Iron Maiden confirmed for Download 2013

On the road: Bruce Dickinson

Iron Maiden will headline the UK’s Download Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2013, marking the 25th anniversary of their first appearance at Donington Park.

The NWOBHM giants topped the bill at Monsters of Rock in 1988 then again in 1992. They were first headliners in 2003 when Download replaced the old event with a multi-day show, and they returned once more in 2007.

And their performance, part of their current Maiden England world tour, will be based on the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son concert they delivered a quarter of a century ago.

Weekend tickets for next year’s event, which runs from June 14-16, go on general sale on Friday, September 28.

Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson says: “We’re absolutely over the moon to be headlining Donington again. The idea of returning exactly 25 years later with a show inspired by that Seventh Son tour was too good to be missed.

“Thanks to modern technology, we’ve been able to update and improve on the original production. We’ll be bringing a huge new light show, stage set, various incarnations of Eddie, plenty of pyro and all kinds of other exciting stuff – and, of course, treating the fans to lots of their favourite songs from that period.”

Download promoter Andy Copping says: “I’m delighted to see the return of Iron Maiden. Their live shows are legendary. I caught them in Los Angeles and the audience reaction to the stunning stage production and incredible set list was just phenomenal to witness.

“I can’t wait to see the show at Download 2013. It is sure to be something really special.”

Iron Maiden are the cover stars of the current edition of Classic Rock, on sale now, and also featuring Yes, Green Day, Deep Purple, Richie Sambora, Rival Sons and much more.

For more Download information and tickets, available from 9am on September 28, see www.downloadfestival.co.uk. RIP ticket packages are already on sale via www.livenationexperience.co.uk.