Iron Maiden have announced the European leg of their Book Of Souls world tour which includes a strong run of UK arena dates.
The mammouth world tour in support of the new album, which debuted at number one in more than 40 countries, began in February and will run in to summer next year.
It has now been revealed that as part of their European jaunt the band will play their first UK and Ireland tour in six years. They play eight in England, two in Scotland and one each in Ireland and Wales.
Bassist Steve Harris said in a statement: "As it's been so long since our last full UK arena tour, we really wanted to get to our fans in as many cities as possible. We're really looking forward to it, especially visiting places we haven’t been to for a very long time like Leeds where we haven't played since 2005 and Liverpool where we haven't played since 1990."
He continued: "The whole band is really enjoying this tour and although we love playing festivals and stadiums, it is terrific to return to the intimacy and atmosphere of arenas. The songs from 'The Book Of Souls' album and the new Maya-themed Eddies and stage sets have gone down really well and fan reaction has been amazing. And of course we know our fans appreciate us playing a lot of the older songs too, which we will continue to do."
Shinedown will be main support. Shinedown's Zach Myers says: “Iron Maiden are the kings of metal and one of the greatest live bands of all time. It's an honour to be touring with them in Europe and in their home country and to play in front of their fans. We can't wait to see you in 2017.”
Iron Maiden released their 16th studio album, Book Of Souls in September last year.
European tour dates. For ticket information check here
APRIL
22 Antwerp - Sportpalais
24 Oberhausen - Konig Pilsner Arena
28 Frankfurt - Festhalle
MAY
2 Hamburg - Barclaycard Arena
4 Nottingham - Motorpoint Arena
8 Manchester - Arena
10 Sheffield - Arena
11 Leeds - First Direct Arena
14 Newcastle - Metro Radio Arena
16 Glasgow - SSE Hydro Arena
16 Aberdeen - AECC GE Oil & Gas Arena
20 Liverpool - Echo Arena
21 Birmingham - Barclaycard Arena
24 Cardiff - Motorpoint Arena
27 London - O2 Arena
