Well, it’s finally happening. More than 20 years after they first became eligible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Iron Maiden are to be inducted for the third time of asking.
The Heavy Metal behemoths who resume their Run For Your Lives World Tour next month in Athens have been nominated for the accolade twice before, in 2021 and 2023. Initially qualifying in 2005, their exclusion from the institution has been the subject of some controversy and a substantial amount of derision from fans, given that previous “non-rock” oriented inductees include Whitney Houston, Jay Z and Nina Simone.
Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has himself been highly critical of the Hall of Fame’s committee, saying, “It’s run by a bunch of sanctimonious Americans who wouldn’t know rock ‘n’ roll if it hit them in the face.” He also suggested they needed “to stop taking Prozac and start drinking beer.”
He followed up his comments in 2023 by telling the Telegraph, “I don’t want to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, because we’re not dead yet!”
Addressing fans on their website, Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said, “We’d like to thank the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for including us (and former members who were all part of our story) in the 2026 roll call of inductees.
“Iron Maiden have always been about our relationship with our fans above anything else, including awards and industry accolades. However, having said that, it’s always nice to be recognised and honoured for any achievements within the music industry too!
“It also seems appropriate for the band to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year as we continue our 50th anniversary celebrations with our Run For Your Lives World Tour visiting the Americas and beyond.
“We would also like to congratulate our fellow 2026 inductees and extend our gratitude as ever to our fans for their loyalty, perseverance and support for over 50 years now! See you all, somewhere on tour.”
It was recently announced that Blaze Bayley would be included in Maiden’s list of nominees, which already featured Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, Nicko McBrain, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Dennis Stratton and the late Clive Burr and Paul Di’Anno.
The induction ceremony will take place on 14 November, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, coinciding with the Australian and Japanese leg of the band’s tour.
