The band was rumored to be at the festival since their return to Brazil next year was anticipated, but recently published information would prevent them from returning to the Rio event
Since Bruce Dickinson anticipated the return of Iron Maiden to Brazil for 2026, many fans began to speculate about the moment in which this would occur. Naturally, the guess that the band would play at Rock in Riogiven the long history with the festival, emerged as a theory.
This hypothesis, however, seems to have fallen apart. Maiden have confirmed they will go on tour “Run for Your Lives”commemorating 50 years of career, to North America between the end of August and the beginning of October. The period coincides with the next Rock in Rio, which takes place on September 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th and 13th.
In the United States and Canada, the English group will feature thrash metal icons Megadeth and Anthrax as opening acts. In Mexico, the guests are yet to be revealed. There are those who now theorize the possibility that the sextet led by the bassist Steve Harris “descend” to Brazil and South America after the date in Mexican territory, October 2nd. Just speculation, worth reinforcing.
Check the agenda
- August 29 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena *
- September 3 – Montreal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau *^
- September 5 – Harrison, NJ – Sports Illustrated Stadium *^
- September 9th – Boston, MA – TD Garden *
- September 11 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live*
- September 12 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion *
- September 15 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium*
- September 17th – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival
- September 19 – Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater *
- September 22nd – Chicago, IL – Credit Union Amphitheater 1*
- September 25 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium *^
- September 29th – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome *^
- October 2 – Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio GNP Seguros
*With MEGADETH
^ With ANTHRAX
What Iron Maiden says about new commitments
Steve Harris, bassist and founder:
“We are excited to bring this ‘Run for Your Lives’ tour to North America and hope fans enjoy seeing the show and listening to the repertoire [focado nos 9 primeiros discos] as much as we enjoy playing it. It’s an added bonus to have some of our good friends on tour with us. Megadeth is playing every show and it’s an honor to have them with us on their latest tour. We also have Anthrax with us at the bigger shows. We had so much fun with them when they traveled with us on Ed Force One around the world in 2016. We are so happy to have both bands with us on this tour and we know our fans will love seeing them.”
Bruce Dickinson, vocalist:
“This whole tour has been so much fun. I really enjoy singing all these great old songs, and the whole band is loving playing them too! We’ve got all the great ones from that early period, including ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’, ‘Run to the Hills’, ‘The Trooper’, ‘The Number of the Beast’, ‘Killers’, ‘Powerslave’, ‘2 Minutes to Midnight’… and some of them we haven’t played in the US in over 20 years!! Plus, there are some real epics, including my favorites, ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son’… We’re playing them all and more. I mean, who wouldn’t play them at a 50th birthday party?”
Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden manager:
“For a tour celebrating Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary, the scale and incredible visual aspects of this show deserve larger venues than the arenas we have usually played in the past. We chose this time of year to go more outdoors, but to give us darkness when we take to the stage, so you can see the best of the production. Fans will certainly not be disappointed with the show or the 50th setlist birthday, that’s for sure! We’re particularly looking forward to playing the big shows in Montreal and the Alamodome in San Antonio, two of the biggest shows we’ve ever played in North America, plus, of course, Louder Than Life — the biggest rock festival in the United States! In addition to the stadium shows in Los Angeles, New Jersey and Hershey, we also chose to play some of the larger amphitheaters as they always have a fantastic atmosphere and great views. […]
Finally, it was really special to see, on our European dates this year, that the vast majority of our fans appreciated and respected our request to severely limit cell phone use at our shows, ideally keeping them in their pockets at all times, especially in the areas in front of the stage. The understanding and cooperation of our fans made a colossal difference to the atmosphere of each show and greatly increased the fun for the band and fans. Therefore, at all of our shows in North America, we once again ask that fans keep their cell phones in their pockets and enjoy the show ‘in the moment’, rather than holding their cell phones up in the air trying to film snippets and thus disturbing those around them and irritating the band. So if a so-called fan near you thinks he’s special and is selfishly filming what he wants, please ask him, very politely of course, to put his phone somewhere where the sun doesn’t shine!”
Rolling Stone Brasil special: Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden on the cover:a Rolling Stone Brazil released an unprecedented collector’s edition for fans of the heavy metal band. The biggest albums, the list of shows in Brazil, the power of the group’s merchandising and even a tour of the band’s plane can be found in the printed special, on sale at Store Profile.
+++ Follow Rolling Stone Brasil @rollingstonebrasil on Instagram
+++ Follow journalist Igor Miranda @igormirandasite on Instagram
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Rock in Rio 2026
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
