Iron Maiden are making their Paris show’s standing area “phone-free”.
Bruce Dickinson and co – who encourage fans to enjoy their shows without a smartphone in hand – will, for one night only, make the general admission area a phone‑free zone as they film the Run For Your Lives Tour movie at La Défense Arena on Monday night (22.06.26).
Those with GA tickets will be given a Yondr pouch to keep their phones locked away for the duration of the show.
A social media post by the band read: “Tomorrow’s show at La Défense Arena will use Yondr pouches to make the standing/General Admission floor entirely phone-free while we record the ‘Run For Your Lives’ Tour film. This will enable us to create the optimal viewing experience for our fans on release, and a unique viewing experience for our standing fans in Paris.
“If you have a standing ticket, your device will be locked in the pouch on arrival and unlocked when you leave at the end of the night.
“Bring a physical payment card to use at the bars and merch stands.
“There are areas within the arena where you will be able to access your phone for emergencies.
“Your pouch will stay with you for the duration of the show – no one else will be handling your device.
“Head to the venue early to make sure everything goes smoothly.
“This is ONLY for the standing area at tomorrow’s show. No other show will use Yondr pouches. This was declared when the tickets went on sale last year. Adjustments for disabled customers are available with proof of disability. Pouches can be unlocked in designated areas for you to access your phone should you need to.”
Prior to Run For Your Lives Tour’s launch, their manager Rod Smallwood posted a message on Instagram urging gig-goers to put their devices away so they can fully enjoy the band’s performance.
Rod admitted most of the audience at the first shows complied with the guidance and it gave the rockers a “boost” but there was still a “selfish few” who kept videoing.
In a message posted on the band’s Instagram page, he wrote: “A huge thank you to every one of you who kept your phones down, respected the band and your fellow fans, and embraced the show the way it’s meant to be experienced – in the room with us.
“That was a great boost for us and the band appreciated it greatly. It is so much better when they can see you unencumbered and that drives them on without that distraction. For the selfish few that didn’t and just had to keep videoing … I wish you nothing but a very sore arm!”
He went on to add: “But they were few, and we do hope this support from fans, especially in the floor area in front of the sound desk, continues … As I said before, by all means take the odd quick pic as a memento of a great night, but otherwise please keep your phone in your pocket.”
Before the tour kicked off, Rod posted his plea online – urging fans not to ruin gigs by taking extending videos and holding their phones up.
He also explained the decision was made because the tour is celebrating 50 years since the group formed back in 1975 and the gigs should be phone-free in keeping with the spirit of the gigs.