Legendary heavy metal titans Iron Maiden have once again sent waves through the rock world with a stunning announcement: their 50th-anniversary Run For Your Lives tour is expanding significantly, with a fresh leg of shows coming in 2026.
What’s New
Originally launched in mid-2025, the Run For Your Lives world tour kicked off on May 27 in Budapest, celebrating half a century of the band’s life on stage. Now, with demand still surging, Iron Maiden has confirmed a new run of European dates for 2026 — including a big UK headline show. 
Alongside the tour extension, their appearance as headliners at Rock Imperium 2026 (3–5 July in Cartagena, Spain) was recently confirmed, reinforcing their status as one of the biggest metal acts on the planet.
What’s Behind the Decision
The band’s manager, Rod Smallwood, has said that the expansion is fueled by “unprecedented fan response.” The initial legs sold out rapidly, proving that even after 50 years, Iron Maiden’s connection with their audience is as strong as ever.
Also, this stretch of the tour is deeply nostalgic: the setlist leans heavily into songs from their first nine studio albums, making this a real treat for longtime fans. To some, it feels like a celebration of their roots — playing the classics that built their legacy.
Other Highlights
Phone-free policy: In an effort to make each show more immersive, Iron Maiden has asked fans to “severely limit” their phone usage during concerts so everyone can fully enjoy the experience.
Live After Death vinyl reissue: For collectors, the band is releasing a limited edition 2 × LP colored vinyl of their iconic Live After Death album, as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.
Documentary in the works: A feature documentary, directed by Malcolm Venville, is being produced to mark this milestone, featuring interviews with band members (past and present) and rich historical footage.
Why Fans Are Excited (and Why It Matters)
This tour extension gives fans who missed out in 2025 another chance to see Maiden at their peak, with a show that combines epic stage production, pyrotechnics, and the kind of setlist that blends timeless hits and deep cuts.
It underscores how Iron Maiden continues to evolve without losing what made them iconic — the massive sound, theatrical shows, and emotional connection with their audience.
The fact that they’re still pulling off 50-year celebrations with grand scale shows and meaningful releases (like the vinyl and doc) proves their relevance is not fading.
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