Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson took an unusual approach to performing “The Trooper” during the band’s October 14 concert in Quito, Ecuador, opting to sing the classic track from backstage after smoke from audience flares caused him physical discomfort.
The incident occurred during the group’s performance at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, where concertgoers were reportedly lighting flares in the crowd. Dickinson had allegedly pleaded with fans to stop setting them off, but some continued despite his warnings.
Fan-filmed footage from the show captures smoke from a flare drifting directly toward the stage, creating an uncomfortable situation for the band’s frontman. Dickinson ultimately chose to deliver “The Trooper” from backstage in protest of the behavior.
The situation is particularly notable given that Dickinson is a throat cancer survivor. The singer has previously voiced his displeasure with fans smoking near the stage, including an incident in 2022 when he took issue with concertgoers smoking marijuana during an Iron Maiden performance.
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