They could throw out the songs from SJ and add the missing classics - Number, Hallowed etc.
They could do that because they played some of them in 2022 too, but at least some will stay methinks. Maiden care about their new albums. And if they do that, it will be like a Hits tour, a different theme. Tbh, that would be kind of pointless, although understandable at the stage of their career. Playing the same classics again, instead of new or rare songs.
The production, though, is their poorest in years and it absolutely doesn't work in a stadium/festival context. The changes required to make the actual stage a proper one for big shows would most likely be so expensive that they might as well change the whole tour.
I don't think that's a factor for them.
Bruce hinted that Alex will stay for another year in a recent interview...
The question was will they play Alex in Greece and he answered that they want to make everybody happy.
I take that as a comfirmation.
If they play in Greece, Alexander will stay, regardless of the tour.
Remember that Bruce talked about "secret plans after Power Trip" and those were just the 2024 dates.
That was such a strange hint. Not only Bruce, Nicko too. Who knows what it was about.
They're still in great shape and they're still playing long tours. I think the next step will be shorter tours (like this next one could be) in bigger venues.
This. Idk why some people think they will retire soon because Bruce has restarted his solo career. Every artist wants to be on stage as long as possible.
IMO, if they do "best of" tour, Alex will remain to represent Somewhere In Time. In that case, a return of either Rime or Seventh Son is also very likely.
That's very possible, multiple epics on a tour is a tradition for the band (3-4). And Nicko thinks it could be a staple (Alexander). I'd bet on Rime, although both it and Seventh Son are difficult songs for Bruce and Nicko. Everything is possible now.
Also I can’t see them touring TFP next year. It’s already weird enough that they have dedicated 1 leg of a previous tour and 2 of this tour to an album recorded 5 years ago. I have no problem with Senjutsu and I loved seeing LOTB22 and the gig last year, but it’s time to move on.
I'm starting to think the same, although it's easy for them to just change some songs from the current tour.
While I agree it's definitely time to move on from Senjutsu, I'm leaning toward the evidence that Maiden doesn't appear to have any big plans for 2025, other than perhaps a short third leg of Future Past. In recent interviews, Bruce has said a few times he's planning on touring Mandrake next year as well.
If they will record an album in early 2025, then a 3rd leg is certain. With some changes. Both Maiden and Bruce will be busy next year too, but let's not forget Nickoh has expressed a desire to play other deep cuts live - and that can only happen with a brand new tour. Idk what to think about.