Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson delivers defiant message of solidarity with Manchester

Following the atrocity at the Ariana Grande show at Manchester Arena on Monday night (22nd May) in which 22 children and adults lost their lives, on Tuesday Iron Maiden released a statement remembering the victims and also vowing to press ahead with the final three dates of their UK tour.

Before launching into ‘The Book of Souls’ at the first of those three shows at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena last night (24th May), Bruce paused proceedings to address the capacity crowd.

“As you will notice we have borrowed bits of the ex-Mayan civilisation and the next song is about the end of civilisation,” Bruce said (via WalesOnline)

“While there are various people running around the world at the moment with their fingers on various buttons and all this bulls*** it makes you wonder a little bit as to whether or not we are entirely safe in the hands of lunatics. But regardless of all that we feel entirely safe in the hands of the 8000 lunatics here tonight.

“The main fact of life is at an Iron Maiden show, we don’t care where you are from, what religion you are, what colour you are and we don’t care what you had for breakfast. If you are here tonight then we all come in peace.”

Directly referencing Manchester, Bruce added: “With respect to the awful s that happened the other night in Manchester the best response we can make to the bulls and the people who want to hate and destroy is to give them love and joy and rock and roll.”

Iron Maiden wrap up the UK leg of The Book of Souls World Tour at London’s The O2 on Saturday and Sunday night.

The O2 has released a statement advising fans to turn up early. It reads: “Enhanced security is in place for all events. Please head down early and pack light as we only accept small bags into the area.

“Along with everyone else, we are shocked and saddened by the terrible tragedy in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and their families.”