Iron Maiden have no plans to retire, despite confirming they will take a break in 2027 after their current world tour.
Guitarist Adrian Smith said the band fully intends to return, pointing to the group’s ongoing energy and commitment to performing.
Adrian Smith says retirement is unlikely
Speaking to Billboard, Smith dismissed the idea of the band calling time on their career.
“I can’t see that [retirement] happening. We all love doing it. (Bassist and founder) Steve Harris, he’s 70 now, and the guy can go and play (soccer) in the afternoon, 90 minutes, a proper game, then go on stage and play tours of a Maiden set — then get up and basically do the same thing the next day. That’s the kind of spirit that drives all of us, so…I’m sure we’ll be back to it before too long.”
Reflecting on his departure and return
Smith also spoke about his time away from the band between 1990 and 1999, which is revisited in the documentary Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition.
“Bruce [Dickinson – the band’s frontman] is talking about that (in the film) and how he felt, and that was quite nice to see that he kind of cared a bit, and that I was kind of missed, I suppose. I think it needed to happen at the time. It was the right thing to do. I wasn’t happy. I didn’t jump up and down and stamp my feet and storm off; it just kind happened over a period of time. It was difficult.”
“When I came back to the band I had a different perspective. I could see it for what it was and appreciate it a lot more and be part of it. And I haven’t looked back since.”
The guitarist rejoined Iron Maiden in 1999, helping usher in a new era for the band alongside frontman Bruce Dickinson.
Classic-era setlist driving current tour
The band’s current tour focuses on material from their first nine albums, revisiting songs from their early 1980s breakthrough period.
“It’s great playing that set. It’s songs from way back, and they still sound great when you give them an airing. They still sound fresh and powerful. We try something different every time, a different kind of theme, to keep it fresh rather than just playing the same old thing, and it’s great fun. The fans are loving it. And for me…I mean, it changed my life, joining Iron Maiden (in 1980) and then we went on to record Killers. So playing those songs just takes me back in time, temporarily.”
Band set for 2027 break, not farewell
While Iron Maiden are planning time off the road in 2027, Smith’s comments suggest it will be a pause rather than a farewell, with the band expected to return to touring and recording.
