Iron Maiden is officially part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026, but the band won’t be there to accept the honor in person.
The induction ceremony is set for Nov. 14 in Los Angeles, where this year’s class will be recognized for their impact on music.
Iron Maiden has been eligible for induction since 2005; artists become eligible 25 years after their first commercial release, according to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Iron Maiden’s 1980 debut made the band eligible in 2005, with both current and former band members included in the 2026 honor.
So why aren’t they showing up?
Why Iron Maiden Is Skipping Their Own Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
GettyAccording to Rolling Stone, the English heavy metal band already had plans locked in before the ceremony date was finalized.
Manager Rob Smallwood confirmed Iron Maiden will be in Australia at the time, the news outlet reported.
“As the most observant have already noticed, the band will be on tour in Australia around the November date of the induction ceremony,” Smallwood said in a statement to Rolling Stone.
GettyWhile Iron Maiden doesn’t have a show scheduled on the exact date of the historic ceremony, dates for the “Run For Your Lives” world tour are sandwiched around it, making it difficult for the band to attend the show—especially since it’s a 14- to 15-hour flight from Melbourne, Australia, to Los Angeles.
- Nov. 11: Adelaide, Australia
- Nov. 13: Melbourne, Australia
- Nov. 15: Sydney, Australia
- Nov. 18: Brisbane, Australia
Smallwood added that the “Fear of the Dark” singers made its stance clear when accepting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honor.
“In accepting, Iron Maiden made it very clear to the R&R HoF that the fans always come first and that the shows will of course go on,” Smallwood said.
Some Iron Maiden Members Could Still Appear at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
GettyThis doesn’t necessarily mean no one connected to Iron Maiden will be there.
Rolling Stone reports that drummer Nicko McBrain, who retired from touring in 2024, could potentially attend, along with former members Dennis Stratton and Blaze Bayley, who are also part of the induction.
It’s not confirmed whether any of them plan to go.
Stratton did acknowledge, however, the honor after the announcement.
“I would just like like to say that I feel very proud and honoured to be part of this fantastic band,” he wrote on his website. “I just hope I get something to hang on the wall to remind me of this great achievement.”
What to Know About 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
GettyThe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame revealed its 2026 inductees earlier this month.
This year’s Performer category includes:
- Phil Collins
- Billy Idol
- Iron Maiden
- Joy Division/New Order
- Oasis
- Sade
- Luther Vandross
- Wu-Tang Clan
The ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and is set to air on ABC and stream on Disney+ in December.
“Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor,” said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in a press release. “We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony — it’s going to be an unforgettable night.”
