I think Maiden have a few more years in the tank yet. I do however think we might not see another album. From everything I’ve read and heard from the band about Senjutsu and taking into account comments Steve made in his recent interview I do think the band approached this album with a view that it could be their last.
It’s one of the reasons Steve went with 3 epics to close the album. That’s bold by anyone’s standards but it does strike me as him thinking “well if this is the last one I’m not holding anything back”.
The future past tour is likely to rumble on well into 2025. Nicko will be 71 in June and by the time this tour gets close to finishing he’ll be 73 at least if not close to 74. The rest of the band will also be close to or in their 70’s.
I’m not saying the guys are past it in their 70’s but surely the appetite to keep doing these big tours will be dying away. I think of it wasn’t for Steve the band would have stopped years ago as some of the them have been vocal, albeit in a cryptic way, they are growing tired of big world tours.
I can see the band dropping away after the future past tour. Not announcing retirement but just stepping away. Steve will carry on touring and recording with British Lion and Bruce may then do a small solo tour. Adrian will potter about maybe with Ritchie Kotzen or some other project. Davey and Nicko will fade away into retirement with their families. Not sure about Janick, maybe he’ll join Bruce on a solo tour, or reform white spirit
If this all comes to pass then I can see Maiden doing some one off shows, headlining festivals, maybe the odd stadium gig etc. this is why they won’t announce retirement as they’ll want the option to do one off big shows without looking stupid like Kiss and Motley crue.
I can’t see a new album past Senjutsu to be honest. I could see Steve digging into the vaults and releasing eddies archives part 2 and 3 and 4 etc. I could also seek them releasing a package with maybe a few tracks of new material that they might have laying around that might have been on a new album.
I don’t think we’ll get another album because Steve and the rest of the guys won’t release one if they can’t tour it and I think the appetite to tour a new album won’t be there after the future past tour finishes.
I’d love another album so hope I’m wrong but that’s my take.