18th Studio Album discussion

[Helmuth Von Moltke]

Hoping for deflection, but also remember that the 2026 run is the first Steve will conduct as a 70 year old.

In fact, next year's dates are the first Maiden have ever played with a member other than Nicko who is in his 70s.

Steve may be feeling very different about new material at his age (he wrote Senjutsu as a mere 63 year old).

 

[Melony]

From a band marketing perspective, it wouldn't be stupid to hint - without confirming it or lying - that nothing else might happen after 2026.
Then fans will be even more eager to see the 2026 tour.

 

[FearOfTheLark]

Come on, Steve. Let's go. We are ready.

He very well might not be or doesn't actually want to

 

[Trevoire]

I think that Steve is just in a "I've not got time right now" mindset. They've not long finished RFYL '25, he's got British Lion tour coming up, then RFYL 26 which is going to be a busy year for them. So realistically he doesn't have anywhere he can squeeze a few months of writing and recording into that.

 

[MindRuler]

Actually I wouldn´t be surprised if Senjutsu will be the last one. Especially if you look at the lyrics of the final song, it´s a perfect way to end not only the album but their entire career...

All you have been, all you have seen
Lost in somewhere in your dreams
How the angels they have fallen
All is nothing what it seems
And the voices that you hear now
And the voices in your head
Now are thinking of a lifetime
You can never feel again

I hope to see you all again
On the other side of hell on Earth

 

[rockerman]

Don’t forget about British Lion. Steve could be planning to release a new album with them next year as well as a tour.