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Iron Maiden Will Not Attend Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Emily Johnson — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:42:24 +0000

Iron Maiden will be inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 14^th in Los Angeles, but the heavy metal legends will not be in attendance at the ceremony. The band will be on the Australia/New Zealand leg of the Run for Your Lives World Tour this November and do not wish to interrupt the shows.

Confirmed in an exclusive statement to Billboard, manager Rod Smallwood said the band “made it very clear to the R&R HoF that the fans always come first and that the shows will of course go on.”

Iron Maiden has been eligible for the Rock Hall honor since 2005 and have been nominated twice over the years. The band will finally be inducted in 2026, but they will not be there to accept the honor.

The news comes after comments from frontman Bruce Dickinson critiquing the Rock Hall. During a Q&A on his spoken word tour in 2018, a fan asked Dickinson if he thought Iron Maiden should be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. Dickinson said “absolutely” but added that be believes “the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is an utter and complete load of bollocks.”

But the band has emphasized the duty to their fans in skipping the ceremony. Earlier this week, in the post acknowledging the induction, Smallwood wrote, “Iron Maiden have always been about our relationship with our fans above anything else, including awards and industry accolades.” But he also wrote that “it’s always nice to be recognised and honoured for any achievements within the music industry too!”

Smallwood pointed out that it “seems appropriate for the band to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year as [they] continue [their] 50th anniversary celebrations with our Run For Your Lives World Tour.”

Highlights from the Run For Your Lives World Tour include their headline show in Knebworth which they have dubbed “EddFest” after the band’s mascot, Eddie. They will be supported at the July 11 show by The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne and The Almighty.

The Australia/New Zealand leg of the tour begins on November 7 at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. They’ll be supported on the run by Megadeath. Iron Maiden head to Australia on November 11 at the Adelaide Entertainment Center and continue there until November 19. It will be the band’s eighth tour of Australia and New Zealand. And in the statement to Billboard, Smallwood assured that these shows “will remain unaffected” by the date conflict with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Other Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 inductees include New Order/Joy Division, Oasis, Sade, Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Sade, Wu-Tang Clan and Luther Vandross.

Peter Hook, bassist of New Order, confirmed he’ll be attending in a thank-you video to fans after the induction announcement. He dedicated the honor to Ian Curtis and “all our fans of both bands.” He wrote in the caption “see you at the ceremony…” No other members of New Order have yet confirmed they will attend.

Liam Gallagher of Oasis also confirmed he would attend after his past comments in critique of the Rock Hall. It was on advice from his mother, he wrote on X, that he “may have been a little hasty with [his] perception of the organization.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Induction ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday 14 November. In December, a recording will air on Disney+ and ABC.

Oasis, New Order/Joy Division, Iron Maiden Among Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2026 Inductees

Emily Johnson — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:06:39 +0000

The 2026 induction class for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been announced, and a record number of British acts are on the list.

Six acts from the UK are being recognised in the main Performer category, breaking the previous record of five in 2019. This year the British inductees are: Oasis, Joy Division/New Order, Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden and Sade. Rounding out the class is American soul/R&B singer and producer, Luther Vandross and American hip-hip collective, Wu-Tang Clan.

In February the Rock Hall announced 17 nominees for the Performer category which were then narrowed to just 8 inductees by a panel of 1,200 artists, historians and industry professionals.

Both Sade, Nigerian-British front woman of her namesake band, and English rocker Billy Idol have been nominated once before. Meanwhile heavy metal band, Iron Maiden, have been nominated three times for the honor. Phil Collins was inducted in 2010 as a member of Genesis, but this is his first nomination as a solo act.

2026’s nomination marks the third consecutive year of the nod for Oasis. Frontman Liam Gallagher shared his thoughts on the induction on X this morning saying “ever since I was a little kid and singing in the shower I’d dream about 1 day being in the RnR hall of fame.”

The sentiment is contrary to his previous comments on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Gallagher dismissed the band’s 2025 nomination, writing on X “RNR hall of fame is for WANKERS.”

This morning, a fan responded to Gallagher’s acknowledgment of the induction asking, “what happened to not wanting to be in it.” Gallagher said that speaking with his mother changed his mind: “she thinks I may have been a little hasty with my perception of the organization she’s told me to stop being a d**k and go to the awards and behave and you never know you might enjoy it.”

Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has also expressed critique with the Hall of Fame. On a tour in 2018 Dickinson said he believed the Hall was “a load of bollocks” and in 2023 he told The Telegraph “I don’t want to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, because we’re not dead yet!”

Sade’s induction carries significance with it, as she will be the first British Black woman inducted into the Hall of Fame. Sade was born in Nigeria and has lived in the UK since age 4. Her nominal band broke America, seeing great success there: 2010’s ‘Soldier of Love’ went Number 1 on the US Billboard 200 Charts.

Other induction categories include Early Influence featuring, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifa, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons.

Also to be inducted but into the Musical Excellence category is Rick Rubin, Linda Creed, Arif Mardin and Jimmy Miller.

Finally, receiving the Ahmet Ertegun Award, given to a non-performing professional, is Ed Sullivan.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Induction ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday 14 November. In December, a recording will air on Disney+ and ABC.

Iron Maiden Release Documentary Trailer

Isaac Warren — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:45:42 +0000

When Iron Maiden announced their plans for their massive Knebworth show, with many amusements and extra activities dubbed ‘EDDFEST’ last month, it seemed as though the news year was over for British fans of perhaps our biggest ever metal offering and that they had no more tricks up their sleeves.

However, on 24 February, we learned that was not true. “Documenting one of the most iconic journeys in music history,” said the band’s press release that day, a documentary entitled ‘Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition’ “will be released in cinemas worldwide from May 7th 2026.”

The film’s title, unbeknownst to some, comes from a debut album era B Side, the second track from the single for ‘Running Free’. The song is not featured on the debut itself.

Yesterday, on 18 March, a trailer was released for the new film directed by Malcom Venville, probably most known for the suitably Maiden-esque ‘Churchill at War’. Clocking in at 2:28, the trailer is the band’s career in microcosm, from their beginnings on the East End pub circuit during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal to their modern touring dominance, through their initial rise with Paul Di’Anno, then ‘90s slump with the advent of grunge and alternative rock.

The trailer is also not starved for side characters giving their personal story with Maiden, be they fans or other musicians from across various genres. Chuck D of Public Enemy features, as does Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Anthrax’s Scott Ian and Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. Ulrich has a particularly deep connection with the British metal scene of the early ‘80s, having travelled over by himself at the age of seventeen to discover the underground bands causing commotion.

The trailer also surprisingly features contributions from Blaze Bayley, the band’s frontman during their ‘90s downturn, commenting on the situation when he joined the band. Speaking of that period in the film, bassist and Maiden general Steve Harris says “any long career’s going to have ups and downs, and you just kind of ride with it”. Bayley, once and future Wolfsbane frontman, says that “the press were saying Maiden are dead”.

Though the trailer forecasts that the documentary may discuss sensitive themes around the band’s history, like ex-frontman Paul Di’Anno’s substance abuse, current singer Bruce Dickinson’s throat cancer and their poor record sales in the ‘90s, they are treated with the optimism and wit the band are known for. “We were just up against it”, says Harris, “but I like that, it’s a challenge”.

The trailer ends on a triumphant note with a heartfelt tribute to the fans. “It was always about the fans”, says Dickinson. Chuck D is on hand to explain their appeal: “this band created its one universe”. “They belong together”, says manager Rod Smallwood in tribute to the band.

Iron Maiden’s place in the history of metal cannot be questioned. They consolidated the form birthed by Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, pairing these influences with a progressive streak and a focus on simultaneously catchy and epic song structures. Despite number one singles and albums, they always remained connected to their fans and their rapport has sustained them creatively over their now five decade career.

‘Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition’ showcases in cinemas across the UK on 7 May, and tickets are available now.

Iron Maiden Reveal Details Of EDDFEST At Knebworth

Isaac Warren — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:30:16 +0000

As if the triumphant Knebworth gig wasn’t enough by itself, British metal heroes Iron Maiden have today announced their full plans for their 11 July headline gig at the legendary Stevenage site.

The East End’s favourite sons initially announced the gig in September, and have been teasing other festivities since then, promising to make this gig one of their biggest ever on UK soil.

