As we are in the throes of major gig announcements for summer 2026 in Cardiff, there’s one major heavy metal band teasing a UK gig date – and fans are convinced they could be coming to Wales.
Iron Maiden are drip-feeding their Run For Your Lives World Tour dates for the European leg and they have left a big old gap on July 11, 2026 – a prime gig time at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The band, who are one of the biggest and original purveyours of heavy metal, have made reference to the July date on their website
Saying: “You will note the schedule below just says UK SHOW for July 11th and there is a good reason for that! We are working on something special for our loyal UK fans including an extension of our Eddie’s Dive Bar concept we launched last year… so watch this space!”
Whether they will bring Eddie – their, frankly terrifying to ’80s kids, mascot – to Cardiff is yet to be confirmed, but fans are under no illusion there’s a strong chance the band will be running towards the Welsh hills for the UK date. One fan on Facebook commented: “Cardiff stadium is my bet, Bruce mentioned how much he liked it in a recent interview.”
While a second theorised: “If [sic] think Principality Stadium aa Bruce said few years ago after watching Rugby he would love to play there, plus he used to be in Cardiff alot with the Cargo Business and has on occasion pulled pints at Fuel Rock Club opposite it,” referencing the Womanby Street club a stone’s throw from the Principality.
And a third added: “He has also stated, whilst Maiden played the motor point Cardiff a few years back, that they would return to Cardiff if there was a bigger venue.”
Frontman Bruce Dickinson -Credit:Graham Young
There were plenty more fans who simply hoped the Bring your Daughter to the Slaughter rockers would come to Wales. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
It seems that lead singer Bruce Dickinson does have a soft spot for the Welsh venue, which hosted Oasis’ comeback opener this summer as well as Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey and more. Back in 2021 he told WalesOnline on a visit St Athan back in 2021, where his aviation business CaerdAV is based, how much he loves the Welsh capital and how he’s been trying to persuade the band’s management to come here.
“For me, Twickenham is too tall and Wembley is too flat but Cardiff gets it just right: it’s got a roof and the vibe in there is absolutely fantastic. But one of the things that excites me about coming back to Cardiff and doing a show is the new arena,” he said at the time.
“I absolutely love Cardiff, I’m also a big rugby fan and want to get back into Wales to see a rugby match. The Principality is the greatest stadium in the UK and I keep trying to persuade Iron Maiden’s manager that we need to do a gig in Cardiff’s stadium.”
Metal fans are already bouncing for Metallica’s 2026 Welsh date, and an Iron Maiden double would see global rock icons visit Cardiff next year within a few weeks of each other. Take That are also performing at the Stadium in 2026, but you might be in the wrong place to read about their gig, instead, take a look at this piece.
Stay tuned to WalesOnline’s music & nightlife page for up-to-date information on Iron Maiden coming to Cardiff – we hope, at least!