Iron Maiden’s longtime manager Rod Smallwood has taken a firm stance against fans who filmed the band’s recent performances with their phones, calling the behavior “selfish” in a public statement shared via the band’s official Instagram account.

The statement, posted shortly after the launch of the Run for Your Lives World Tour on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary, expressed both gratitude and frustration. Smallwood thanked concertgoers who chose to stay present and experience the shows without the distraction of their mobile devices.

“A huge thank you to everyone who kept their phones away, showed respect to the band and to their fellow fans, and enjoyed the show the way it’s meant to be—right there in the moment with us,” Smallwood said. “It was incredibly encouraging for the band, and they truly appreciated it.”

He emphasized that the lack of phone screens in the audience allows for a better view and stronger connection between the band and the crowd. “It’s just so much better when you can see the band without a wall of phones in the air. It really helps keep the energy flowing,” he added.

However, Smallwood did not hold back when addressing those who ignored this request. “To the few selfish individuals who felt the need to keep recording… I wish you nothing more than a painfully awkward hug,” he quipped.

He clarified that the band isn’t entirely against capturing memories but urged fans to be mindful. “As I’ve said before, feel free to snap a quick photo to remember an amazing night—but otherwise, keep the phone in your pocket,” he reiterated.

The message concluded with excitement about the rest of the European leg of the tour. “We’re starting to build momentum now, and the months ahead are going to be very exciting,” said Smallwood.

He also took a moment to thank fans for the warm reception given to the band’s new drummer, Simon Dawson, who officially replaced longtime member Nicko McBrain in late 2024.

Not the First Time Iron Maiden Has Addressed This

This isn’t the first time Iron Maiden has asked fans to put their phones away. Just a week before the Run for Your Lives tour kicked off, the band posted a similar message on Instagram urging concertgoers to experience shows the way fans did in the 1980s—without screens.

“Like many other artists, the band is kindly asking fans to avoid excessive filming with phones or tablets,” the post read.

While the band acknowledges the digital age, they continue to prioritize the raw, in-person energy that made live music so powerful in decades past. Their ongoing effort reflects a desire to preserve that connection—and to remind fans that sometimes the best memories are the ones made without a screen.