Iron Maiden To Headline Download 2013

The band will headline next year's Download Festival on Saturday 15 June.

They will be bringing their vintage Seventh Son inspired Maiden England tour (which has just finished in North America) to Donington 25 years after they headlined Monsters Of Rock for the first time with a similar setlist.

Frontman Bruce Dickinson says "We’re absolutely over the moon to be headlining Donington again. The idea of returning exactly 25 years later with a show inspired by that same 1988 "Seventh Son” Tour, was too good an opportunity to be missed! And, thanks to modern technology, we’ve been able to update and improve on the original production. We will be bringing a huge new lightshow, stage set, various incarnations of Eddie, plenty of pyro and all kinds of other exciting stuff for the fans. And of course treating the fans to lots of their favourite songs from that period! We’ve had many great times at Donington and there is always a wonderful mix of bands and a really wild crowd who love their metal, all of which makes for a memorable show and fantastic party atmosphere!"

This will be the fifth appearance at Donington for the British metal legends after headlining Monsters Of Rock in 1988 and 1992, and Download in 2003 and 2007.

Download head honcho Andy Copping said  "I am delighted to see the return of Iron Maiden to Download next year to mark the 25th anniversary of their first playing at Donington. They are without doubt  one of the biggest bands in the world and their live shows are legendary. I caught them in Los Angeles and the audience reaction to the stunning stage production and incredible set-list was just phenomenal to witness. After watching rare performances of songs like Afraid To Shoot Strangers, The Prisoner and Seventh Son, alongside classics like The Number Of The Beast, Aces High, The Trooper and Fear of the Dark,  I can’t wait to see this show again at Download 2013. It is sure to be something really special”

Tickets for the festival, which takes place on 14-16 June, go on sale on Friday 28 September at 9am.