18th Studio Album discussion

Nicko did mention the possibility of playing on a new album in the Eddie Trunk podcast:

I'd previously made comments that Nicko's playing wasn't up to scratch without major studio intervention. But based on the recent Titanium Tart shows I've changed my mind. He does seem to have got his groove back which is what I was missing on the last TFPT run.

Yes he's missing a bit of power, but nothing wrong with blending some samples in for the mix.
The fact that it's not even a sure thing if there will be a new album and Nicko is already conceding that he would probably only play on a "few tracks" is a signal that he is no longer really in the band imo. I think the default is going to be Simon on drums with an invitation to play on some of the album extended to Nicko, but honestly I think Nicko is going to choose to hang out at his restaurant in Florida instead of flying to Paris to semi-participate in a new Maiden album.
 
First, I think neither Nicko nor the band would try to push if he’s not feeling well enough to play.

If he’s recovered enough to appear on at least a few tracks if not the whole album and wants to do them, what’s the harm, really?

Maybe I’m in denial and thinking Nicko is in better health than he may actually be.

Touring is rough, though, especially on drummers. The studio might still be manageable.
 
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Yeah, it was an article about the Eddie Trunk interview I saw. He said he would play something on a new album but also said there was no new album in the pipeline at the moment.

While that doesn't preclude what's on the inside of Steve's head, it does strongly suggest there's no album ready to go right now and no imminent plan to go into the studio. Mind you, I see Nicko has now resigned as an officer with several of the registered Maiden companies. He was still active just a few months ago.
 
Yeah, it was an article about the Eddie Trunk interview I saw. He said he would play something on a new album but also said there was no new album in the pipeline at the moment.

While that doesn't preclude what's on the inside of Steve's head, it does strongly suggest there's no album ready to go right now and no imminent plan to go into the studio. Mind you, I see Nicko has now resigned as an officer with several of the registered Maiden companies. He was still active just a few months ago.
Not a few months. A few weeks. This is interesting.
 
Yeah, that was a surprise. I looked at companies house fairly recently when there was some debate about whether he was still in the band, and he was definitely about then. I remember saying I was surprised he was still part of the Maiden touring company when he doesn't tour
 
I actually wonder if that means they are starting to lay the groundwork to make some new music. Seems kinda weird to make this change now just to continue the status quo of Maiden touring with a live drummer.

I've said it before but we've seen this happen time and time again with these aging rock bands. If they're enjoying having Simon in the band and feel like he is bringing a fresh energy, they are going to be eager to get in the studio with him next.
 
I actually wonder if that means they are starting to lay the groundwork to make some new music. Seems kinda weird to make this change now just to continue the status quo of Maiden touring with a live drummer.
I don’t think it’s weird at all. When Nicko announced he was stepping away from touring the run for your lives tour had likely already been booked and contracts signed and money had been paid.

Also it’s easy for me to believe that Steve and the rest of the guys probably all sat down and said “right let’s go out and celebrate the 50 year anniversary. We’ve got a documentary coming out, a book (plus probably a few other releases not yet announced) plus the tours already booked. We can use the drummer from my band to get us through this tour”.

The band probably are having a great time on this tour not having the issues they had on the previous tour with the drumming but I seriously doubt the band have any more plans beyond celebrating the 50th anniversary. If they are having a good time I can see this tour being extended and even a part 2 with some post reunion tracks added but that’s it.

Anyone speculating a new album is on the cards is just wishful thinking.
 
Bruce love to overhype smallest things so when he say that he cant say something because they will kill him it can be new trooper, line of socks or new line of t-shirts. Quoting Andor „calibrate your enthusiasm”.
 
There's a small part of me that wants Maiden not to tour in 2026 at all. In the hopes that they can recuperate and write/record a new album - bear in mind they've been on back to back tours around the world since 2022. Or perhaps just a couple of dates in August/September to tease a new album, maybe with a single released..

The thing I worry about is that they're probably not as keen to work on a new record while also having these big world tours still occuring every year. That side of it would get tiring being in your late 60s!