When first discussing the gig in the context of how to top Maiden’s headline set at their beloved West Ham’s London Stadium last summer, longtime manager Rod Smallwood said “we think that Knebworth is the solution – besides being a legendary venue for historic concerts… it also gives us the outdoor space and control to create something very special for our fans! 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!”

They certainly have delivered that in today’s plans, with a full weekend of Maiden-themed attractions for fans. EDDFEST will feature an ‘Infinite Dreams Museum Experience’ with fifty years worth of Maiden artefacts, including old costumes of their mascot Eddie and Nicko McBrain’s drumsets, if their Instagram post is to be believed. This will tie in with their ‘Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams’ 50th anniversary book released late last year.

Other new accompaniments include the ‘Unfair Funfair’ and ‘Eddie’s Emporium & Maidenville Market’, none of which have been seen yet on their current tour, all of which aiming to elevate the experience beyond just a normal gig. On the Friday before the gig, campers will be treated to a deluge of music, including English rockers Stray and ex-Maiden drummer Doug Sampson’s band Airforce, among others.

The weekend will also feature ‘Eddie’s Ultimate Dive Bar’, a touring accessory of theirs on their latest ‘Run For Your Lives’ world tour, providing other Maiden-themed entertainments like tribute bands and their own Trooper beer.

“This is not just a Maiden show”, the band announced on Instagram, “it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience packed with live music, themed areas, immersive attractions, and much more to discover”.

On the actual day of the gig, Saturday 11 July, Maiden are topping a powerful lineup, including Scottish 80s metallists The Almighty, Australian hard rockers Airbourne, Mongolian folk metal band The Hu and Lowestoft’s finest, The Darkness.

Expectations are high after last year’s huge set at London Stadium, when Eddie’s boys played all the hits of their classic era, including ‘Killers’, ‘The Number of the Beast’, ‘Wrathchild’, ‘Run to the Hills’ and ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’.

Knebworth has been the site of some legendary rock gigs in its time. Perhaps most famous for 90s Britpop act Oasis, it was known to metalheads through its association with the Sonisphere Festival, held there until 2014. Led Zeppelin also played their last UK date there in 1979, the year prior to drummer John Bonham’s premature death.

Iron Maiden Announce Knebworth 2026 Headline Show With The Darkness, The Hu and More

Maddy Joseph — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 22:29:04 +0000

Iron Maiden have confirmed a major UK headline show at Knebworth Park for summer 2026, as part of their 50th anniversary “Run For Your Lives” world tour. The concert will take place on Saturday, July 11, and will see the metal legends joined by The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne and The Almighty.

The announcement follows last week’s unveiling of the band’s 2026 European stadium tour, which hinted at a landmark UK date. The Knebworth show marks Iron Maiden’s return to the historic Hertfordshire venue, famed for hosting career-defining performances from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen and The Rolling Stones.

The event is set to run across the weekend, with proceedings beginning on Friday, July 10, for fans holding camping tickets. Alongside the live music, the site will host the largest-ever Eddie’s Dive Bar, Iron Maiden-themed food, and specially curated stalls designed to immerse fans in what the band describe as “Maiden World.”

Manager Rod Smallwood said the decision to stage the event at Knebworth was driven by fan demand and the desire to deliver a unique experience. “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,” he explained.

“But we wanted to do something a bit different, especially as it would be hard to top the show at London Stadium. Knebworth is the solution. It’s a legendary venue and gives us the space and control to create something very special for our fans.”

Smallwood also referenced Iron Maiden’s previous history at the site, recalling their headline appearances at Sonisphere Festival and Bruce Dickinson’s aerial dogfight display in a Fokker triplane to mark the World War I centenary. “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,” he added.

The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins expressed his excitement at joining the bill. “We’re thrilled to announce that The Darkness are to appear live in support of the legendary Iron Maiden at Knebworth,” he said. “Iron Maiden are among our favourite all-time bands.”

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Saturday, September 27 and can be accessed via the link here.

Iron Maiden Ask Concertgoers To Limit Phone Use For Their ‘Run For Your Lives’ Tour

Hugh Williams — Wed, 21 May 2025 10:29:24 +0000

Iron Maiden have asked concertgoers to limit the use of phone cameras during their shows, in the run-up to their upcoming ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour.

The band’s manager, Ron Smallwood, recently shared a post on the band’s website titled “Put away your phones and get ready to Run For Your Lives!”, where he advised attendees of the upcoming tour to experience the shows “in the moment” rather than through their phone cameras.

