Iron Maiden are among the artists who will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year. Also set to be honored in the class of 2026 Performer category are Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said in a statement, “We’d like to thank the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for including us (and former members who were all part of our story) in the 2026 roll call of inductees.
Iron Maiden have always been about our relationship with our fans above anything else, including awards and industry accolades. However, having said that, it’s always nice to be recognized and honored for any achievements within the music industry too.”
Smallwood added, “It also seems appropriate for the band to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year as we continue our 50th-anniversary celebrations with our Run For Your Lives world tour visiting the Americas and beyond. We would also like to congratulate our fellow 2026 inductees and extend our gratitude as ever to our fans for their loyalty, perseverance and support for over 50 years now. See you all, somewhere on tour.”
The Maiden musicians being inducted are singer Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers, along with former guitarist Dennis Stratton, former singers Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley, and former drummer Clive Burr.
Having been eligible for induction since 2005, Iron Maiden is one of the biggest bands on the planet. Since the release of their self-titled debut album, the British heavy metal legends have released a further 16 full-length studio records, and sold over 100 million copies.
Rock Hall rules state that artists become eligible a quarter century after their first records were released, but the Hall also claims that other “criteria include the influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock ‘n’ roll,” which is, of course, open to interpretation.
The ceremony will take place on November 14th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will air on ABC and Disney+ the following month. It should be noted that on November 14th.
11 Responses
Congratulations to Iron Maiden, and just like Judas Priest before them, this is long overdue.
However, regarding all heavy metal and hard rock bands, this is still a lackluster “honor” from a disgraceful joke of an institution.
Rock N’ Roll my azz…
About f-n’ time! IMO, so much more deserving than previously inducted overrated bands Meh-tallica and G n R.
About Bloody time! Eddie MUST make an appearance and do an acceptance speech. Up the fuk’n Irons. I’m gonna try to score a ticket t this event. Class act Smallwood. \m/
I have been fortunate to see so many great hard rock and metal bands. AC/DC, Priest (3 times), Motely Crue (twice), Disturbed, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Motorhead, Guns and Roses, Scorpions, and so many more. The truth is that Iron Maiden is the best live show I have ever seen and honestly it’s not that close (2009 was the 1st, and 2 more since). This was LONG overdue, these guys put on a show with fans so rabid it truly is like what Deadheads saw with the Grateful Dead shows or Parrotheads saw when watching Jimmy Buffet. Their live show is on a different level, and above all. For that reason alone they deserve this award, though their music alone would warrant it. Not my favorite band of all time (but in the top 10), but their live show is unvelievable.
Todd, excellent post. And I 100% agree with you about their live show. Iron Maiden is as dedicated to its fans as much as the fans are dedicated to Iron Maiden. IMO, they are the #1 global heavy metal band.
Sade is generally regarded as a one hit wonder (okay…….a handful of hits) Using that math……. Kid Rock deserves induction ? Rick Springfield ? Shel Silverstein (Sylvia’s Mother) ? And we ALL agree that Weird Al Yankovic should have been included decades ago. The R&R Hall is at the bottom of my list of places/museums to visit. Because it’s silly. But we do tend to watch the induction show……..watching our favs and either fast forwarding through or laughing at the ridiculous inclusions.
*Comment update, another poster informed me that they think Silas was being sarcastic regarding Weird Al being inducted, if so, then LOL. If not, then I do not amend my initial comment.
Hi Silas,
I always write to each their own, but sorry, I do not agree at all with the idea of Weird Al Yankovic being inducted. Although, the way this lame institution functions, I am surprised he was not inducted before Judas Priest, who were given a consolation prize acknowledgment.
Personally, I NEVER found him funny and believe he made money off of parodying other people’s songs. He is one step up from Rappers, who sample other people’s music, just to have a hit song. IMHO, it is lazy and uninspiring.
I would faster approve, of a lame band, who writes their own material, than someone who uses preexisting songs in order to have a “career.”