tuesday, June 23, marked the hottest day ever recorded in France, prompting the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to limit visitor hours and causing severe disruptions to public transport.

Prior to the Paris concert, Iron Maiden informed fans that a strict no‑phones policy would be enforced because the performance was being professionally recorded for a concert film.

“The standing/general admission area of La Défense Arena will be completely phone‑free to ensure optimal conditions for the live recording of the Run For Your Lives Tour film,” the band explained. “Yondr pouches will be issued at entry to store mobile devices; they will remain locked until the show ends and the pouches are opened.”

The Run For Your Lives tour proceeds to Copenhell in Copenhagen on June 24 and wraps up with a headline appearance at Knebworth House on July 11, which forms part of the band’s own two‑day Eddfest festival.

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