Could Iron Maiden be planning a blockbuster retirement show to rival Black Sabbath's legendary farewell? It's a question that has fans buzzing, and we’re here to dive into the details. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, founding bassist Steve Harris was asked if the iconic heavy metal band might follow in Black Sabbath’s footsteps with a grand, star-studded finale. His response? A cryptic yet intriguing, “We’ll see.”
But here's where it gets controversial: while Harris didn’t confirm anything, he did acknowledge that fans have been vocal about wanting something similar to Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning—a charity event that brought together the original lineup and a who’s-who of rock and metal legends. Is this the kind of send-off Iron Maiden deserves, or should they stick to their forward-looking approach?
Harris hinted that the band typically focuses on the future rather than nostalgia, pointing out their recent 50th-anniversary compendium, Infinite Dreams. Yet, he didn’t rule out the possibility entirely, leaving the door open for speculation. “It sounds like some people would like that to happen,” he admitted, “but I don’t know.”
Back To The Beginning, held on July 5, was a monumental event that saw Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward reunite for the first time since 2005. Supported by acts like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, and more, the show initially reported raising £140 million for charity. However, Sharon Osbourne later clarified the figure was actually $11 million (£8.22 million), emphasizing the generosity of everyone involved, who donated their time and efforts without pay. Was the initial figure overblown, or does it matter when the cause is greater than the cash?
Tragically, Ozzy Osbourne passed away just 17 days after the event, aged 76, sparking widespread mourning, especially in Birmingham, Sabbath’s hometown. Tens of thousands lined the streets as his cortège passed through the city, a poignant reminder of his legacy.
Meanwhile, Iron Maiden is currently on a break from their Run For Your Lives 50th-anniversary tour, which resumes in spring 2026. They’ll hit continental Europe from May to July, followed by a UK show at Knebworth House on July 11, and then head to North and Central America from August to October. Harris, ever the workhorse, is using this downtime to tour with his side project, British Lion, playing intimate UK club shows, including a stint at the Cart And Horses pub in East London—a venue where Maiden cut their teeth in their early days.
And this is the part most people miss: while Iron Maiden’s future remains uncertain, Metal Hammer’s latest issue offers a deep dive into the state of metal in 2025, featuring interviews with the genre’s hottest stars and a rundown of the year’s best albums. It’s a must-read for any metalhead.
So, what do you think? Should Iron Maiden go out with a bang like Black Sabbath, or should they forge their own path? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
