The January 30, 2027 edition of "The Legend Of Rock Symphonic" at the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland will feature a unique collaboration between the Beethoven Academy Orchestra and special guest Bruce Dickinson. The legendary IRON MAIDEN frontman will perform his works in original symphonic arrangements that merge rock expression with a full orchestral sound. The program also includes scores based on the greatest hits of METALLICA, QUEEN and AC/DC. The orchestra will be led by Stanisław Słowiński and the production will be completed by guest vocalists and a modern visual setting.

Venue: Spodek, Wojciecha Korfantego 35 Ave., Katowice
Date and time: January 30 2027, 8:00 pm
Performers: Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN)

Soloists:

Grzegorz Kupczyk (ex-TURBO)
Andrzej "Kobra" Kraiński (KOBRANOCKA)
Grzegorz "Ornette" Stępień (ODDZIAŁ ZAMKNIĘTY)
Tomasz "Oley" Olejnik (PROLETARYAT)

Marek Pająk (VADER) - guitar
Jakub Kaczmarek - guitar
Piotr Szpalik - drums

Beethoven Academy Orchestra

Repertoire: Bruce Dickinson's solo works, IRON MAIDEN hits and symphonic arrangements of classics by METALLICA, QUEEN, DEEP PURPLE and AC/DC.

The Beethoven Academy Orchestra is one of Poland’s leading symphony orchestras of the young generation. It is made up of the most outstanding students and graduates of European higher musical education institutions, including the Academy of Music in Krakow, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Stuttgart, Hochschule für Musik in Karlsruhe, Royal Music Conservatoire in Brussels, Conservatoire International de Musique in Paris and Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Graz. The ensemble started its activity in 2003, following the success at the 53rd Festival Junger Künstler Bayreuth.

In March and April 2023, Dickinson took part in a performance of Jon Lord's "Concerto For Group And Orchestra" on nearly a dozen dates in Europe and South America. The concerts were performed by a symphony orchestra consisting of more than 80 instrumentalists conducted by Paul Mann, a close friend of Jon's, and assembled especially for the occasion with members of OSESP (Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo) and some of the country's main symphony groups. They are appearing alongside Kaitner Z Doka (JON LORD, IAN PAICE, DON AIREY) on guitar, Bernhard Welz (JON LORD, DON AIREY) on drums, John O'Hara (JETHRO TULL) on keyboards, Tanya O'Callaghan (WHITESNAKE) on bass and Mario Argandonia (SCORPIONS) on percussion.

Bruce previously performed "Concerto For Group And Orchestra" in November 2021 in Győr, Hungary with DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover and the Győr Symphony Orchestra. Prior to that, he performed at the 50th-anniversary celebration of "Concerto For Group And Orchestra" in November 2019 at the Palais Montcalm in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

Following the recent announcement of Hello Boys and Girls!, Nicko McBrain’s thrilling, hilarious and deeply personal autobiography which will be published on 22nd October 2026, the much-loved drummer will now be taking to the road on a spoken word tour.

Nicko McBrain says: “It’s been a real honour to write my very own autobiography and have the chance to walk down memory lane, revisiting all the experiences that have made me who I am and brought me to where I am today. And I’m thrilled and delighted to be taking those stories on the road and share them all with you. I feel truly blessed to be able to say Hello Boys And Girls to you all in person later this year. We’re going to have a lot of fun together, so come and join me for a great night out. I’ve got a LOT of stories I want to tell you all!”

Starting in Frankfurt on October 26^th, Nicko McBrain will be visiting theatres across Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Ireland and the UK, regaling audiences with colourful stories of a life well-lived. Featuring tales from behind the drum-stool of one of Britain’s biggest ever bands, alongside lessons learned from his eventful youth, his triumphant highs and deepest lows, this is a chance for fans to get up-close-and-personal with one of the most famous and admired men in rock history.

Tickets go on sale next week – for links and onsale dates, go to nickomcbrain.co.uk

Born in Hackney, East London in 1952, Michael “Nicko” McBrain always wanted to be a drummer, practising on his mother’s pots and pans until his father bought him his first drumkit when he was 11 years old. Playing initially in school bands, covering The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, by 14 he had become semi-professional, performing in wedding bands around London.

Inspired by jazz as much as rock music, Nicko played with the likes of Streetwalkers, Pat Travers Band and Trust whilst honing his craft doing session work amongst the highly competitive mean streets and studios of London’s Soho. However, when he joined Iron Maiden in 1982 he quickly became one of the most recognisable and influential drummers in the world.

Through his powerful and brilliant drumming style – full of flair and technique – and his equally charismatic stage presence, Nicko became a metal icon, pivotal in shaping Iron Maiden’s dynamic sound across his 42-year tenure with the band. Playing on 14 studio albums, multiple live albums and dozens of world tours, as part of Iron Maiden Nicko has sold over 100 million records around the world and entered the annals of rock history.

