IRON MAIDEN Announces Tour Dates In New Zealand, Australia, South Africa

Rock legends IRON MAIDEN, whose new studio double album, "The Book Of Souls", just debuted at No 2 in Australia and New Zealand, will make a massively anticipated return to Australasia at the end of April on their enormous Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet Ed Force One, piloted by vocalist Bruce Dickinson and carrying band, crew and stage production and equipment.

Returning to New Zealand after seven years, MAIDEN will play two shows, April 29 in Christchurch at the Horncastle Arena followed by May 1 at the Auckland Vector Arena. MAIDEN will then continue to Australia, where they haven't played since 2011, to perform five shows. MAIDEN will then return to South Africa in May for two shows.

The dates are:

Apr. 29 - Christchurch Horncastle Arena, New Zealand
May 01 - Aucklane Vector Arena, New Zealand
May 04 - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
May 06 - Sydney Allphones Arena, Australia
May 09 - Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
May 12 - Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Australia
May 14 - Perth Arena, Australia
May 18 - Cape Town at the Grand Arena, South Africa
May 21 - Johannesburg Carnival City Festival Lawns, South Africa

Support on the trek will come from THE RAVEN AGE, the band led by Steve's son George Harris.

Bruce comments: "We cannot wait to get back out on tour.

"When we start in the USA in late February, it will be 19 months since our last show at Sonisphere in the U.K., so we are raring to go.

"MAIDEN thrive on touring and getting out to our fans, it’s what we do best, so it will be a great feeling to board our new Jumbo Ed Force One with the crew and the gear and head round the globe and get back on stage for you guys.

"We haven't played in Australia and New Zealand for a number of years, so it will be a pleasure to play for our Antipodean cousins again, irrespective of who wins the dates with destiny at Twickenham in a few weeks’ time!

"Of course, we haven't decided on the set list as yet and won't until we start rehearsing, but we really look forward to playing a number of new songs live, especially as the recording was so much live. However, as it's been a while since we saw you all, I am sure we will include plenty of older fan favorites too. I think the fans will be delighted by what we have in mind. We are also in the middle of creating the new show and rest assured we are working hard to bring you all something spectacular, something with a lot of heart! You certainly deserve it for your patience."

Tickets for all shows go on sale at noon local time Thursday, September 24.

As usual, there will be an exclusive pre-sale for IRON MAIDEN Fan Club members, starting Thursday, September 17. Fan Club members will also be eligible in the draw to be "First To The Barrier".