RUN FOR YOUR LIVES 2026

Honestly, I think it's just going to be a break in 2027 and that's it. While scaling back on the number of gigs per year similar to what Metallica does now may seem plausible, the fact that Bruce/Steve/Adrian have been ramping up their efforts towards their respective solo projects would indicate they're not exactly wanting to slow down - so who would that benefit?

Take a year off and charge the demand back up like in 2015 - although obviously that was out of necessity.
 
Judging by their performance this year though, they certainly have the physical energy to continue, but I'm not sure there's an ambition still.
This is it: for the first time since the reunion I have a concern about ambition. Obviously ambition is absent at the moment to make new music, as far as we can tell.

I also sense from some of Bruce’s many interview comments that he is reflecting again on the distance between Steve’s approach to composing and his own (probably with the freedom of his solos work now his main experience here).

Nickos departure also complicates things. It feels as if gigs (in terms of their fun and their profitability) is the thing the band basically agrees on above all else.
 
This is it: for the first time since the reunion I have a concern about ambition. Obviously ambition is absent at the moment to make new music, as far as we can tell.

I also sense from some of Bruce’s many interview comments that he is reflecting again on the distance between Steve’s approach to composing and his own (probably with the freedom of his solos work now his main experience here).

Nickos departure also complicates things. It feels as if gigs (in terms of their fun and their profitability) is the thing the band basically agrees on above all else.
Here is the other factor - the poor income from CD and generally physical releases sales. You know, composing process, hiring the studio and producer, costs of production, distribution and commercials. And all those thing just to sell some 300 - 500k albums worldwide. Sounds sad and lame, but this is reality of music biz of today. Who knows, my fingers are crossed for (at least) just another studio album.
 
Here is the other factor - the poor income from CD and generally physical releases sales. You know, composing process, hiring the studio and producer, costs of production, distribution and commercials. And all those thing just to sell some 300 - 500k albums worldwide. Sounds sad and lame, but this is reality of music biz of today. Who knows, my fingers are crossed for (at least) just another studio album.
I more viewed the albums as merchandise generators. "Oh, Eddie's a samurai now this album cycle? Here's a bunch of Japanese-inspired merch." [money printing machine goes into overdrive]
 
I more viewed the albums as merchandise generators. "Oh, Eddie's a samurai now this album cycle? Here's a bunch of Japanese-inspired merch." [money printing machine goes into overdrive]
It's been like that at least since Powerslave. I can't think of any other band that has this level of "packaging" several years of activity based on a single album release and its cover. It's always been important for Maiden, not just when album sales went down. And I'm convinced album sales has nothing to do with their willingness to record or not. The economy of Maiden has always been about exposure. Serious tour ethics around a generous re-occuring schedule along with albums that get a nice price tag just shortly after being released. Maiden is for everyone, everywhere.
 
Here is the other factor - the poor income from CD and generally physical releases sales. You know, composing process, hiring the studio and producer, costs of production, distribution and commercials. And all those thing just to sell some 300 - 500k albums worldwide. Sounds sad and lame, but this is reality of music biz of today. Who knows, my fingers are crossed for (at least) just another studio album.

That does not stop many bands smaller than Maiden releasing albums regularly, does it?
 
Unfortunately the driving force behind pretty much everything in the world now is greed and maiden are no exception.
Why do they want more? Because they can.
That's very cynical - I think it has less to do with money (apart from not losing it) and more to do with maintaining their profile/visibility (which was essentially why they refused to release Senjutsu until they could tour it).

And Rod: I think it probably has more to do with Rod than anything else ...
 
That does not stop many bands smaller than Maiden releasing albums regularly, does it?
In Maiden’s age bracket, which other band from that generation is as productive as they are? Scorpions? Def Leppard? Metallica? Sabbath (rip Ozzy)? Manowar? Kiss? Even younger bands, GNR, Anthrax? These guys are getting old, they’re already 15–20 years past the normal retirement age. The fact that they still create this much music, keep their solo careers alive, and spend half the year on stage is remarkable.

Sure, there are some old-school bands like Judas Priest or Megadeth or Accept that still release albums regularly, but how satisfying are the results? Something Steve said in his recent interview caught my attention: writing new songs stresses him out. To me, that shows he actually cares about it. It’s not hard for him to write something that sounds like a good song, he’s doing plenty of those for British Lion. But a new Maiden song needs to feel special, and for that he really has to get into the right mindset and dig deep.

I’m also impatiently waiting for something new from Maiden, but at the same time I’m glad they still act like artists. Even if they don’t break their formula too much, they still have a genuine desire to create something meaningful.
 
Sure, there are some old-school bands like Judas Priest or Megadeth or Accept that still release albums regularly, but how satisfying are the results?
I agree with your overall points, but this caught my attention. In the case of Judas Priest I like their most recent albums a lot more than most of what I've heard from their "classics". The reunion-era of Maiden is one of my overall favorites as well, so to me these new releases are definitely satisfying and I'd love to get as many albums as still possible.
 