With a famous appearance on long-running UK children’s programme The Sooty Show in the 80s, and years of youthful excess and humorous escapades, alongside his love for classic cars and his side-career as a successful restauranteur in Florida, Nicko’s star has shone brightly, with his larger-than-life persona making him universally beloved amongst metal fans. Yet his sensitive nature, battle with cancer, recovery from a near career-ending stroke and his born-again religious faith, have been largely lived out of the public eye.

Now with trademark humour and heart Nicko McBrain invites us into his world, sharing unforgettable moments, backstage stories, laugh-out-loud anecdotes, and raw honesty, revealing what it feels like to remain not just relevant but more loved than ever after decades at the top, and to live a life transformed by music, brotherhood, and belief.

Part stand-up show and part audience interaction, and with a whole lot of Nicko’s inimitable candour and gregarious story-telling, this is the ideal chance to enjoy one of rock’n’roll’s greatest raconteurs live and in person, as he relives moments he’s shared in the forthcoming Hello Boys and Girls! memoir, providing a front-row seat to one of heavy metal’s greatest lives.

The trip to Bucharest is just one week away, so here are a few important details for everyone joining.

The meeting point where the bus will pick up the passengers is:

Sofia, Vasil Levski Square, near the National Monument “Vasil Levski”
https://maps.app.goo.gl/atiyTC2gzuEDPUzV9

The bus departs at 8:00 AM. All passengers are kindly asked to arrive 20–30 minutes earlier, as a quick passenger list check will be made before departure.

Please don’t forget to bring:

• Your concert ticket
• Your passport and/or ID documents

- The aim is to reach Bucharest as quickly and smoothly as possible, so WC/cigarette breaks will be kept to a minimum.

- Please note that alcohol, food, and smoking are not allowed on the bus.

- Some passengers may use the trip as a chance to rest before the concert, so everyone is kindly asked to respect that and keep the journey comfortable for all.

- Since the traffic and situation in Bucharest on the day are not fully predictable, the drop-off point will be arranged as close as possible to Arena Națională.

- The meeting point for the return trip will be at the same location, exactly one hour after the concert ends.

Let’s have a great trip and an unforgettable concert!

For any questions dont hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

HarperNonFiction are set to publish the thrilling, hilarious and deeply personal autobiography of Iron Maiden’s unstoppable drummer, Nicko McBrain. Hello Boys and Girls! will publish into hardback, ebook and audio on 22nd October 2026.

Nicko is the legendary drummer for Iron Maiden, joining the band in 1982 after stints with artists like Streetwalkers, Pat Travers and Trust after honing his craft from decades of session work among the highly competitive mean streets and studios of London’s Soho. Through his powerful, precise drumming and charismatic stage presence, the long-serving drummer became a metal icon, pivotal in shaping Iron Maiden’s dynamic sound.

With trademark humour and heart Nicko takes us behind the scenes of one of Britain’s biggest ever bands. Experience the highs and lows of his illustrious career on the road, in the studio and being ‘Mr Iron Maiden’ to the worldwide legion of fans!

This is the story of what it feels like to remain not just relevant but more loved than ever after decades at the top, and to live a life transformed by music, brotherhood, and belief.

Packed with unforgettable moments, backstage stories, laugh-out-loud anecdotes, and raw honesty, Hello Boys and Girls! is more than a rock memoir, it’s a front-row seat to one of heavy metal’s greatest lives.

Nicko says: “I’m very excited and honoured to be working with the wonderful HarperNonFiction Team on my very own book full of lots of fun stories, anecdotes and of course my incredible experiences with some of the greatest musicians and performers from the 70s, 80s and beyond! I am blessed to be able to finally share my path to where I am today, in my own words, with the world.”

Pre-order your copy today!

Officially — tickets for IRON MAIDEN: BURNING AMBITION go on sale from March 25, while the documentary itself arrives in Bulgarian cinemas on May 8, with screenings continuing after the premiere date.

The film’s distributor in Bulgaria is Forum Film Bulgaria, and it will be shown in Kino Arena, Cinema City, Cine Grand, and Cineland cinemas in the larger cities across the country, in original audio with Bulgarian subtitles.

All fans are advised to keep an eye on the websites and ticketing systems of the listed cinemas, as well as the nearest cinema in their city, for screening schedules, showtimes, and ticket availability.

The documentary is directed by Malcolm Venville (Churchill at War) and produced by Dominic Freeman, known for his work on Spirits in the Forest – A Depeche Mode Film. The feature-length production tells the story of Iron Maiden’s extraordinary 50-year journey — from their formation in East London to becoming one of the most influential rock bands in the world.

The film also features candid reflections from well-known admirers of the band, including Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich, and Chuck D, who share their views on Iron Maiden’s impact on music, culture, and generations of fans around the globe.

Mark the dates — March 25 for the tickets, and May 8 for the first screenings!

