Legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden will mark their 50th anniversary this summer with a special two-day event called EddFest. The festival is scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Knebworth, England, promising a blend of live music and unique fan experiences. Iron Maiden themselves will headline the second night, performing alongside a diverse lineup of rock and metal acts.
Key Takeaways
- Iron Maiden's 50th anniversary celebration, EddFest, runs July 10-11 in Knebworth, England.
- The band will headline the second night, joined by The Hu, The Darkness, Airbourne, and The Almighty.
- Fans can explore the 'Infinite Dreams Experience' museum and 'Maidenville' fan zone with Eddie-themed attractions.
- The band is currently on their 'Run for Your Lives' tour, focusing on their first nine albums.
- Simon Dawson has taken over as drummer, replacing Nicko McBrain.
EddFest: A Celebration of Five Decades
The highly anticipated EddFest is set to be a significant milestone for Iron Maiden and their global fanbase. The festival will unfold over two days, offering more than just musical performances. It aims to immerse attendees in the band's rich history and iconic imagery.
On the second night, July 11, Iron Maiden will deliver a headline performance. They will share the stage with a strong supporting cast. This includes Mongolian folk-metal sensation The Hu, British rock veterans The Darkness, Australian hard rock band Airbourne, and Scottish rock/metal group The Almighty.
Fast Fact
Iron Maiden's mascot, Eddie the Head, has appeared on nearly all of their album covers and merchandise since their debut, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in heavy metal.
Immersive Fan Experiences at Knebworth
Beyond the main stage, EddFest offers several curated attractions designed to delight long-time fans. One highlight is the Infinite Dreams Experience, a walkthrough museum chronicling Iron Maiden's half-century journey. This exhibit will showcase artifacts, stage props, and even instruments used by the band, providing an intimate look into their career.
Another major attraction is Maidenville, a dedicated fan zone. This area will feature an Eddie-themed fairground with games and rides, alongside a unique 'dive bar' experience. For collectors, Eddie's Mega Emporium will offer a vast selection of official merchandise. The Maidenville stage will also host additional performances, including the acoustic Iron Maiden tribute band Maiden United and Hair Metal Glamageddon.
"This whole tour has been such great fun," frontman Bruce Dickinson stated recently. "I really enjoy belting out all these great old songs, and the whole band are loving playing them too!"
The 'Run for Your Lives' Tour Continues
The EddFest celebration coincides with Iron Maiden's ongoing 'Run for Your Lives' 50th anniversary tour. This extensive global trek began in May of last year and focuses on the band's foundational albums. The setlist primarily draws from their first nine records, starting with 1980's Iron Maiden and extending through 1992's Fear of the Dark.
The tour marks a new era for the band with Simon Dawson stepping in as the new drummer. Dawson replaced longtime drummer Nicko McBrain, who retired from touring in December 2024. This change has brought a fresh dynamic to their live performances while maintaining the band's signature power.
Band History
Formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris, Iron Maiden quickly rose to prominence as a leading band in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their intricate guitar harmonies, soaring vocals, and epic lyrical themes have cemented their status as one of the most influential metal bands of all time.
Iron Maiden's Enduring Legacy
With a career spanning five decades, Iron Maiden has released 17 studio albums and numerous live recordings. Their commitment to their sound and their theatrical live shows have garnered them a fiercely loyal fanbase worldwide. The 'Run for Your Lives' tour and EddFest serve as a testament to their enduring impact on music.
The band has additional tour dates scheduled through November 1, with performances planned across Europe, North America, and South America. Fans eager to experience Iron Maiden's classic sound have ample opportunities to catch them live. The focus on early material for this anniversary period offers a nostalgic journey for long-time followers and a powerful introduction for new listeners.
Ranking Iron Maiden Live Albums
Over their extensive career, Iron Maiden has released a significant number of live albums. These recordings capture different eras and performances, showcasing the band's evolution on stage. While each album holds a special place for fans, some stand out for their raw energy, production quality, and historical significance.
- 1. Live After Death (1985): Often cited as one of rock's best live albums, it captures Iron Maiden at their peak during the 'Powerslave' tour.
- 2. Beast Over Hammersmith (2002): Recorded just before The Number of the Beast's release, this album features a hungry band with Bruce Dickinson's fresh energy.
- 3. Maiden England '88 (2013): A comprehensive document of the 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' tour, showcasing the band's progressive era.
- 4. Flight 666 (2009): The soundtrack to the documentary, featuring classics from the 'Somewhere Back in Time' tour.
- 5. Rock in Rio (2002): Captures a triumphant performance before a massive crowd, marking the return of Dickinson and Adrian Smith.
- 6. BBC Archives (2002): A collection of early recordings, including performances with original vocalist Paul Di'Anno.
- 7. The Book of Souls: Live Chapter (2017): Showcases the band's ability to integrate new, lengthy material into their live set after Bruce Dickinson's recovery.
- 8. En Vivo! (2012): A high-quality recording from Santiago, Chile, highlighting tracks from The Final Frontier alongside classics.
- 9. Death on the Road (2005): Features strong performances from the Dance of Death era, including several longer epics.
- 10. Live at Donington (1993): A full concert from 1992, despite some production issues.
- 11. Nights of the Dead, Legacy of the Beast: Live in Mexico City (2020): A dynamic setlist, though some performances show Bruce Dickinson slightly winded.
- 12. A Real Dead One (1993): Focuses on earlier material but suffers from production and rushed performances.
- 13. A Real Live One (1993): Features material from later albums, generally considered less essential due to production and performance issues.