Iron Maiden will not attend their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles on November 14 due to a conflicting tour in Australia. Manager Rod Smallwood confirmed the band's priority on fans and live shows. The group has been eligible for induction since 2005.
Iron Maiden's manager, Rod Smallwood, announced that the band will skip the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. The event is scheduled for November 14 in Los Angeles, falling between the band's concerts in Sydney and Melbourne. Smallwood stated, “As the most observant have already noticed, the band will be on tour in Australia around the November date of the Induction ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles. In accepting, Iron Maiden made it very clear to the R&R HoF that the fans always come first and that the shows will of course go on.” Iron Maiden expressed gratitude upon the induction announcement on Monday. Smallwood said, “We’d like to thank the Rock & 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.” Former members might attend instead. Drummer Nicko McBrain, who retired from touring in 2024, guitarist Dennis Stratton from the 1980 debut album, and ex-singer Blaze Bayley could be available. Stratton told Rolling Stone, “I would love to [attend]. But don’t think it possible.” A representative for Iron Maiden declined to comment on McBrain's plans, and Bayley's rep did not respond.