LONDON – TUESDAY 24th FEBRUARY. Universal Pictures International (UPI) today, announces the official title, key artwork and International theatrical plans for the upcoming Iron Maiden feature documentary, now titled IRON MAIDEN: BURNING AMBITION.

Documenting one of the most iconic journeys in music history, the film will be released in cinemas worldwide from May 7th 2026. Tickets will go on sale March 18th.

Directed by Malcolm Venville (Churchill at War) and produced by Dominic Freeman (Spirits in the Forest – A Depeche Mode Film), the feature‑length documentary charts Iron Maiden’s remarkable five‑decade journey.

Alongside the band, the documentary features on‑camera reflections from prominent admirers including Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich, and Chuck D, each speaking to Iron Maiden’s influence on music, culture and generations of fans worldwide.

The newly released key art by Albert “Akirant” Quirantes, offers the first visual look at the documentary.

Formed in East London in 1975, Iron Maiden have grown into one of the world’s most influential and enduring rock bands. Across 50 years they have released 17 studio albums, sold over 100 million records, and performed almost 2,500 concerts across 64 countries.

The documentary arrives as the band continues its two year Run For Your Lives world tour, which included a triumphant homecoming performance at London Stadium a short distance from where it all began five decades ago.

A recently announced, one of a kind, celebration named EddFest in historic Knebworth Park, England, on July 11th forms part of over 50 shows worldwide in 2026.

IRON MAIDEN: BURNING AMBITION IS IN CINEMAS FROM MAY 7TH
TICKETS ON SALE MARCH 18 – VISIT WWW.IRONMAIDENFILM.COM

Sign up for updates at www.ironmaidenfilm.com

IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson is putting the finishing touches on the vocals for his upcoming solo album at Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in Northridge, California.

Bruce's next LP, which won't arrive before 2027, will be the follow-up to "The Mandrake Project", which came out in March 2024 via BMG.

Bruce and his long-term co-writer and producer Roy "Z" Ramirez recorded "The Mandrake Project" largely at Los Angeles's Doom Room, with Roy Z doubling up as both guitarist and bassist. The recording lineup for "The Mandrake Project" was rounded out by keyboard maestro Mistheria and drummer Dave Moreno, both of whom also featured on Bruce's previous solo studio album, "Tyranny Of Souls", in 2005.

Снимкa: Nikola Petras / www.rocklivebg.com

The news of the progress of the recording sessions for Dickinson's next album was shared by acclaimed hard rock vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, Yngwie Malmsteen, TALISMAN),who posted a photo of him at Studio 606 studio with Dickinson, and he included the following message:

"How lucky am I? I went to say hello to my dear friend Mistheria who I worked with on his VIVALDI METAL PROJECT and of course is part of Bruce Dickinson's solo endeavors these days.

"Arrived at Dave Grohl's studio right as Bruce was doing some final vocals to his new album. He finished and came out to chat/hang a little but then asked if I wanted to hear a few of the songs...umm, YEA!!

"I must say besides the fact that he is still singing at the top of his game, the songs, performances, and the overall vibe I got from all was beyond impressive, I think this outing will be one of his strongest ever outside of the MAIDEN camp.

"To add frosting on the cake, I got to try a prototype for a new Trooper beer, this one is a nice IPA which I'm normally not a fan of, but this was really good, it's not out yet so I feel pretty lucky to have tried it before the rest of the world haha".

Dickinson spoke about his plans for more new solo music during an August 2025 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". He said: "We are gonna do a new album — we are recording the new album, rather — in January next year here in L.A. So, this is a great way of just getting the band locked in into the mentality of that. In fact, we were in the studio, well, just yesterday for three or four days, doing updates on the demos that we did with drum machines and things like that. Well, we've done them with the whole band now, and that just takes the songs to another level for the new album."

Asked if his next solo album will be "conceptual", like "The Mandrake Project" was, Bruce said: "Well, 'Mandrake' was kind of semi-conceptual. It was conceptual in its visual approach more than the music. There were elements of the music that were connected with the comic. And we've actually just published the book, the first book of the first four episodes of the comic. So that's something that people can get that's got some solidity to it. They can look at it and go, 'Oh, yeah, I get what this is all about.' But the albums have always got to be standalone units. And the stuff we've got — we've got 18 tracks demoed for the album. And we won't record 18 tracks, but I think we've probably settled on — nine, 10, 11 of them are absolute bangers, and the other ones we'll just see where we go with them and what it ends up like. But the band are on fire."

Regarding what fans can expect to hear on his next solo album, Bruce said: "It will be a different feel to the album because this is gonna be recorded live. I mean, 'Mandrake' was a bit like stitching together Frankenstein's monster, 'cause it was stuff from 2014 and then it was stuff from after COVID, and all of it glued together. So sonically it was a little bit all over the place."

