Heavy metal stalwarts Iron Maiden recently faced significant disruption during a planned concert film recording in Paris, after a widespread power cut brought their performance to a halt. The band was on stage at the La Défense Arena on Monday, 22nd June, for a special phone-free gig intended for posterity and future release, when the unexpected outage plunged the venue into darkness.
Approximately 50 minutes into their set, towards the end of the song '2 Minutes to Midnight', a complete power failure occurred, stopping the show. The interruption lasted for around an hour, causing considerable delays for both the band and the 37,000-strong audience. Upon power restoration, venue operators extended the usual 11pm curfew to 11:35pm to allow Iron Maiden to continue. However, this extension was limited by local transport services ceasing by 12:15am, meaning any further delay would have left concertgoers stranded.
To meet the revised deadline, Iron Maiden regrettably had to omit three songs from their planned setlist: 'Aces High', 'Fear Of The Dark', and 'Wasted Years'. In a statement released by the band, they expressed their frustration, particularly as the show was being professionally filmed. Frontman Bruce Dickinson acknowledged the challenges, stating, "no one is more frustrated than the band and crew," especially given the long distances many fans had travelled and their patience during the lengthy interruption.
Dickinson also reassured fans that despite the missing songs, the band would "find a way to deal with and overcome" the issue for the final concert film. He praised the "incredible spirit inside the arena," noting the audience's "patience, understanding and unwavering support through an extremely challenging situation." The show was part of their 'Run For Your Lives' tour, which continues across Europe and will culminate with a headline performance at Knebworth House on 11th July.
French national newspaper Le Figaro reported that officials are investigating a potential link between the power outage and the extreme heat gripping the city. Manager Rod Smallwood noted temperatures as high as 44°C on the day, with the power cut also disabling the venue's air conditioning. While not yet confirmed, around 68,000 households in France were affected by electricity cuts due to the extreme weather, according to France24. The day after the concert marked the hottest day on record in France, leading to restricted visiting hours at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and significant transport delays.
Ahead of the Paris gig, Iron Maiden had implemented a strict no-phones policy for the standing and general admission areas. Fans were provided with Yondr pouches upon entry to securely store their mobile devices, which would then be unlocked upon leaving the venue. This measure was specifically put in place to ensure an optimal experience for the live recording of the 'Run For Your Lives Tour' film.
Source: NME, Le Figaro, France24