Former Iron Maiden frontman Blaze Bayley received a special show of support from the band’s founder, Steve Harris, during his performance at Eddfest on Friday night (July 10).
Bayley headlined the Maidenville stage as part of the U.K. festival celebrating Iron Maiden‘s 50th anniversary at the legendary Knebworth site. Throughout the performance, Harris was seen watching the entire set from the side of the stage before briefly catching up with Bayley afterward. The moment was captured on video by longtime Maiden fan and author Stjepan Juras, who previously managed late former Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno in the months leading up to his passing.
Blaze‘s performance focused on material from The X Factor and Virtual XI, the two albums released during his tenure as Iron Maiden‘s vocalist between 1994 and 1999. Several of the songs performed were co-written by Bayley and Harris, adding extra significance to the bassist’s presence at the show.
The Maidenville stage itself was curated by Harris as part of the anniversary festivities, highlighting different chapters of his musical career and celebrating the band’s five-decade legacy.
When it was first announced that Bayley will be joining Eddfest‘s lineup, Blaze said: “I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EddFest, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden. I am so proud of my two albums with the band and I’m really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can’t wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth!”
The appearance also comes ahead of another milestone for Bayley and the Iron Maiden family. Later this year, Bayley will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame alongside the band’s current lineup—Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, and Janick Gers—as well as former members Paul Di’Anno, Dennis Stratton, Nicko McBrain, and Clive Burr.
The 2026 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with the event set to air on ABC and Disney+ the following month.