“We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens,” said Smallwood. “The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment, particularly for the band who are on stage looking out at rows of phones, but also for other concertgoers.

“We feel that the passion and involvement of our fans at shows really makes them special, but the phone obsession has now got so out of hand that it has become unnecessarily distracting, especially to the band. I hope fans understand this and will be sensible in severely limiting the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans.”

The European and UK tour will be starting off in Budapest on Tuesday, May 27. The metal heavyweights will travel through Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland in June, before playing gigs at Malahide Castle in Dublin on June 25, London Stadium on Jun 28, and the OVO Hyrdro in Glasgow on June 30.

The ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour, with its title referencing the Maiden classic ‘Run To The Hills’, will commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the band, featureing a setlist made up exclusively of songs from their first nine albums: fans can expect classics from records such as ‘The Number of the Beast’ and ‘Powerslave’. Frontman Bruce Dickinson has teased that these sets will see the band “doing stuff we’ve never, ever done before.”

The metal legends are one of the most influential acts in the genre. Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal in the late 70’s, their galloping drums, melodic twin guitars and powerful vocals saw the band carve out their signature sound. Musicians from Metallica, Anthrax, Avenged Sevenfold and Dream Theater have all cited the group as an inspiration.

The tour will also see the debut of Maiden’s new drummer, Simon Dawson. In an interview with Blabbermouth.net, Bruce Dickinson said he was “pleasantly shocked” with the new drummer’s skills upon rehearsal. Their long-standing drummer Nicko McBrain announced his retirement from touring in December, after suffering from a stroke which left him partially paralysed on his right side from the shoulder down.

All dates and tickets for Iron Maiden’s upcoming tour can be found on the band’s website here.

Iron Maiden to Celebrate 50 Years with Anniversary Documentary

Ali Krausova — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:41:49 +0000

British heavy metal icons Iron Maiden have officially announced a 50th-anniversary documentary set for theatrical release later this year. The film features rare archival footage, exclusive interviews with current and former members, and tributes from some of the biggest names in rock and metal. The documentary aims to capture the band’s five-decade-long journey, from their formation in 1975 to their status as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time.

In an official press release, Rod Smallwood, the band’s manager, said: “We’re proud Universal Pictures Content Group has chosen to share the unique story of Iron Maiden with the world. We have given them unrestricted access to the band, our fans and musical peers. We trust that they will excite not only music fans but also anyone who loves a story of an underdog beating the odds to become and remain one of Britain’s biggest musical exports since our first record released 45 years ago.”

Iron Maiden’s impact on heavy metal is unparalleled. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and remain one of the most successful touring bands. The band has consistently dominated the UK charts over the years with some of their most popular and highest-charting tracks including:

‘Run to the Hills‘ (1982): One of their most recognisable anthems, peaking at #7 on the UK Singles Chart.
‘Fear of the Dark‘ (1992): A fan favourite, regularly performed in their live shows, known for its atmospheric build-up.
‘The Trooper’ (1983): A staple of Iron Maiden’s setlists, featuring one of the most iconic guitar solos in rock history.

Iron Maiden has been the subject of several documentaries over the years. Some of the notable ones include ‘Iron Maiden: The Early Days‘ (2004), which covers the band’s formation and rise during the late 1970s and early 1980s, and ‘Iron Maiden: Flight 666‘ (2009), which showcases the band traveling the world on their custom Boeing 757, nicknamed “Ed Force One” after the band’s mascot Eddie, throughout their ‘Somewhere Back in Time World Tour’ in 2008.

The band is also set to embark on their ‘Run For Your Lives World Tour’ in 2025, commemorating the band’s 50th anniversary. The tour will kick off on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary, with UK shows in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and London. The band has announced a special setlist focusing on their first nine studio albums. Fans can anticipate both classic hits and rare tracks that have seldom been performed live.

The documentary is set to hit cinemas later this autumn, with streaming and physical releases expected to follow. Tour tickets went on sale in September, 2024, with more tickets still available through Ticketmaster. Both of these events mark a significant milestone for Iron Maiden, celebrating half a century of heavy metal legacy.

