After years of waiting, Iron Maiden has finally been named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026.
In an official statement on social media, businessman Rod Smallwood expressed his gratitude for the recognition and also mentioned former members who were part of the team's journey. Read the statement below:
“We would like to thank the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for including us (and the former members who have been part of our history) in the 2026 inductee list. Iron Maiden has always prioritized our relationship with our fans above all else, including industry awards and recognition. However, that being said, it’s always nice to be recognized and honored for any achievements within the music industry!
It also seems fitting that the band is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year as we continue our 50th anniversary celebrations with the Run For Your Lives, which will take us across the Americas and other continents. We would also like to congratulate our fellow 2026 inductees and extend our gratitude, as always, to our fans for their loyalty, perseverance and support over more than 50 years! See you somewhere on the tour.”
The current lineup will be introduced, featuring vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, drummer Nicko McBrain , and guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray , and Janick Gers, along with former guitarist Dennis Stratton, former vocalist Blaze Bayley, and the late former vocalist Paul Di'Anno and former drummer Clive Burr.
Iron Maiden's criticism of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame
Considered one of the biggest absences from the awards ceremony, the band ends a long wait. Even so, the relationship with the institution has been troubled. In the past, vocalist Bruce Dickinson criticized the Hall of Fame, even questioning the relevance of the award to rock. The vocalist said that the award is "complete and utter nonsense" and insisted that he would refuse induction if invited.
The band has never shown interest in joining the institution. Both Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson, the band's founding bassist and vocalist, respectively, share this opinion.
Harris says the selection process is questionable, as it's a group of judges who decides who gets in or not. Fans can vote, but their vote carries little weight compared to the jury's. Dickinson, however, has a stronger opinion on the matter. He says he doesn't want to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame "because we're not dead yet.".
The 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 14, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
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