That said, they might be able to fire out an album quickly (2 months to write & record.. June/July) and then a quick rehearsal and then out on the road for 4-5 week max... release album September/October 2026. After that - I'm sure in physical form they have another 3-4 years for sure, but it's also the mental side of it - I'm sure Davey's fingers will legato all the way to the grave but as many have suggested, he might just be done with it mentally. I really hope not. And same for the others of course.

I would still be happy if Maiden did a new album, but also cut their touring back - to make it more 'special' when they did perform live!
 
There's a small part of me that wants Maiden not to tour in 2026 at all. In the hopes that they can recuperate and write/record a new album - bear in mind they've been on back to back tours around the world since 2022. Or perhaps just a couple of dates in August/September to tease a new album, maybe with a single released..

The thing I worry about is that they're probably not as keen to work on a new record while also having these big world tours still occuring every year. That side of it would get tiring being in your late 60s!

That said, they might be able to fire out an album quickly (2 months to write & record.. June/July) and then a quick rehearsal and then out on the road for 4-5 week max... release album September/October 2026. After that - I'm sure in physical form they have another 3-4 years for sure, but it's also the mental side of it - I'm sure Davey's fingers will legato all the way to the grave but as many have suggested, he might just be done with it mentally. I really hope not. And same for the others of course.

I would still be happy if Maiden did a new album, but also cut their touring back - to make it more 'special' when they did perform live!

I’d rather an album of good new material and a limited or no tour than another tour without a new album.
 
Just seen that Metal Pilgrim has a new video that states that new album is debunked... (didn't watch it)

So, it's possible. Although unlikely.
 
I presume they will tour the US in 2026. Bruce recording his new album and Adrian touring means they will be pretty busy. I suspect we might see another British Lion before another Maiden studio album.

A live album is another option for them though they havent released one since 2020 I think?
 
Agree! As for content on the album - I'd love to see something like 10 tracks - 4 shorter (3-5 minutes) bangers, 4 proggy mid-length (6-8 minutes) and maybe two epic (10 minutes).

I mean I'd be happy with anything, but I think the above would be a good mix
That sounds a good balance to me, not sure we`ll get it though even if we are lucky enough to get a new album.

i`ve got to be honest and say what ever happens album or not ,i want one more tour to go and enjoy before they pack in regardless of what they play, especially if they can still match what they are doing on this one performance wise.
 
I presume they will tour the US in 2026. Bruce recording his new album and Adrian touring means they will be pretty busy. I suspect we might see another British Lion before another Maiden studio album.

A live album is another option for them though they havent released one since 2020 I think?
No, please. British Lion is awful. Why would Steve spend time and energy, at this point in his career, recording a non-Maiden album?! I know he relies on the agreement and collaboration of others, and Adrian and Bruce seem to enjoy their solo careers more than we'd like, but he could definitely take the lead and write albums practically alone from now on. I wouldn't mind at all, even if it resulted in a triple album...
 
No, please. British Lion is awful. Why would Steve spend time and energy, at this point in his career, recording a non-Maiden album?! I know he relies on the agreement and collaboration of others, and Adrian and Bruce seem to enjoy their solo careers more than we'd like, but he could definitely take the lead and write albums practically alone from now on. I wouldn't mind at all, even if it resulted in a triple album...

He has spoken about them writing a 3rd album and played the odd unreleased track and as it is 5 years since the last one I imagine it will come out at some point in the next year or so. I think the 2nd one was pretty good myself, first one was patchier.

Steve will do whatever he enjoys!
 
No, please. British Lion is awful. Why would Steve spend time and energy, at this point in his career, recording a non-Maiden album?! I know he relies on the agreement and collaboration of others, and Adrian and Bruce seem to enjoy their solo careers more than we'd like, but he could definitely take the lead and write albums practically alone from now on. I wouldn't mind at all, even if it resulted in a triple album...
I quite like the stuff Adrian does with Smith/Kotzen, it`s great to see Adrian perform so close up given the size of the venues they play.
 
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