O2 Priority reveal the best-selling tours of 2024

Amy Maloney — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:21:00 +0000

As another year in music comes to an end, telecoms tycoon Virgin Media O2 have unveiled important analysis of this year’s live events according to O2’s Priority Tickets scheme. Not only did O2 provide a breakdown of all the artists that contributed to the all-important figures, but they also emphasised it was a recording-breaking year for consumers using the ticket reward scheme.

It was reported that 1.54 million tickets were sold via O2 Priority between January and November of this year – this is a remarkable 12% increase from the same time period in 2023.

O2 and Virgin Media customers are granted with the Priority Tickets reward platform, which enables them to have exclusive early access to the sale of tickets to some of the biggest events in the UK. Along with this, members can receive other benefits including VIP Hospitality packages, queue jump and a range of discounts.

The biggest selling tours of 2024 according to the level of Priority Tickets sold, reveals the UK have an eclectic taste when it concerns entertainment.

Dua Lipa was crowned the top spot on the list. The pop sensation released her third album, ‘Radical Optimism’ this year alongside the announcement of a 2025 world tour, named after the LP. With her own ITV Special and memorable hits like ‘Houdini’ and ‘Training Season’, it is no surprise Lipa claims this spot. As the highest-selling artist on the list, it should be noted that the ticket sales for her upcoming tour were partnered with O2’s priority platform, announced through an enticingly iconic ‘Walk’ ad to increase hype for the events.

Lipa’s runner-up was none other than legendary British comedian Peter Kay. As a much-loved comedian in the UK, Kay’s upcoming tour will consist of a residency at London’s prestigious O2 Arena; with many sold out dates on this tour and some fans reporting being over 20,000 in the queue for tickets, extra shows have been added to meet demand.

Despite only announcing her tour at the end of November, Lana Del Rey claimed the third spot on the list. The forthcoming tour will mark the ‘Video Games’ singer’s first stadium tour in the UK and will be some of the first shows to witness performances of tracks from her unreleased album ‘The Right Person Will Stay’.

Other artists on the list include Usher, who continues to ride the success of his halftime performance at this year’s Super Bowl in February, along with Billie Eilish, who released her third album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ this year and has spent the last few months touring the album in the US.

Gareth Griffiths, Director of Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2 commented on the success of this year’s O2 Priority Tickets reward platform: “There have been massive tours announced this year, ones that will go on to define an entire generation of music and entertainment.”

He continued: “With a relentless demand from O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers for access to live shows, we’re now seeing Priority Tickets smash its own sale records again this year”.

As the future remains hopeful for the continued success of Priority Tickets, it must be emphasised this comes at a time when ticket-buying experiences have become excruciating for fans who wait in online queues for hours or have to deal with dynamic pricing at checkout. Priority Tickets aims to create a hassle-free ticket-buying experience for its customers and gig-goers.

The biggest-selling tours this year according to Priority Tickets:

Dua Lipa
Peter Kay
Lana Del Rey
Usher
Billie Eilish
Bruce Springsteen
Justin Timberlake
Linkin Park
Tate McRae
Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden to Celebrate 50 Year Career with 2025 UK and Europe Tour

Ciarán Donnelly — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 16:43:12 +0000

As the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden approaches its golden anniversary, they have announced an epic tour that promises to be a historic celebration of their glittering 50-year career. The Run For Your Lives tour, which will see the band perform across the UK and Europe from May to August 2025, will feature an unparalleled line-up of performances exclusively highlighting tracks from their first nine albums.

The tour will feature a rotating cast of Halestorm, Avatar, and The Raven Age as supporting acts. Each performance promises to be a grand spectacle, with Iron Maiden being renowned for dedicating months to crafting elaborate and visually stunning shows. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson expressed his excitement, stating in a press release, “Next year is a very special one for Iron Maiden and we’re going to be giving our fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience.”

Manager Rod Smallwood echoed Dickinson’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the band’s commitment to delivering an extraordinary tour. “With well over 100 million albums sold and almost 2500 shows in 64 countries and counting, to countless millions of fans, we are all still loving every second and consider every tour a new challenge to bring something different and exciting to our fans. And for this very special one, we’re pulling out all the stops!” he said in the band’s press release.

