I heard some things, they may not be true, but I would not dismiss any rumours regarding Powerslave related stuff
Powerslave related stuff again? That would be like a 3rd leg, not necessary. And the only rare song they will most likely play will be Rime, I doubt the middle 4 songs. Unlike SSOASS or POM albums. Or it will be Powerslave + SIT (instead of SJ)? This will
limit the setlist, just do a tour with no big theme like in 2010. Not a nostalgia act(!), they've already done all of the 80's throwbacks tours now so do something for the Reunion era since the 90's are not popular. Why repeat yourself? And what about the
stage. Again the Powerslave one?
I think it's more likely to see a GME style tour (
dunno about a new song, it depends if a new album is recorded) with Rime, Alex and maybe Seventh Son. 3/4 long songs in one tour is possible. I also guess at least 1 SJ song could stay - Writing, Hell On Earth is long.
I heard things regarding a Powerslave themed tour but that was connected to a new Legacy tour with SIT connected.
But then Future Past happened..
I highly doubt that.
I really think they might go all in next year (if the booking stadiums rumour in Europe is true). I also think that some songs from TFP will remain and we will see less of a setlist overhaul than from LOTB to TFP.
If they don't change the setlist heavily, what's the point of a brand new tour (for 1 year it seems). It will be like a 3rd leg since it's not that likely some SIT songs to be dropped (Alexander, Stranger, not sure about Wasted Years).
Maybe a Legacy style tour in feel with/or without worlds? Or just a kind of an Anniv celebration for 1 year (less likely).
Few more bold predictions, just for fun:
- Children Of The Damned, 2 Minutes To Midnight, Flight Of Icarus and Number Of The Beast will return to the setlist next year.
- Hallowed won't be played yet again.
- Seventh Son will be the sole representative of the album.
- Wasted Years will remain the show closer.
- The Writing On The Wall will remain in the setlist.
- One of the trio Rime - Alex - 7th Son will be in the encores.
- Trooper will be played in the "standard" place again (3rd to 6th song)
^I think they will save the surprises for the 2026 big tour (like Tame, OTGDY, SAS, BNW), but almost every song from the list will be the same classics again. I really don't want this. I also don't expect RTTH and probably Hallowed. Not sure about Writing, Wasted Years, Children, Icarus and even 2 Minutes. Number is expected. Trooper's place is 50/50. Alexander could be in the encore.
Granted, such a tour will work better for a stadium tour and fits Bruce's secret plans mood, but I'm not sure about it.
I expect: Rime, Seventh Son/Moonchild, Clairvoyant, Number, Wrathchild(umm).../ Bruce always speaks highly of the
Killers album (title track, Prodigal Son), Nicko plays Murders and Infinite Dreams with his solo band.
Bruce said in the Stereogum interview "we’ve got plans for Maiden going through until the end of ’26."
He also says there's no Maiden album to be released in 2025.
So I think it will be a 2yr touring cycle in 2025/6. Europe 2025, elsewhere 2026. Rime and/or 7th surely to be played, as per Bruces mentions. Then retirement. Or a new album. Perhaps they dont even know themselves and wont know until they've had a break at the end of 2026. My inner vibes are saying "retirement."
Steve said they don't know about an album yet, but they will have time to think and to record in the next 2 years. Unless Bruce got it wrong and wanted to say the 2025 (not the 2026 tour), I think they should be different tours (as much as possible). Otherwise why would he use ''big tour'' for 2026 if it starts in 2025? Also, if the 2026 tour is different (album tour or not), and since they have plans until then, I don't think they are thinking about retirement. Nicko will be good with around 20 shows for ~3 months per year. Plenty of time for breaks and studio work too.