Rock legends Iron Maiden reveal plans for a 2026 European tour, hinting at a major UK main event concert
Iron Maiden, the legendary British heavy metal band, has announced a new European tour for 2026, marking the first run of shows with their new touring drummer, Simon Dawson.
Nicko McBrain, the long-term sticksman for Iron Maiden, announced his retirement due to suffering a minor stroke in 2023, which left him partially paralyzed. McBrain, however, will still be with the band, tracking on upcoming albums, but will no longer be touring.
Simon Dawson was appointed as the new touring drummer following McBrain's retirement. Dawson, who will continue to join the band on the road, has been confirmed as the drummer for the 2026 tour.
The tour will kick off in May and will include shows in Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, and Portugal. The band has also scheduled a UK headline show, though exact details are yet to be revealed.
The upcoming gigs will see the band perform songs exclusively from their first seven albums. This tour is an extension to their two-year, 50th anniversary 'Run For Your Lives' tour.
Bruce Dickinson, a member of Iron Maiden, made sure to remind fans that McBrain has not left Iron Maiden during his final show with the band last year. Steve Harris, another member of the band, stated that they will play more shows in Europe before heading out to other parts of the world later in the year.
Ron Smallwood, the band's manager, hinted at more announcements coming for 2026 and mentioned that the band will visit as many fans as possible next year. He also requested fans to "severely limit the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans" during the tour.
Tickets for the 2026 tour go on sale on September 22. The tour will conclude with a final show in the UK on July 11, though exact details are yet to be revealed. Further shows by Iron Maiden are expected to be announced shortly.
The 2026 European tour will include shows at Heinz von Heiden Arena, Hannover, Germany; Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, Netherlands; San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy; Paris La Défense Arena, Paris, France; Groupama Stadium, Décines, France; Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal; and a UK headline show on July 11 (details TBA).
Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Iron Maiden to the stage, and with the addition of new drummer Simon Dawson, the band is set to deliver an unforgettable tour.
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