The tour’s name, Run For Your Lives, pays homage to the band’s iconic song “Run to the Hills” and hints at the exhilarating experience that awaits fans. The tour includes 5 UK and Ireland dates in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, and the London Stadium, a venue that holds special significance for bassist Steve Harris as a lifelong supporter of West Ham United.

“My love of football and my support of West Ham is no secret, and I know many of our fans around the world have shared that with me too. So we’re all very excited to be playing at the London Stadium as part of the Run For Your Lives tour,” said Harris. “And of course, it’s not just London – the whole UK tour is going to be a real celebration for all of us. To be able to bring this very special show to all our fans across the UK and Ireland next year is going to be a great way to mark 50 years of Iron Maiden.”

With over 100 million albums sold and almost 2,500 shows in 64 countries and counting, Iron Maiden, formed in 1975 in Leyton, East London, by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, is a pioneering force in the heavy metal genre. Their debut self-titled album, released in 1980, set the stage for a series of critically acclaimed records such as The Number of the Beast, Powerslave, and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.

The band has promised to cover classics and fan favourites from their first nine albums, some of which they haven’t played in years and may never play again in the future. “This is going to be a huge couple of years for Iron Maiden, and Eddie of course, and we are very excited about what we have up our sleeves for you fans throughout the whole of our 50th year. I promise you are all going to be very happy indeed!” Dickinson assured.

For fans old and new, this tour offers an opportunity to witness the band’s legendary stage presence and hear the music that has defined a genre.

Tickets go on sale next week with pre-sale going live on September 23rd via the Iron Maiden fanclub website while general tickets for UK and Ireland dates will go on sale from Friday September 27 12pm BST via LiveNation.

Bruce Dickinson Releases New Single & Video: ‘Rain On The Graves’

Char Dytham — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 13:12:09 +0000

British rock legend Bruce Dickinson has unveiled his latest musical creation, the electrifying single ‘Rain On The Graves,’ along with a visually stunning accompanying video. The track is the second release from his eagerly anticipated solo album, ‘The Mandrake Project,’ set to hit the shelves on March 1 through BMG.

The song, inspired by a rainy excursion to William Wordsworth’s grave in the picturesque Lake District, encapsulates Dickinson’s signature style. With a towering guitar riff, dramatic keyboards, and Dickinson’s commanding vocals, ‘Rain On The Graves’ delves into themes of mortality and the timeless allure of artistic sacrifice. The frontman reflects on the origins of the song, stating, “I had the chorus lyric since I visited Grasmere for a wedding back in 2012, and it wasn’t difficult years later to create the rest of the song with so much rich imagery in my head!”

The accompanying video, shot against the wintery backdrop of Cornwall and directed by Ryan Mackfall, features Dickinson in a riveting performance as a preacher negotiating with the Devil, with his ‘House Band from Hell’ in tow.

Following the success of the acclaimed track ‘Afterglow Of Ragnarok’, ‘Rain On The Graves’ serves as another testament to the inventive and expansive nature of ‘The Mandrake Project’. The album, co-created with producer Roy Z, promises to be one of the defining rock releases of 2024.

However ‘The Mandrake Project’ is more than just an album; it’s a multimedia experience. Accompanying the music is a dark, adult-themed comic series of the same name, penned by Dickinson himself and scripted by Tony Lee, illustrated by Staz Johnson, and featuring covers by industry heavyweight Bill Sienkiewicz. Set against the backdrop of scientific and occult genius, the series explores themes of power, abuse, and identity. The first episode made its debut on January 17, with the special Collector’s Edition selling out within 48 hours.

Bruce Dickinson and his band will bring ‘The Mandrake Project’ to life on a headline tour this spring and summer. An extra show in Wolverhampton at The Halls on May 16 has just been added, with presale details available here.

‘The Mandrake Project’ will mark Bruce Dickinson’s seventh solo album, hitting the global music scene on March 1 through BMG. Fans can secure their copy by pre-ordering here. Stay tuned for more updates on the progression of ‘The Mandrake Project’ as the narrative intricacies unfold within this multifaceted musical project.

Catch Bruce Dickinson and band live on the following dates:

16/05/24 – The Halls – Wolverhampton

18/05 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow

19/05 – O2 Academy – Manchester

21/05 – Arena – Swansea

23/05 – Rock City – Nottingham

24/05 – O2 Forum Kentish Town – London