Sure, there are some old-school bands like Judas Priest or Megadeth or Accept that still release albums regularly, but how satisfying are the results?

I imagine that some people will find them very satisfying while others would think they pale in comparison with their older albums. Exactly the same as what happens with Iron Maiden outside the fans' bubble.
 
People are so obsessed with their retirement.
Yes. Quit it, please. Its almost as annoying as noisy neighbours. Steve already said back in 1982, yes, in 82, that they are probably not around in ten years time. They´ll be still around in the 2030s.
Great! Hannover again, my hometown. And even the "real" stadium this time, and not Expo Plaza, which is not a good location.

So we might get the deeper cuts this time like sth from NPFTD.
Ah, to be young and naive again.
 
Honestly, I think it's just going to be a break in 2027 and that's it. While scaling back on the number of gigs per year similar to what Metallica does now may seem plausible, the fact that Bruce/Steve/Adrian have been ramping up their efforts towards their respective solo projects would indicate they're not exactly wanting to slow down - so who would that benefit?
Good call, but the other band members who don't have solo projects are curious - Dave and Janick.

Taking a whole year break is because they don't know what to do. Continue (with the new lineup, no doubt), write an album, next tour and ideas. We speculate about their future because they always move on with new albums and the age factor.
This is it: for the first time since the reunion I have a concern about ambition. Obviously ambition is absent at the moment to make new music, as far as we can tell.
Me too, unfortunately. The question is, would their solo projects compensate the writing ambition? Bruce, I guess so. Adrian really likes SK style.
Nickos departure also complicates things. It feels as if gigs (in terms of their fun and their profitability) is the thing the band basically agrees on above all else.
This. Replacing Nicko live is different than replacing him in the studio. And they always said they would retire together...
I also sense from some of Bruce’s many interview comments that he is reflecting again on the distance between Steve’s approach to composing and his own (probably with the freedom of his solos work now his main experience here).
Isn't that normal for Bruce, I don't view it as an issue. And he can release solo albums wherever he wants.
I think it has less to do with money (apart from not losing it) and more to do with maintaining their profile/visibility (which was essentially why they refused to release Senjutsu until they could tour it).
Well said, and especially now.
That does not stop many bands smaller than Maiden releasing albums regularly, does it?
Yes, everything else is just excuses. It's not about money or merch (they are part of everything), but about the artist's desire to express themselves again and again.
Something Steve said in his recent interview caught my attention: writing new songs stresses him out. To me, that shows he actually cares about it. It’s not hard for him to write something that sounds like a good song, he’s doing plenty of those for British Lion. But a new Maiden song needs to feel special, and for that he really has to get into the right mindset and dig deep.
That's most likely true, but just don't say you don't have time, or say atm. I think Steve feels more pressure to deliver (a Maiden album is special for him and for us) with each album since AMOLAD.
It's been like that at least since Powerslave. I can't think of any other band that has this level of "packaging" several years of activity based on a single album release and its cover. It's always been important for Maiden, not just when album sales went down. And I'm convinced album sales has nothing to do with their willingness to record or not. The economy of Maiden has always been about exposure. Serious tour ethics around a generous re-occuring schedule along with albums that get a nice price tag just shortly after being released. Maiden is for everyone, everywhere.
Overall good points, but I disagree with the first sentence. Maybe in the 90's (although they were in like a peak), or since early Reunion when they covered everything musically. But with the latest albums, they've proven that they still have a lot to say. One artist needs to be creative during its whole career, right?
I agree with your overall points, but this caught my attention. In the case of Judas Priest I like their most recent albums a lot more than most of what I've heard from their "classics". The reunion-era of Maiden is one of my overall favorites as well, so to me these new releases are definitely satisfying and I'd love to get as many albums as still possible.
Agreed. But it even doesn't matter if the material is as good or better, isn't the main thing for a band to move forward - to do that, they need to release new music, it's as simple as that. Especially a band like Maiden. You have to be excited about the whole process. That's essential. You're always going to play the hits. As much new music as possible, like their peers (Priest, Accept, Saxon) do.
 
Motorhead were still productive up until the end. Album out every two years or so.
yes, and the last few albums were surprisingly great. that's another level of dedication coming from a man like lemmy. yet i think we can see a difference between two, motörhead is like bukowski, maiden is like george r r martin or sth. not saying one is writing easier literature but just they demand different craftship. it's even hard to put 6 men in a room, comparing to 3 men.
 
People are looking into things a little bit too much, it's not the first time that the band is taking a year off or just having a few shows. And I'm pretty sure that not even the band knows what they'll do in two years.
Honestly I'm much more looking forward to new album than another hits tour, especially tour like this one. If they decide to actually record a new album, it will definitely be with Simon, Nicko will sadly never be a part of the band.
Plus, maiden is a money printing machine, the tour will roll on for sure.
 
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