News 18th Studio Album discussion

[BQOBD]

I have yet to read a convincing explanation as to why a band that only wants to tour would organize such a strenuous, long tour in one year and then do nothing the next, instead of splitting the tour up, e.g., the European part in 2027.
There would still be enough time for solo activities for the rest of the year 2027.
But it is normal and common practice in the music industry to scale back touring activities to focus on writing and recording new music.

Yes this makes sense - the only reason to squeeze such a (relatively) extensive tour into 2026 is to spend 2027 recording.
Otherwise, the European festival 2026 leg would surely have been scheduled for 2027.

But….

Then again, they could also have spent the early summer of this year recording, and then scheduled the 2027 European festival leg for 2027 as a promo for the new album.

 

[matic22]

Yes this makes sense - the only reason to squeeze such a (relatively) extensive tour into 2026 is to spend 2027 recording.
Otherwise, the European festival 2026 leg would surely have been scheduled for 2027.

But….

Then again, they could also have spent the early summer of this year recording, and then scheduled the 2027 European festival leg for 2027 as a promo for the new album.

I think some of the band members gave an ultimatum before 2026 was booked and they compensated by taking 2027 off.

I strongly believe that Iron Maiden as a touring entity past 2027 will be a 20-30 shows per year band. All likely stadiums.

Bruce's touring plans for next year will reveal if they are recording or not IMO. They can say whatever now, but if there is 2-3 month gap in Bruce dates spring 2027, they will likely record. Otherwise, I think they won't.

 

[Azas]

I strongly believe that Iron Maiden as a touring entity past 2027 will be a 20-30 shows per year band. All likely stadiums.

This scenario would suck. Imo, Maiden doesn’t really shine in a stadium environment—especially with their one-stage-set-fits-all approach. We’d be doomed.

 

[Yax]

This scenario would suck. Imo, Maiden doesn’t really shine in a stadium environment—especially with their one-stage-set-fits-all approach. We’d be doomed.

I'd rather see them calling it quits on a high note than slowly fading into oblivion. I can confidently say I'd feel very uneasy about Maiden touring in 2030 - Like, hang it up.

 

[Azas]

I'd rather see them calling it quits on a high note than slowly fading into oblivion. I can confidently say I'd feel very uneasy about Maiden touring in 2030 - Like, hang it up.

I think that if they decided to continue after Dave retires, it would be a major blow to them as an institution. In that case, all the narratives surrounding the band would be shattered, and their image would be tainted.

Though now that I think about it—how would we feel if, in that scenario, Richie Faulkner stepped in? Would it soften the blow a bit, or would it end up feeling like some kind of postmodern parody? Ha, ha.

 

[srfc]

I'd rather them continue playing for as long as possible and release albums for as long as possible. Can't understand why anyone would want them to retire, when they're gone they're gone. Can't understand the mentality of people talking about "going out on a high", "their legacy", "hell on earth being a perfect closer", like what the fuck does any of that matter to anything? I'd still rather have one more gig to go to, even if it's only Steve playing down the local, or one more album even if it's worse than Virtual XI.

 

[Vaenyr]

I'd still rather have one more gig to go to, even if it's only Steve playing down the local, or one more album

Hell yeah!

even if it's worse than Virtual XI.