British heavy metal icons Iron Maiden have officially announced a 50th-anniversary documentary set for theatrical release later this year. The film features rare archival footage, exclusive interviews with current and former members, and tributes from some of the biggest names in rock and metal. The documentary aims to capture the band’s five-decade-long journey, from their formation in 1975 to their status as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time.
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In an official press release, Rod Smallwood, the band’s manager, said: “We’re proud Universal Pictures Content Group has chosen to share the unique story of Iron Maiden with the world. We have given them unrestricted access to the band, our fans and musical peers. We trust that they will excite not only music fans but also anyone who loves a story of an underdog beating the odds to become and remain one of Britain’s biggest musical exports since our first record released 45 years ago.”
Iron Maiden’s impact on heavy metal is unparalleled. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and remain one of the most successful touring bands. The band has consistently dominated the UK charts over the years with some of their most popular and highest-charting tracks including:
- ‘Run to the Hills‘ (1982): One of their most recognisable anthems, peaking at #7 on the UK Singles Chart.
- ‘Fear of the Dark‘ (1992): A fan favourite, regularly performed in their live shows, known for its atmospheric build-up.
- ‘The Trooper’ (1983): A staple of Iron Maiden’s setlists, featuring one of the most iconic guitar solos in rock history.
Iron Maiden has been the subject of several documentaries over the years. Some of the notable ones include ‘Iron Maiden: The Early Days‘ (2004), which covers the band’s formation and rise during the late 1970s and early 1980s, and ‘Iron Maiden: Flight 666‘ (2009), which showcases the band traveling the world on their custom Boeing 757, nicknamed “Ed Force One” after the band’s mascot Eddie, throughout their ‘Somewhere Back in Time World Tour’ in 2008.
The band is also set to embark on their ‘Run For Your Lives World Tour’ in 2025, commemorating the band’s 50th anniversary. The tour will kick off on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary, with UK shows in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and London. The band has announced a special setlist focusing on their first nine studio albums. Fans can anticipate both classic hits and rare tracks that have seldom been performed live.
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The documentary is set to hit cinemas later this autumn, with streaming and physical releases expected to follow. Tour tickets went on sale in September, 2024, with more tickets still available through Ticketmaster. Both of these events mark a significant milestone for Iron Maiden, celebrating half a century of heavy metal legacy.
