Heavy metal titans Iron Maiden will celebrate their landmark 50th anniversary with the ambitious “Run For Your Lives” World Tour in 2026, a nostalgic journey through their first nine albums from 1980 to 1992.
The 12-show North American leg will feature thrash legends Megadeth as special guests at all performances, with Anthrax joining for select dates, creating a powerful trinity of metal’s most enduring acts.
Kicking off August 29, 2026, at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, the tour will traverse major venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico before concluding at San Antonio’s Alamodome on September 29.
The carefully curated itinerary includes substantial performances at Montréal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau, capable of hosting 65,000 fans, and a headlining slot at Louisville’s Louder Than Life Festival, America’s largest rock gathering.
The inclusion of Megadeth adds historical significance as the tour coincides with their farewell circuit, while Anthrax’s participation at the Montréal, Harrison, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Louisville dates reunites bands that previously shared stages during the 2016 Ed Force One world tour.
Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris has emphasized the longstanding friendship between the three metal pillars.
These bands have stood shoulder to shoulder through metal’s evolution, forging bonds that transcend mere musical collaboration.
Fans can expect to hear classic tracks like “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” “Run to the Hills,” and “The Trooper” during the band’s setlist.
This 2026 expedition marks 45 years since Iron Maiden’s North American debut during the 1981 Killer World Tour, with the Los Angeles stop representing their 25th performance in the city.
The celebration of their early catalog demonstrates the band’s continued drawing power in the metal genre, as they balance indoor arena shows with outdoor festival environments across the continent.
Fan club presales began October 28, 2025, with general ticket sales following on October 31, offering options for both standalone concerts and festival appearances.
The tour’s focus on material from seminal albums like “Iron Maiden” through “Fear of the Dark” promises a nostalgic experience for longtime devotees while introducing newer generations to the foundation of Iron Maiden’s half-century legacy.
The band’s September 5 stop at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ will be among the tour highlights with the full special guest lineup.
The band’s marketing team has developed promotional materials including exclusive artwork and immersive social media campaigns to build anticipation ahead of their historic anniversary tour.
Beyond ticket sales, the group plans to capitalize on this milestone by offering exclusive merchandise sales as a significant revenue stream that fans can purchase both online and at venue concessions.
