Messed!Up
Few bands have shaped heavy metal as profoundly as Iron Maiden. Formed in London in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris, the band emerged from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal before becoming one of the biggest and most enduring acts in rock history. Albums such as The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, Powerslave and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son established Maiden’s unmistakable formula of galloping riffs, twin-guitar harmonies, epic songwriting and larger-than-life storytelling.
The arrival of Bruce Dickinson in 1981 marked the beginning of a spectacular golden era, while Eddie – the band’s iconic skeletal mascot – became one of rock’s most recognisable figures. Through countless tours, changing musical fashions and more than four decades of recording, Iron Maiden have remained fiercely committed to their own vision. Their concerts have become legendary productions in their own right, combining elaborate stage sets, theatrical spectacle and the sheer physical power of a Maiden set played at full volume.
Now the Beast is heading Down Under once again. Iron Maiden’s Run For Your Lives World Tour celebrates the band’s 50th anniversary with a set focusing heavily on the first nine studio albums, including many of the songs that established their place in heavy-metal history. The Australian and New Zealand leg was announced in February 2026, with Megadeth joining as special guests.
For New Zealand fans, the tour begins in Auckland, where Iron Maiden will take over Spark Arena on 7 and 8 November 2026. The second Auckland date was added following demand, giving fans two opportunities to experience the band’s anniversary spectacular. With Eddie returning to the stage, classic Maiden material dominating the set and a production designed for the band’s 50th-anniversary celebration, these shows promise to be much more than a nostalgia trip.
From The Number of the Beast to Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, Auckland will get two nights of Iron Maiden at full strength, a celebration of five decades of heavy metal, theatrical spectacle and the enduring spirit of the Beast. Up the Irons!
Iron Maiden: Australia and New Zealand 2026
- 7 November at Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
- 8 November at Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
- 11 November at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, Australia
- 13 November at AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia
- 15 November at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia
- 18 November at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- 19 November at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
TICKETS for Spark Arena, Auckland