Earlier in August 2025, Bruce told Metal Hammer that his new solo material will include "bone-crushingly heavy" songs as well as moments that "are just like tugging at the heartstrings". "If it's heavy, it's heavy," he added, "but if it just happens to be acoustic, it's acoustic. That's the deal, you know? It's whatever the song dictates, whatever the story is you're trying to tell, but it's really exciting. I'm so stoked about these tracks. I played the demos to a few people in the record label and stuff, and everybody is like, 'Wow!'"

Dickinson previously told Charlie Kendall of Charlie Kendall's Metalshop that he will record his next solo album with Brendan Duffey, who "did an amazing job" remixing Dickinson's second solo album, 1994's "Balls To Picasso". "The amazing band that is gonna record the new record with me is gonna be the same band that toured in Europe with me, and it's gonna be the same band that's gonna tour with me in 2027 when we release the new record," he said. "Or at least that's the idea anyway, to release a new record [in 2027]."

Joining the IRON MAIDEN singer on the "The Mandrake Project Live 2025" North American tour was once again be his 2024 backing band, featuring Dave Moreno (drums),Mistheria (keyboards) and Tanya O'Callaghan (bass),alongside the group's latest additions, Swedish guitarist, songwriter and multi-platinum-credited producer Philip Näslund and Swiss session and touring guitarist Chris Declercq (who played on Dickinson's "Rain On The Graves" single). Roy is not part of the touring lineup.

Source: Blabbermouth.net

The life and career of pioneering heavy metal frontman Paul Di'Anno, the powerhouse voice heard on IRON MAIDEN's early albums, will be celebrated in the forthcoming documentary, "Di'Anno: Iron Maiden's Lost Singer", to be released by Cleopatra Entertainment this summer.

In a strikingly raw and intimate film, Wes Orshoski, co-director and producer of the acclaimed 2010 film "Lemmy" about the MOTÖRHEAD icon, and 2015's "The Damned: Don't You Wish That We Were Dead", about punk rock legends THE DAMNED, captures the late singer riding an emotional rollercoaster toward the end of his life. Featuring appearances by James Hetfield (METALLICA),Gene Simmons (KISS),MAIDEN's Steve Harris and members of EXODUS, SLAYER, MEGADETH, OVERKILL and SEPULTURA, the film chronicles how two IRON MAIDEN fans encounter Di'Anno at the lowest point of his life and then set out to restore his health and relaunch his career.

Wheelchair-bound since the mid-2010s, Di'Anno's health nosedived during the COVID-19 pandemic, when those two fans launched a crowdfunding campaign which ultimately led to him relocating to Croatia, where — through the help of those fans and doctors — he made a dramatic turnaround while running out of money, reuniting with his former MAIDEN bandmates, and falling in love. Eventually he makes a heroic and drama-filled return to the stage. All of this is captured in "Di'Anno: Iron Maiden's Lost Singer", which Orshoski began shooting in 2017.

"For years there wasn't much to capture," says Orshoski. "Paul was waiting for surgeries that doctors in the U.K. would not green-light. He was in an incredibly dark place. But once he got to Croatia, fans and doctors gave him the hope he was desperately searching for. It was beautiful to witness. I wanted to make a film that was unlike any rock doc you've ever seen. And in the end, I think we got there."

One of icons of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, London-born Di'Anno helped launch IRON MAIDEN around the world, appearing on two of the most foundational metal albums ever released: IRON MAIDEN's 1980 self-titled debut and the celebrated follow-up, "Killers", released in 1981. In one of the most epic sagas in metal history, Di'Anno left MAIDEN in 1981 and was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, leaving metal fans around the world to debate which line-up and which singer was/is better. It's a debate that continues to this day, almost 50 years later.

Orshoski finished work on the film (which was shot in England, Croatia, Brazil and the United States) shortly before Di'Anno's death at 66 in October 2023. "Di'Anno: Iron Maiden's Lost Singer" has been screening at European film festivals and will be released worldwide on both streaming services and on home entertainment DVD and Blu-ray formats.

Di'Anno, whose real name was Paul Andrews, passed away on October 21, 2024 at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.

In 2026, we mark 40 years since the release of Somewhere in Time — Iron Maiden’s sixth studio album.

The most recognizable element in the sound of Somewhere in Time is the introduction of guitar synthesizers — a new color in Maiden’s palette that adds a futuristic atmosphere and emphasizes themes of time, travel, and alienation.

From the very first seconds of “Caught Somewhere in Time” to the epic finale with “Alexander the Great,” the album plays out like a science-fiction film told through two guitars, a galloping bass, and massive choruses.

“You can’t make heavy metal with synthesizers” — Bruce Dickinson, 1984.

Somewhere in Time proves the opposite and, four decades later, remains one of Iron Maiden’s most discussed and beloved albums — because of the risk, because of the atmosphere, because of songs that refuse to age. And perhaps most importantly — because it proves that when a band is at the top, it doesn’t have to repeat its formula. It can look… somewhere in time.

