A month after announcing their first tour since Bruce Dickinson’s cancer all-clear, Iron Maiden have been confirmed as the first headliners of 2016’s Download festival.
Taking place from 10-12 June, the metal veterans will close next year’s event at Donington Park, Leicestershire. The date is their only confirmed UK gig during their 2016 world tour, which will begin in the US in February.
The band, crew and their equipment will be transported during their 35-date The Book of Souls World Tour via Ed Force One, the Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet piloted by Dickinson himself, which will land at East Midlands airport on 12 June, for their sixth performance at Download.
Dickinson said: “Download is a very special place for us. Not just because it’s always great to play on home turf but because there’s a truly unique vibe there. It’s the very heart of England and of metal, so a fitting place for Iron Maiden.”
“We haven’t decided on the set list as yet and won’t until we start rehearsing but we really look forward to playing a number of new songs live, especially as the recording was so much live. However, as it’s been a while since we saw you all, I am sure we will include plenty of older fan favourites too,” he added. “I think the fans will be delighted by what we have in mind. We are also in the middle of creating the new show and rest assured we are working hard to bring you all something spectacular, something with a lot of heart. You certainly deserve it for your patience.”
Their tour follows the success of their recent album, The Book of Souls, which debuted at No 1 in the UK, and more than 40 other countries.
• Tickets for Download 2016 go on sale at 9am on 23 October.
