In a statement published on their social media, Iron Maiden asked their fans to limit their use of cell phones during the band's upcoming tour.
The Run For Your Lives Tour will celebrate the five-decade career, encompassing their first nine studio albums. The tour will premiere in exactly one week, on May 27th, in Budapest, Hungary.
The band's request is to avoid "excessive filming" of the performances, as everyone should be "in tune" with the period in which the songs were originally released.
In the same post, manager Rod Smallwood stated that the use of the devices is "an unnecessary distraction," since it directly affects the band.
Below is the full text of the statement issued by Iron Maiden regarding the use of cell phones on their upcoming tour:
“As you all know, the Run For Your Lives marks 50 years since Steve [Harris] formed the band in late 1975 and, to celebrate, Maiden fans can expect a very special setlist, covering all nine studio albums, from Iron Maiden to Fear Of The Dark , with the band’s most spectacular and elaborate show to date!”
“Staying true to that era, the band wants everyone in the audience to experience this show as they did when many of these songs were first played live in the 80s. And, like many other artists, Maiden is now asking fans not to excessively film the shows with their cell phones or tablets.”
Statement from Iron Maiden's manager regarding the use of cell phones on tour.
“We really want fans to enjoy the shows directly, not through screens. The excessive use of cell phones nowadays harms the experience, especially for the band, who look at the audience and see rows of phones, but also for the spectators.”
“We feel that the passion and involvement of the fans make our shows truly special, but the obsession with cell phones got out of control and became an unnecessary distraction, especially for the band.”
"I hope the fans understand this and use common sense, severely limiting the use of cell phone cameras out of respect for the band and other fans."
"We would love for you to be there in person, actively participating and enjoying each of these classic pieces in the spirit and manner in which they were originally performed."
“This show isn’t just a celebration of our music. It is, as you’ll see, also a tribute to our art, to Eddie, and to the many, many Maiden worlds we’ve created for you. So please: respect the band, respect the other fans, and have the time of your lives singing your heart out instead of grabbing your phones! That’s not asking too much, is it?”
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