In a moment that many fans have long debated, British heavy metal titans Iron Maiden have finally been confirmed as inductees into the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The band will be honored alongside an eclectic group of artists in the Performer category, including Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Joy Division / New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
Elsewhere, the Hall will recognize a number of influential figures across additional categories. The Early Influence Award will be presented to Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons, while the Musical Excellence Award will go to Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin. The Ahmet Ertegun Award will be given to Ed Sullivan.
“Induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is music’s highest honor,” said John Sykes. “We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony — it’s going to be an unforgettable night.”
The induction ceremony is set for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and will later be broadcast via ABC and Disney+. Notably, Iron Maiden will be on the road at the time, with an Australian tour routing that includes November 13 in Melbourne and November 15 in Sydney.
Addressing the announcement, manager Rod Smallwood shared: “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 continued: “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 induction will cover both current and former members of the band, including Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers, as well as former members Dennis Stratton, Paul Di’Anno, Blaze Bayley and Clive Burr.
