Iron Maiden lament “challenging situation” after power cut derails phone-free Paris show
Iron Maiden have lamented the “challenging situation” that ruined the big plans they had in store for their show in Paris on June 22nd, after a city-wide power outage meant their set was cut short.
The metal stalwarts appeared at La Défense Arena in the French capital to play a show that was set to be recorded. They had already issued a previous statement that a phone-free section of the venue would be necessary for the special show.
However, only eight songs into the show, a power outage plunged the 40,000-capacity arena into total darkness. By the time things were restored, the band managed to push the curfew back by 35 mins.
Despite this, they were still forced to cut three songs from the set, namely, ‘Aces High’, ‘Fear Of The Dark’ and ‘Wasted Years’.
The band has now addressed the unfortunate turn of events in a statement that began: “Last night Maiden returned to La Défense Arena in Paris. Having played two sold-out nights there last year in the 37,000 capacity indoor stadium, home of Racing 92 rugby club, this return a year later was specifically to film the show for posterity and future release, and an indoor stadium and exuberant French fans were ideal for this.”
It went on, “However, about 50 minutes into the set towards the end of ‘2 Minutes to Midnight’, a total power cut brought everything to a stop.”
Frontman Bruce Dickinson also released a statement, spinning the events into an optimistic lesson: “Despite everything, the audience and atmosphere last night were fantastic and, like every other challenge Iron Maiden have faced over the years, we’ll find a way to deal with and overcome the missing songs in the encore when it comes to the final film.”
However, he added that “no one is more frustrated than the band and crew” to see the show’s usual running foiled, particularly as they “know that many [fans] travelled long distances and waited patiently throughout the interruption”.
Dickinson went on, “What we will remember most from last night is the incredible spirit inside the arena.”
He concluded, “Your patience, understanding and unwavering support through an extremely challenging situation meant the world to us. The energy in the room was remarkable and is exactly what we have to come to expect from Paris, and a reminder of why we always love playing here.”
For now, the beloved band are set to continue the Run For Your Lives Tour by next playing at Denmark’s metal festival, Copenhell, on June 24th.
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