Metal
Blaze Bayley to headline EDDFEST’s Maidenville stage as Iron Maiden celebrate 50 years
Blaze Bayley will head to Knebworth this summer to headline EDDFEST’s Maidenville stage as part of Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Iron Maiden’s huge EDDFEST weekend has added another major moment to its line‑up, with former frontman Blaze Bayley confirmed as the Friday night headliner on the Maidenville stage.
The special event, taking place at the legendary Knebworth site, forms part of the band’s expansive celebrations marking 50 years of Iron Maiden.
Blaze, who led the group between 1994 and 1999, said he was honoured to be returning for such a milestone occasion.
He shared: “I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EDDFEST, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden.
“I’m 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!”
Fans can expect a set packed with material from The X Factor and Virtual XI, the two albums Blaze recorded during his time with the band.
Several tracks from that era were co‑written with Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris, who has personally curated the Maidenville stage to spotlight key chapters of his musical journey.
Steve has also invited Gypsy’s Kiss - the band he formed in 1974 with David Smith - to perform on the Friday night bill.
As the first group Steve ever played with, Gypsy’s Kiss played a pivotal role in the path that eventually led to Iron Maiden’s formation the following year.
Reflecting on the anniversary weekend, Steve said: “Having the opportunity to put together our very own festival at Knebworth, and celebrate 50 years of Iron Maiden, has given me a chance to bring together friends past and present and create a really special weekend for the fans.
"I’m very pleased that Blaze is able to join us and perform some of the songs we wrote and recorded in the 90s.
"He has been a big part of Iron Maiden’s career and I know the fans will be really excited to see him on stage at EDDFEST.
"It’s also great to have Gypsy’s Kiss playing with us at Knebworth too. They were a big part of my musical heritage and it’s really exciting to have them play at the Maidenville stage.”
Friday night’s Maidenville stage also features full sets from Stray, Maiden United, Airforce, Tony Moore’s Awake, plus Hair Metal Glamageddon.
Saturday opens the main arena, including Eddie’s Extended Emporium, the Trooper VIP area and interactive attractions. The live bill features The Almighty, Airbourne, The Hu, and The Darkness, all leading into Iron Maiden’s monumental RUN FOR YOUR LIVES headline performance — their final UK show until at least 2028.
With more announcements still to come, EDDFEST is shaping up to be a landmark celebration for Iron Maiden and their fans.
Tickets are available via ironmaiden.knebworth.com, myticket.co.uk, ticketmaster.co.uk and ironmaiden.com.
