Iron Maiden have revealed plans for a ‘historic’ gig next year, which is set to be even bigger than their London stadium show.
That’s right, Iron Maiden are playing the iconic Knebworth in 2026.
On Saturday, July 11, the band — fronted by Bruce Dickinson — will take to the stage amid a curated weekend dedicated to their music.
Alongside the gig, there will be a weekend with ‘various fun experiences’, including the biggest Eddie’s Dive Bar ever, Maiden-themed food and their own take on the Knebworth Fayre.
This new show comes after the Run For Your Lives UK and Ireland tour dates had fans frantically attempting to secure tickets, which sold out quickly last year.
The band began their 50th anniversary celebrations in the UK in May before taking the tour out to festivals across Europe.
Manager Rod Smallwood said: ‘We knew that we had to bring the Run For Your Lives show back to the UK again next summer as there was such a phenomenal demand for tickets this year but we wanted to do something a bit different, especially as it would be hard to top the show at London Stadium.
‘Well, we think that Knebworth is the solution – besides being a legendary venue for historic concerts over the years going right back to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Stones and Queen – it also gives us the outdoor space and control to create something very special for our fans.’
The event will also feature special guest appearances from The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne, and The Almighty.
Rod added: ‘Of course, we also have history there too with our headline appearances at Sonisphere some years ago, who could forget that World War I Centenary dog fight over the park’s tree line with Bruce full guns blazing in his own Fokker triplane?
‘However, this time we will be taking over the whole of the grounds ourselves and turning it into as much of a “Maiden World” as we can for all our fans to enjoy.’
Tickets go on sale on Saturday, September 27, at 10am on Iron Maiden’s website as well as Ticketmaster and MyTicket.
Prices are yet to be confirmed with different packages on offer for the gig itself and a full weekend pass, which is anticipated to sell out quickly.
Speaking about the event, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness said: ‘Iron Maiden are among our favourite all-time bands and what’s more, they are named after my second favourite medieval torture device. My favourite would be the Pear of Anguish.
‘So those in attendance can expect us to force our music into them, whereupon the catchiness of our tuneage will expand until they tell us everything. Yay!!!’
The Hu, who recently supported Maiden in North America added: ‘We are very happy to be coming back to the UK and thrilled to perform at Knebworth Park, sharing the stage with the legendary band Iron Maiden once again, with their invite. We, The Hu, always look forward to creating an energetic show so it will be a day to remember.’
Joel O’Keefe of Airbourne shared: ‘I love Maiden, you love Maiden, Winston Churchill loves Maiden, we all love Iron Maiden. Knebworth will be a monumental Maiden moment, it’s such an honour to rock with them on their home soil once again.
‘Airbourne is pumped up to the max, we’ll give you all the Rock’n’Roll, blood sweat and flying beers we got in us! Then we’ll see you out front just in time for ‘Doctor Doctor’! Up The Irons!’
The Almighty’s frontman Ricky Warwick said: ‘It’s an absolute honour to be part of such a fantastic bill. The Almighty share a long history with Iron Maiden, having opened for the mighty Irons on many occasions, and we count them as great friends.
‘For me, it will be especially meaningful as it falls on my 60th birthday and I can’t think of a more rock ’n’ roll way to celebrate. Bring it on!’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
