News 18th Studio Album discussion

[Kalata]

Rock Hard Magazine, No. 466, April 2026
Interview with Adrian Smith
My translation

Rock Hard: "The time will come when IRON MAIDEN will no longer exist, whether we like it or not.
In my opinion, you’ll keep making music after that, and I’m pretty sure it’ll be with SMITH/KOTZEN. What do you think?

AS: “Well, we’ll see. I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t be the case, though. We’ve still got one or two more albums in us. And besides, we have a lot of fun. That’s what it’s all about. That’s why we do it. We don’t do it to become millionaires. It’s important to me to keep the music alive. No, that’s a stupid way to put it: I do what I feel. It’s just in my blood. Making music gives me deep satisfaction. I enjoy it. Hey, it’s possibly what I enjoy
most in life. I’m never happier than when I’m productive and playing guitar. It’s my way of expressing myself. I’m in the fortunate position of being able to do what I love most in the world. It’s how I make my living. So I see no reason why I should stop.
And as for Maiden: I don’t know. Fingers crossed, we’re all pretty healthy. As long as we feel good and the
fans want to see us, we’ll keep going.”

Adrian saying they still have 1 or 2 albums in them is about Maiden, right, because he added ''as for Maiden, I don't know'' (a secret; keep going could mean playing live and no new music, which would be a big surprise for the band, even now)? Great to read that, finally a more positive answer, he and Bruce are always enthusiastic. 2027 is the best case scenario.

 

[dickinson1978]

Adrian saying they still have 1 or 2 albums in them is about Maiden, right, because he added ''as for Maiden, I don't know'' (a secret; keep going could mean playing live and no new music, which would be a big surprise for the band, even now)? Great to read that, finally a more positive answer, he and Bruce are always enthusiastic. 2027 is the best case scenario.

Adrian doesnt know how many albums they are going to record. We all know that they dont work like this. As far we can see with the steve harris and adrian inrerviews is that after this tour they will continue. Record or another tour.

 

[redandtheblack92]

Adrian saying they still have 1 or 2 albums in them is about Maiden, right, because he added ''as for Maiden, I don't know'' (a secret; keep going could mean playing live and no new music, which would be a big surprise for the band, even now)? Great to read that, finally a more positive answer, he and Bruce are always enthusiastic. 2027 is the best case scenario.

At the back of my mind I keep thinking they’ve already recorded something and are just sitting on it. I think 2027 is when they add a few finishing touches for a release in 2028. Given Bruce releases his solo early 2027 (maybe March), doubt Maiden would release anything in 2027. 2028 is the only time I seem them releasing something.

 

[dickinson1978]

At the back of my mind I keep thinking they’ve already recorded something and are just sitting on it. I think 2027 is when they add a few finishing touches for a release in 2028. Given Bruce releases his solo early 2027 (maybe March), doubt Maiden would release anything in 2027. 2028 is the only time I seem them releasing something.

There is no new album recorded. Nicko said it. They didnt have time. I doubt we will see another album i expect more tours

 

[matic22]

There is no IM music recoreded. However, if there is a 3-4 month gap in Bruce/Smith/Kotzen/British Lion touring next year (no shows in that period), I think they might record. We need to wait for tour dates for their projects next year and that will tell us quite a lot.

Also, the time they would likely record is March-June 2027.

 

[Nomadd]

Adrian saying they still have 1 or 2 albums in them is about Maiden, right, because he added ''as for Maiden, I don't know'' (a secret; keep going could mean playing live and no new music, which would be a big surprise for the band, even now)? Great to read that, finally a more positive answer, he and Bruce are always enthusiastic. 2027 is the best case scenario.

I think he refers to S/K talking about 1 or 2 albums.

 

[Hendrike]

I also think—at least at first glance—that he’s referring to SK. But then that confused me. Why is he limiting it like that? Why should there only be one more album (or maybe two) with SK? That makes a lot more sense for Maiden. Strange.

But anyway: To those of you obsessed with Iron Maiden’s retirement: Do us a favor and admit now that they have no plan to announce their retirement anytime soon or after the next tour.

 

[Nomadd]

I also think—at least at first glance—that he’s referring to SK. But then that confused me. Why is he limiting it like that? Why should there only be one more album (or maybe two) with SK? That makes a lot more sense for Maiden. Strange.

But anyway: To those of you obsessed with Iron Maiden’s retirement: Do us a favor and admit now that they have no plan to announce their retirement anytime soon or after the next tour.

As Adrian said, it all depends on their health and the fans' support. If people turn their back on Maiden, the popularity of the band declines (2026 is very likely), and there wouldn't be a reason for touring and recording. The next album could be a big flop and artistic embarrassment. From the economic point of view, releasing CDs isn't a good business today. So, I don't think they tend to record another one. They might say they are doing it just for fun, but there are market principles - that "fun" costs a lot, more than ever. If you're touring with many trucks of equipment and booking big venues, you must release expensive tickets. If people don't turn out to buy those, the enterprise will turn into bankruptcy. Money talks; it's simple.

 

[dickinson1978]

As Adrian said, it all depends on their health and the fans' support. If people turn their back on Maiden, the popularity of the band declines (2026 is very likely), and there wouldn't be a reason for touring and recording. The next album could be a big flop and artistic embarrassment. From the economic point of view, releasing CDs isn't a good business today. So, I don't think they tend to record another one. They might say they are doing it just for fun, but there are market principles - that "fun" costs a lot, more than ever. If you're touring with many trucks of equipment and booking big venues, you must release expensive tickets. If people don't turn out to buy those, the enterprise will turn into bankruptcy. Money talks; it's simple.

Come on, again with in 2026 the stadiums will not be fiĺled.

 

[Poto]

I also think—at least at first glance—that he’s referring to SK. But then that confused me. Why is he limiting it like that? Why should there only be one more album (or maybe two) with SK? That makes a lot more sense for Maiden. Strange.

He is obviously referring to Smith/Kotzen when talking about 1 or 2 more albums in them.

And as for Maiden he doesn’t know.