On March 14, the Bulgarian tribute band RAISING HELL will fire up the time machine by performing Somewhere in Time in its entirety live. To complete the atmosphere of the evening, the rest of the setlist will feature only sci-fi/fantasy-themed songs, specially selected from Iron Maiden’s entire discography.

The venue, as always, is Live & Loud club.
Doors: 8:00 PM.
Admission: €10.

The magnificent art is done by Atanas Lozanski

For more information check the facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1379257543500718

LONDON, OCTOBER 14TH: Exactly 40 years to the day since it was first released, Parlophone Records (BMG in the USA) are pleased to announce a brand new, beautifully packaged, limited collectors 2LP colour vinyl edition of IRON MAIDEN’s classic album LIVE AFTER DEATH.

Featuring the original revered gatefold sleeve artwork, the album comes with two 140g vinyls (one in blue, the other in yellow) featuring the 2015 audio remastering. The package also includes a replica 24 page World Slavery Tour programme, bringing back to life the original tour programme for new generations.

Additionally the vinyl features a replica tour pass and a glossy 12 page booklet, which contains the original eight-page booklet alongside an exclusive and brand new essay entitled Rime And Punishment: Celebrating 40 Years Of Live After Death, where Iron Maiden Fan Club editor Alexander Milas interviews Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Rod Smallwood and acclaimed illustrator Derek Riggs about the legendary album.

As Steve Harris explains of the time, “We were touring our arses off. It was literally just, ‘record, tour, record, tour’ – we didn’t stop. Rod was cracking the old whip, and that was the right thing to do. I mean, we were totally up for it, it’s not like we were doing stuff that we didn’t want to do. You think you’re invincible – ‘Yeah, we’ll take that on, no problem.’ That’s the way to crack it. It’s the only way for a band like us because we had no radio play whatsoever back then.”

Widely acclaimed as not just the greatest heavy metal live album of all time, but one of the most iconic live releases in any musical genre, LIVE AFTER DEATH was recorded mostly during the four nights that Maiden played at Los Angeles’ Long Beach Arena in March 1985. The final side of the double album was recorded during the four nights the band played at Hammersmith Odeon in October 1984.

Both sets of concerts were part of the ground-breaking World Slavery Tour, in support of the band’s 1984 album Powerslave, which started in Poland and featured 187 concerts across 331 days. The tour firmly established Iron Maiden as one of the most exciting live bands on the planet, a reputation that they carry to this day.

Live After Death will be released on November 28 (December 12 in the USA) and is available to pre-order now (more links to be added).

Marking 50 years of Iron Maiden, renowned music writer Joe Shooman delivers the ultimate celebration of the world’s most iconic heavy metal band. Drawing on 80+ original interviews and unseen photographs, this kaleidoscopic volume spans four sections—The Story, The Music, The Band, and The Frontmen—to chart everything from the band’s Christmas Day origins to their countless studio albums and the legendary figures behind the beast: Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, and the ever-watchful Eddie.

Timed to coincide with Iron Maiden’s anticipated world tour kicking off in May 2025, the book lands at the perfect moment for fans eager to relive arena nights and revisit a career boasting 130+ million albums sold and record-breaking crowds. Insightful, comprehensive, and loaded with rare material, it’s essential reading for fans old and new.

“Something genuinely new for fans… essential reading.” — MetalTalk Podcast

The Book will be available from 9 October 2025 in a Hardback Format with colour photos throughout Michael O’Mara Books. You can order it from here. 

About the author: Joe Shooman is a long-standing music journalist whose biography of Bruce Dickinson has remained in print since its 2007 release.

"I had the opportunity to review the book’s preview copy and was pleasantly surprised. As someone who has read many interviews, biographies, and articles about the band, I didn’t expect anything to surprise me — but this did. A concise, well-researched, and meaningful read for every fan.

The interviews add real value, and the rare, previously unseen photos are a genuine bonus. It’s only October, yet it feels like Christmas morning when I received my first Iron Maiden record." — Nikola Petras (Iron Maiden Bulgaria)

“Fan Club Iron Maiden Bulgaria” and club “Live & Loud” club are organizing an Bus trip to Bucharest, Romania, for the IRON MAIDEN concert on 28th May.

The round-trip travel price is 45 EUR. (The Price for a one-way ticket is the same)

You can find concert tickets at https://www.iabilet.ro/

Departure is on 28 May, early in the morning. The exact time and meeting point will be announced additionally. The return will be immediately after the end of the concert.

You will need A valid passport or national ID card, with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of travel.
For persons under the age of 18, will need a declaration from both parents consenting to the trip is required.

You can register for the trip on site at “Nosferatu” Craft Beer Shop (Sofia, 28 Patriarch Evtimiy Blvd.).

