Maiden May Make Another Album
But only if the whole band is up for it
Rock News Desk has picked up an interview with guitarist Dave Murray in which he reveals that the current line-up of the band will be its last, and that they will only record a new album if all six members want to do it.
"This is it, really – this is how we'll exist in the future. I can't see any changes.
"It's strongest and most creative lineup Maiden has ever had. Also, it's my favourite lineup, and it's the same for most of the other guys. There's a chance for everyone to play and enjoy what they're doing; everything glues together really well. We won't be changing any more."
The band are currently touring 2010 album The Final Frontier, the title of which had rumours racing that they'd drawn a line under their recording career. That was fuelled by Harris' long-standing comments about making 15 albums then quitting, although he later distanced himself from what he'd said many years previously.
Murray is more cautious about discussing Maiden's future in the studio. He says: "A lot of the time you plan ahead then things get in the way, so at the moment it's nice to focus on the here and now. We're on tour just now, we've got another one coming up, then we'll all need a rest.
"It's possible there will be another album, but it's hard to say at the moment. It definitely won't be next year anyway.
"My gut feeling is, once we sit down, if everyone's up for it – and that's the main thing – then we'll go for it."
In the meantime he's enjoying things the way they are: "Since 1980 this is our fifteenth album, so there's been a new one every couple of years. We've been fortunate enough to keep on touring, going to more places, different countries.
"The world's become more developed for musicians. It's all working out and we have a great time doing it. Onwards and forwards."