Iron Maiden have announced that they are set to embark on a world tour next year, including a stop in Australia, for what could just be one of the biggest tour in the history of rock existence.
The band, who will release their first album in five years, The Book Of Souls, on 4th September, have announced they will visit 35 countries around the world flying in a brand new Boeing 747-400 Jumbo Jet which they have appropriately named Ed Force One, complete with Eddie branding.
The exact dates of the tour are yet to be released but the band plans to kick-off in the US in late February before making their way to Australia and New Zealand “for a comprehensive tour during the first half of May”. This likely puts them out of the running for Soundwave 2016, as two visits Down Under in the space of a couple of months seems unlikely.
The 747 that will bring them here is being loaned from Air Atlanta Icelandic and is big enough to carry the band, crew and 12 tonnes of equipment, flying more than 55,000 miles around the world.
What’s even more impressive is that vocalist Bruce Dickinson is in training to fly the plane, meaning not only is he taking on a massive world tour but he’ll also be the pilot, at the ripe age of 57 no less.
The band previously toured in 2008, 2009 and 2011 on a Boeing 757 which is less than half the size of their new 747. “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,” Dickinson said on their website about the airline, while also bragging that it’s faster and requires less refuelling.
“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,” Dickinson said of the tour.
“You can rest assured we are all working hard to put together a spectacular show for our fans.”
Iron Maiden were last in Australia in 2011 as the headliners of Soundwave. Stay tuned for ticket details in the coming weeks.
UPDATE 14/09/15: Iron Maiden have now announced dates and details of their upcoming. See details below.
Watch: Iron Maiden – Speed Of Light
Iron Maiden Australian Tour Dates
Details of exclusive pre-sale for Iron Maiden Fan Club members, can be found on www.ironmaiden.com.
General public tickets go on sale to the general public at 12noon (local time) on Thursday 24th September.
Wednesday, 4th May 2016
Brisbane Entertainment Center, Brisbane
Tickets: Ticketek
Friday, 6th May 2016
Sydney Allphones Arena, Sydney
Tickets: Ticketek
Monday, 9th May 2016
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: Ticketek
Thursday, 12th May 2016
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Tickets: Ticketek
Saturday, 14th May 2016
Perth Arena, Perth
Tickets: Ticketek
