Iron Maiden, the legendary British rock band, has finally unveiled the long-awaited Australasia dates for their critically acclaimed 'Run For Your Lives' World Tour. This highly anticipated announcement marks a significant milestone in the band's 50-year journey, as they gear up to headline outdoor stadiums in Melbourne and Sydney for the very first time, alongside arena performances in Adelaide and Brisbane. But here's where it gets controversial... the band has also revealed that this will be their final tour, leaving fans with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness their iconic performances.
The tour, set to commence in November 2026, will see Iron Maiden return to New Zealand, where they first performed in 1992 on the 'Fear Of The Dark' Tour. This time, they will grace the Spark Arena in Auckland, offering fans the chance to experience the band's groundbreaking first nine albums in a brand new, state-of-the-art production. But that's not all - as a special treat, Iron Maiden will be joined by their very special guests, Megadeth, who recently celebrated a number one album for their self-titled final studio release in both Australia and the USA. This will be Megadeth's last-ever world tour, making it an even more memorable event for fans.
Steve, a member of the band, expressed his excitement, stating, 'We are thrilled to bring this tour to Australia and New Zealand later this year, especially with Megadeth by our side. Dave and I have been friends for years, and we are honored to have them as our special guests on their final tour. I believe our fans will truly appreciate this, making it an unforgettable show for everyone.'
Rod, another band member, added, 'We are delighted to return to Australia and New Zealand just two years after our last visit. It's always a great experience playing to our fans there, and we know they cherish every opportunity to see us. This time, we are taking the show to new outdoor venues, including the Allianz Stadium in Sydney and AAMI Park in Melbourne. Our fans can expect a truly exceptional performance with this setlist and show. The band has been reliving this era, and we especially enjoy playing these songs with the stunning visuals we've created to accompany them. We've got all the classics from the early days, including 'Hallowed Be Thy Name', 'Run To The Hills', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Trooper', 'Number Of The Beast', 'Killers', 'Powerslave', '2 Minutes To Midnight', and more. Plus, we have some epic songs like 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son', which will be even more special as these shows will mark the final time we perform these songs.'
The band also emphasized the importance of fans enjoying the show 'in the moment' rather than filming it on their phones. They introduced the 'Eddie's Pop-up Dive Bar' experience, which was first tested in Australasia on the 'Future Past' Tour, and will be returning with it. This popular experience combines Maiden fans, Trooper Beer, and exclusive Tour merchandise, creating a winning combination. Additionally, the well-loved Trooper VIP Experience will be available at all venues.
Promoter Paul Dainty AO expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'This will be Iron Maiden's biggest tour of Australasia ever. Headlining stadiums in Melbourne and Sydney for the first time in their 50-year history is a monumental achievement. With Megadeth joining the tour, this promises to be an extraordinary night of metal - two giants of the genre, one colossal production, and a show that Maiden fans won't forget.'
Following this tour, the band will take a well-deserved break from touring in 2027. Iron Maiden Fan Club pre-sales will commence on Monday, March 2nd, with the general sale taking place on Friday, March 6th. It's important to note that no further countries will be added to the 'Run For Your Lives' World Tour, making this a truly unique and special event for fans worldwide.
So, get ready to rock out with Iron Maiden and Megadeth as they bring their final tour to Australasia. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the legends in action and create unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on this extraordinary event! And this is the part most people miss... the band's decision to make this their final tour adds an extra layer of significance to the experience, making it a must-see for fans everywhere.
