Iron Maiden announced as Download Festival 2016 closing act

Well, that's one way to get our attention! Maiden are returning to the spiritual home of rock for their only UK show of 2016, and it's on an epic scale!

The band will fly in to East Midlands Airport - and probably over the heads of many campers - on their enormous Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet Ed Force One, piloted by frontman Bruce Dickinson. As we previously reported, the huge jet will be carrying band, crew, stage production and over 12 tons of equipment more than 55,000 miles around the world, visiting 35 countries on The Book Of Souls World Tour. 

“Download is a very special place for us." said Dickinson "Not just because it’s always great to play on home turf but because there’s a truly unique vibe there, it’s the very heart of England and of Metal, so a fitting place for Iron Maiden!" 

Bruce went on to promise what sounds like an epic show: “We haven't decided on the set list as yet and won’t until we start rehearsing but we really look forward to playing a number of new songs live, especially as the recording was so much live. However, as it’s been a while since we saw you all, I am sure we will include plenty of older fan favourites too. I think the fans will be delighted by what we have in mind. We are also in the middle of creating the new show and rest assured we are working hard to bring you all something spectacular, something with a lot of heart!!! You certainly deserve it for your patience.“

Tickets for Download 2016 go on sale from 9am Friday 23rd October from The Planet Rock Ticket Store.