Online booking is available here

The Seats are limited!

For additional information and questions, you can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Iron Maiden have announced the first dates of a very busy schedule for 2026, starting with a summer return to Europe to predominantly play festivals and also stadiums in countries and regions not visited in 2025. The subsequent month will see the start of visits to many other parts of the world, all of which will be announced later.

The initial European dates are as below and more headline festival shows will be announced by the festivals themselves in parallel with ironmaiden.com. It’s a busy year so following this there will be no Maiden shows in 2027.

Says Steve Harris – “We are all loving this RUN FOR YOUR LIVES TOUR. The fans have been amazing, the set list is perfect for the 50th Anniversary, the show is arguably our best ever and ticket demand was incredible with pretty much everywhere sold out and over a million fans attending. So we all thought we should play some more shows in Europe before heading out to other parts of the world later in the year.

Of course Simon Dawson will be joining us once again on the drummer’s stool, and both he and the whole band would like to thank our fans for the terrific reception you have given him on the first leg.

We’ve always enjoyed playing festivals, especially as we get to play to people who aren’t just there for us, and we love that challenge! So we decided to revisit as many great Metal festivals as we could get to in this period. Plus we will also get to play stadiums in Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria where we didn’t get to this year and have always loved playing to the passionate fans out there.”

Manager Rod Smallwood comments, “We were absolutely blown away by the overwhelmingly positive reaction of our fans and from across the mainstream media to the first leg of our Run For Your Lives Tour. We knew we had created a special show, but the energy of all our fans at every single concert we played was picked up on by the band and I think we all experienced something really memorable, and arguably our best tour ever. Throughout our career festivals played a huge part, starting with Rock in Rio in 1985 of course, by enabling us to play in front of new fans and hopefully convert them to being Maiden fans, which, in the absence of radio or mainstream media helped enormously to increase our following. So this tour, based around most of Europe’s pre-eminent Metal fests, is also a huge thank you to those very festivals for playing such an important part in the fifty years… and counting… story of Iron Maiden.

Besides Eastern Europe we will also play some stadium shows in regions we missed in Germany (Hannover), France (Lyon-Décines) and Italy, the latter at Milan’s legendary San Siro Stadium, home of both AC and Inter Milan and we will, I am told, be the first ever Metal band to play there. It’s always great to break more new ground – even after all these years!!

You will note the schedule below just says UK SHOW for July 11th and there is a good reason for that! We are working on something special for our loyal UK fans including an extension of our Eddie’s Dive Bar concept we launched last year… so watch this space!

Fans will also notice we will play Paris La Défense Arena again on Mon June 22nd after already playing two sold out nights there this year to 75,000 fans… but there is good reason for that!

Yes, we know you have been asking, so we are going to film this special show for you and for posterity! We chose an indoor stadium to see the best of the production and also a great audience which we know Paris is and always has been for us. So we decided to return to Paris and hope fans there still want to see us! This will be our 31st show ever in Paris, it’s always been a bit special since we first visited there with KISS back in 1980!

Finally it was really special to see that the vast majority of our fans appreciated and respected our request to severely limit their use of phones at our concerts, ideally just keeping it in their pockets the whole time, especially in those standing areas in front of the stage. There were exceptions in a couple of places sadly but overall our fans’ understanding and cooperation made a colossal difference to the atmosphere of every show and increased the enjoyment enormously for the band and fans alike.

While we encourage our fans to follow this again at all our shows in 2026, in Paris specifically, we will be working with Yondr the company that creates phone free spaces where fans are given a secure locked pouch which allows you to keep your phone on you at all times. They will facilitate this process ultimately for the benefit of you, our wonderful fans and I am sure that, like all of us, you do not want to watch the resulting film, seeing banks of phone screens in the shot. Therefore, to help our film crew, we will make the huge floor at La Défense completely Yondr phone free so we can ensure the show – and of course all of you in the crowd – look as phenomenal as possible on camera!

In the rest of the venue we are requesting that fans once again keep their phones in their pockets and enjoy the show ‘in the moment’, rather than raise their phone in the air trying to film sections and thus inconveniencing those around them. So if a so-called fan near you thinks they are special and filming what they selfishly want please just ask them, very politely of course, to put their phone somewhere the sun doesn’t shine!

And, as I mentioned before, for all our fans outside Europe, we most definitely have not forgotten you and have some big announcements coming later for 2026. Rest assured we will be visiting as many of you as possible next year, before the band take a well-earned break from the road in 2027.”

