UK heavy metal icons Iron Maiden have announced they will embark on a world tour next year, which will include a visit to Australia to celebrate the release of their first album in five years, The Book Of Souls, slated to drop 4th September.
In a statement posted to the official Iron Maiden website, the band confirmed they will visit 35 countries during their massive global tour, jetting from stop to stop in their brand new Boeing 747-400 Jumbo Jet, which they’ve dubbed Ed Force One.
Exact dates have not yet been announced, but the NWBHM legends are looking to kick things off in the US in late February before they make their way Down Under “for a comprehensive tour during the first half of May”.
“We’re all really excited at the thought of bringing our brand new tour to fans who have never seen us play live before, and of course re-visiting all our old friends again too,” frontman Bruce Dickinson said about the band’s 2016 tour.
“You can rest assured we are all working hard to put together a spectacular show for our fans.” Dickinson is also working hard on training himself to fly the 747 that will be taking the band, their crew, and 12 tonnes of gear around the world.
Image via Iron Maiden
“There is much more room for band and crew – our Krew can almost get a row of seats each to catch up on sleep on the flights,” said Dickinson of the band’s new Jumbo, having previously toured on a Boeing 757.
The band’s last appearance in Australia was back in 2011 when the veteran rockers headlined that year’s instalment of Soundwave alongside Queens of the Stone Age. Stay tuned to Tone Deaf for more details on the band’s 2016 Australian tour.
