BRITISH metal giants Iron Maiden have revealed UK and Ireland tour dates celebrating 50 years of monster madness.
The rockers, who are synonymous with their zombie-like mascot Eddie, are promising fans the “most spectacular and elaborate show ever”.
Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson will belt out the band’s biggest hits on tour next year[/caption]
The band are celebrating 50 years since its formation in 1975[/caption]
Announcing the anniversary world tour on social media, the band’s account shared: “The Run For Your Lives World Tour will kick off on May 27th next year in Budapest followed by 27 stadium, festival & arena shows around Europe.
“The tour marks 50 years since Steve Harris formed the band in late 1975 and to celebrate this Maiden fans are promised a very special set list, spanning the nine studio albums from ‘Iron Maiden’ to ‘Fear Of The Dark’, with their most spectacular and elaborate show ever!”
The UK dates include Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and a huge show at the London Stadium, home to bassist and founder Harris’s beloved West Ham United.
Another massive show is lined up for Malahide Castle, Dublin, where support will come courtesy of American rockers Halestorm and Brit metallers The Raven Age.
Maiden said: “Special Guests for the first half of the tour, including the London & Dublin outdoor shows (but not the UK arenas), will be American rockers Halestorm.
“The second half of the tour sees Sweden’s Avatar as guests. And, finally, British metal band, The Raven Age, will open all UK & Ireland shows.”
A presale for tickets will take place on September 26 at 12pm.
Ecstatic fan are now predicting Maiden will headline Download Festival next summer too.
One commented: “Download 2025 headliner for sure.”
Another said: “They’re tears of joy, I swear.”
A third posted: “I’m just so happy you’re all still going strong 
this is the best news!”
The Irons are known for their galloping rhythms and epic songcraft, often drawing inspiration from famous literature and historic moments.
There have been numerous personnel shifts over the years but the current line-up consists of Steve Harris, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers. frontman Bruce Dickinson and drummer Nicko McBrain.
Dickinson, who is also a qualified pilot and often jets the band around the world in the famous Ed Force One 747, replaced original singer Paul Di’Anno in 1981.
The group’s galloping rhythms are coming to the London stadium[/caption]
The group will perform tracks from its first nine albums[/caption]
He is the voice behind their biggest hits including 80s classics Run To The Hills, Two Minutes To Midnight, Aces High and The Trooper.
In 1993, Dickinson went on hiatus and was replaced by Blaze Bayley who received a mixed reception from fans.
However, by the end of the decade Dickinson was back in the fold and the band haven’t looked back since, garnering rave reviews for their album releases since, including latest efforts Senjutsu and The Book of Souls.