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES EUROPEAN TOUR DATES 2026
MAY 2026
23 – Athens, GREECE – OAKA
26 – Sofia, BULGARIA – Vasil Levski Stadium
28 – Bucharest, ROMANIA – Arena Națională
30 – Bratislava, SLOVAKIA – Národný Futbalový Štadión

JUNE 2026
02 – Hannover, GERMANY – Heinz von Heiden Arena
10 – Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS – Ziggo Dome
17 – Milan, ITALY – San Siro Stadium 22 Paris, FRANCE – Paris La Défense Arena
28 – Lyon – Décines, FRANCE – Groupama Stadium

JULY 2026
07 – Lisbon, PORTUGAL – Estádio da Luz
11 – UK Headline Show – Details to be revealed…

There will be no Trooper VIP experiences on the European leg of the tour. Special guests will be announced in due course.

Tickets go on sale next week – check the tour dates page for info. Iron Maiden Fan Club presales will take place next week – details to follow.

Finally, due to the popularity of the inclusive, free access Eddie’s Official Pop-Up Dive Bars, we will be expanding this concept further in as many show cities as possible and creating a unique space for fans to gather prior and post show. They will be serving Trooper Beer and Darkest Red wine, with food, exclusive merch and further entertainment. Details will be available on ironmaiden.com at a later date.

The concert of Maiden uniteD and Dennis Stratton is comming next month!

On this occasion, one of the original guitarists of Iron Maiden has sent a special video message to the Bulgarian audience.

Dennis Stratton was Iron Maiden’s guitarist from 1979–1980 and played a key role on the band’s debut album. He later became part of Praying Mantis and Lionheart.

Maiden uniteD is a project by Joey Bruers, originally created as a special tribute show for the Dutch Iron Maiden fan club. Together with musicians from several bands, he prepared and performs a set of re-arranged acoustic versions of Maiden classics. Audience and fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.

The Maiden uniteD & Dennis Stratton concert will take place on 5 October at Live & Loud (Sofia, 8 “Pozitano” St.).

A limited number of tickets are available through the EasyPay network and online at epaygo.bg:
https://epaygo.bg/3683249589

On the day of the event, if there are available places, tickets will be sold only at the club entrance, with the price to be announced additionally.

Stay tuned for more news and follow the details on the Facebook event on the Live & Loud page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/8943557725721995

December 25, 1975 is a landmark date in the history of heavy metal — that’s when Steve Harris founded Iron Maiden. Half a century later, the legendary Brits continue to inspire with their class, style, and integrity.

On October 25, 2025, the Bulgarian tribute band Raising Hell will celebrate the 50th anniversary with a special setlist covering every Iron Maiden studio album.

As always, the venue is Live & Loud Club, with co-organizers FC Iron Maiden Bulgaria.

Artwork: Krasimir Talev

Start: 21:00
Entrance: 20 BGN
Up the Irons!

The Royal Mint has today unveiled an eye-catching commemorative coin celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden. The East London icons are joining the ranks of musical royalty in The Royal Mint’s Music Legends series, which has previously celebrated the likes of Queen, Elton John, and David Bowie.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by contemporary Iron Maiden artist Albert ‘Akirant’ Quirantes, the design features the band’s infamous mascot Eddie in a dynamic pose that will strike a chord with fans worldwide. The design features numerous hidden ‘Easter eggs’ referencing the band’s illustrious career, albums and world tours – giving collectors plenty to hunt for.

Iron Maiden, who formed in 1975, worked closely with The Royal Mint throughout the design process, ensuring the coin captures the essence of a band whose influence has spanned five decades and counting. With a global footprint that spans the planet, Iron Maiden are one of the biggest success stories in British music, and with the international nature of coin-collecting this new commemorative piece – the first official collectable product to bear the 50th Anniversary logo is sure to delight and excite collectors and fans alike.

Rod Smallwood, Maiden’s Manager;

Having Eddie on an official UK coin is a continuation of his incredible odyssey since we unearthed him back in 1980. We’ve been on stamps, beer bottles, plane tails and now legal tender! The detail Akirant has managed to pack into the design is superb – there are little nods to virtually every chapter of our journey as a band. We’re truly honoured that The Royal Mint has chosen to commemorate 50 years of Iron Maiden in such a unique way.”

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, commented:

“Iron Maiden have been fearless pioneers in music, flying the flag for Britain around the globe for half a century. Their creative vision, powerful performances and dedicated following have earned them a place as one of Britain’s most influential bands. This coin is the perfect fusion of metal on metal and we expect it will prove to be a collector’s piece that’s highly sought after by both numismatists and passionate rock fans alike.”

Albert ‘Akirant’ Quirantes, designer of the Iron Maiden coin said,

“Designing the Iron Maiden coin has been one of the most thrilling projects of my career. As a lifelong fan of the band, and Derek Riggs’ original creations in the ‘80s, I wanted to capture not just their iconic imagery, but also the rebellious spirit that has defined their music for decades. I’ve hidden several references within the design that true fans will enjoy discovering, including subtle nods to classic album artwork and their most beloved songs. It’s my tribute to a band that has influenced generations of music lovers all over the world, and I hope fans will spend time exploring every detail just as passionately as they’ve analysed the band’s lyrics over the years.”

