Quick Read
- Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour hits North America in 2026.
- San Antonio’s Alamodome will host one of the largest shows on September 29, 2026.
- Special guests Megadeth and Anthrax will join Iron Maiden on the tour.
- Setlist features songs from the band’s first nine albums.
- Tickets go on sale October 31, 2025, with presale for fan club members.
Iron Maiden’s Golden Milestone: 50 Years of Heavy Metal Legacy
When Iron Maiden takes the stage at the Alamodome in San Antonio on September 29, 2026, it won’t just be another concert—it’s the culmination of half a century of thunderous riffs, unforgettable imagery, and a fanbase that spans generations and continents. The ‘Run For Your Lives’ world tour, announced in late October 2025, marks the band’s 50th anniversary with a promise: their “most spectacular show ever.”
Stadium Spectacle: Bigger Venues, Bigger Dreams
Iron Maiden’s management didn’t mince words about their ambitions. Rod Smallwood, the band’s long-time manager, explained, “The scale and incredible visual aspects of this tour deserve larger venues than the arenas we have generally played in the past.” This time, Maiden isn’t settling for arenas. They’re filling stadiums and amphitheaters across North America, with notable stops at Montréal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau and San Antonio’s Alamodome—two of the largest shows the band has ever played on the continent.
For fans, this is more than just a logistical upgrade. Stadium tours bring a communal energy, a sense of occasion that transcends the ordinary. The anticipation builds not just for the music, but for the sheer spectacle: state-of-the-art production, immersive visuals, and a setlist that reaches deep into the band’s storied past.
A Legendary Lineup: Megadeth and Anthrax Join the Celebration
Adding even more excitement, Iron Maiden will be joined by special guests Megadeth and Anthrax. These two legendary acts aren’t just supporting players; they’re icons in their own right, each with decades of influence on the heavy metal genre. Their presence transforms each tour stop into a mini-festival—a celebration not just of Maiden’s history, but of the entire heavy metal movement.
For die-hard fans and newcomers alike, the chance to see these three titans on one bill is a rare opportunity. It’s a reminder of how far metal has come—and how its roots remain as vital as ever.
The Setlist: A Journey Through Maiden’s First Nine Albums
What makes this tour truly unique is the band’s commitment to its legacy. Iron Maiden has announced a “once-in-a-lifetime setlist” that will feature songs from their groundbreaking first nine albums. From the raw energy of their self-titled debut to the epic storytelling of ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ fans can expect a musical journey through the evolution of Maiden’s sound.
This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a testament to the band’s enduring relevance. Many of these tracks haven’t been played live in years, and the promise of deep cuts alongside anthems like ‘Run to the Hills’ and ‘The Trooper’ ensures that every show will be a unique experience.
Tour Dates and Ticketing: The Road Ahead
The North American leg of the tour kicks off on August 29, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and snakes through major cities, including Montréal, Boston, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Each stop is strategically chosen to maximize the impact of the new production and to reach as many fans as possible.
- Aug. 29, 2026 – Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
- Sept. 3, 2026 – Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montréal, QC
- Sept. 5, 2026 – Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, NJ
- Sept. 9, 2026 – TD Garden, Boston, MA
- Sept. 11, 2026 – Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA
- Sept. 12, 2026 – PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC
- Sept. 15, 2026 – Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA
- Sept. 17, 2026 – Louder Than Life Festival, Louisville, KY
- Sept. 19, 2026 – Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
- Sept. 22, 2026 – Union 1 Amphitheatre, Chicago, IL
- Sept. 25, 2026 – BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
- Sept. 29, 2026 – Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Tickets go on sale to the general public on October 31, 2025, with an exclusive Iron Maiden Fan Club presale opening October 28. The anticipation is already palpable, with fans sharing memories, setlist predictions, and travel plans across social media.
The Impact: More Than Just a Concert
Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary tour isn’t merely a celebration of the band—it’s a cultural event. For some, Maiden’s music has been a lifelong companion; for others, this tour might be their first chance to see the band live. The significance of stadium shows, legendary support acts, and the promise of a career-spanning setlist means that these concerts will be more than performances—they’ll be communal gatherings, stories waiting to be written in the hearts of thousands.
As Iron Maiden prepares to embark on this historic journey, one question remains: what does it mean for a band to not only survive but thrive for fifty years? For Maiden, the answer seems clear—never stop running for your lives.
Iron Maiden’s 2026 tour, as reported by KENS5, stands as a testament to the enduring power of live music and the deep bonds forged between artists and fans over decades. By scaling up their production and revisiting the roots of their legacy, the band offers both nostalgia and new energy, ensuring their place at the heart of heavy metal’s future as well as its past.