Available in several editions, from standard brilliant uncirculated to limited edition precious metal proof versions, prices for the Iron Maiden coin start from £18.50. For more information about the Iron Maiden commemorative coin and to view the full range, visit www.royalmint.com/ironmaiden .

Iron maiden released the following message

In celebration of 50 epic years, Iron Maiden are excited to announce that an official feature documentary about the band will be released later this year!

Created in partnership with Universal Pictures Content Group the long-awaited documentary is an emotive journey through Iron Maiden’s 50 Year history told from the perspective of both the band and some of their most devoted followers - from longstanding superfans to film and music icons such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Gene Simmons. The documentary will also feature exclusive interviews with pivotal band members including the final interview with original vocalist, Paul Di’Anno who sadly passed away last year.

Featuring rare archival footage, including spectacular animation of our iconic mascot, Eddie, the film explores how Iron Maiden has helped shape a cultural movement, challenging conventional views of rock music and heavy metal’s broader impact on society and culture.

Thames & Hudson are delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams – The Official Visual History, to be published globally in hardback in autumn 2025. A magnificent visual celebration of the first 50 years of Iron Maiden, this new book chronicles the evolution of heavy metal’s most prestigious band, with unparalleled input from band members and management.

A truly spectacular and beautiful book, featuring never-before-seen items and photographs, which have been curated with enormous attention to detail over a number of years, it celebrates one of Britain’s most influential and biggest-selling bands, who have become arguably the biggest metal band in the world.

Organized chronologically, Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams tells the story of the band from their first pub gigs in 1975 and their first record deal in 1979, through the recording and reception of groundbreaking albums, including their self-titled debut, 1982’s global breakthrough The Number of the Beast and the stadium-conquering Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, to 2021’s hugely acclaimed double-album Senjutsu and the forthcoming Run For Your Lives World Tour.

The book traces the evolution of their iconic Eddie mascot, alongside exclusive comments from his creator Derek Riggs, and documents the band’s spectacular and complex stage productions and extensive live tours, including the Somewhere Back in Time World Tour of 2008, which made international headlines as Bruce Dickinson piloted the band’s very own Ed Force One 757.

Presenting iconic album and single artworks, photographs of the band’s instruments past and present, stage props, hand-written lyrics and artefacts from the archive and the band’s personal collections, as well as landmark photographs by Ross Halfin, John McMurtrie and more, Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams is rife with revelatory stories and intriguing insights from pivotal band members and management. It is bookended by a foreword from band founder Steve Harris and an afterword by vocalist Bruce Dickinson.

Steve Harris says, “I’ve been pleasantly surprised at some of the stuff that I’ve managed to unearth for this book. I knew I had kept a lot of things from the early days but they have lasted really well and the photography has brought them back to life. I hope the fans are going to love looking at all the stuff presented like this! It’s the right time to bring it all together for part of our 50th celebrations.”

Tristan de Lancey, Creative Director at Thames & Hudson, commented: “Iron Maiden is an institution. Hailed as pioneers of British heavy metal in the 1980s, the band has come to embody a spirit of fearless creative independence and ferocious dedication to their fans that has won them a huge following around the world and across generations. With astonishing archival access and more meticulous, hands-on participation from the band than I ever thought possible, we have been gifted the tools to create something beautiful, comprehensive and unique which, I have no doubt, raises the bar for illustrated books in this music genre. Every page will surprise and delight its audience – just don’t expect metal fans to be the only ones who buy it…!”

The book is available to pre-order here, with many more international links to be added.

The acoustic project Maiden uiniteD featuring Dennis Stratton will return to Sofia on October 5th for a new show..

Maiden United is a project of Joey Bruers who wanted to do a special tribute show for The Dutch Iron Maiden fan club; something other than the regular tribute or cover band. With musicians from several bands he performed a set of rearranged acoustic Maiden songs. The reactions from the crowd were overwhelming.

The idea that became a show then became a project. A project to bring all kinds of musicians and fans from all over the world together to celebrate the music. With 5 studio albums and live shows through Europe this project presents classic Iron Maiden songs in a re-imagined form. Acoustic re-arrangements that transform the songs into something that Iron Maiden fans would have never imagined hearing. Over the years some 40 musicians have joined us on stage or in the studio.

In 2025, Maiden uniteD will celebrate their 15th anniversary with a grand European tour called “15 Trooper Salutes”.

The concert will be on October 5th at the Live & Loud club (Sofia, 8 Positano Street). Tickets in the EasyPay office network and from epaygo.bg: https://epaygo.bg/3683249589

A limited number tickets are at a preferential price. After that, the price will increase progressively as the event approaches. On the day of the concert, if there are any remaining tickets, they will be sold only at the entrance of the club at a price that will be announced additionally.

Stay tuned for more information and follow the details on the Facebook event on the Live & Loud club page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/8943557725721995