After more than 20 years of eligibility, Iron Maiden is finally heading into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, per ultimateclassicrock.com.
The legendary British metal outfit was announced as part of the 2026 induction class on Sunday, April 13, ending one of the institution’s longest-running and most debated snubs. 
Band manager Rod Smallwood issued a statement on behalf of the group, thanking the Hall for including both current and former members who “were all part of our story.” While noting that Iron Maiden has “always been about our relationship with our fans above anything else, including awards and industry accolades,” Smallwood added that “it’s always nice to be recognised and honoured for any achievements within the music industry too.”
The timing, he said, feels fitting. The band is in the middle of its 50th anniversary celebration, with the global Run For Your Lives World Tour currently hitting the Americas and beyond. “We would also like to congratulate our fellow 2026 inductees and extend our gratitude as ever to our fans for their loyalty, perseverance and support for over 50 years,” the statement concluded. “See you all, somewhere on tour.”
Maiden’s relationship with the Hall has been complicated. Frontman Bruce Dickinson famously called the institution “an utter, complete load of bollocks” and once vowed to refuse induction. Other members, including bassist Steve Harris and drummer Nicko McBrain, have been more open to the honour, even if they never listed it as a career goal.
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for Saturday, November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Breaking with recent tradition, the event will not air live. Instead, an edited broadcast will debut in December on ABC and Disney+.
Iron Maiden joins a 2026 class that also includes Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Oasis, and Joy Division, among others. The induction caps a landmark year for the band, whose influence spans 17 studio albums from 1980’s self-titled debut to 2021’s Senjutsu. For fans who have campaigned for decades, the Hall’s doors have finally opened to Eddie and company.
•Featured image: Iron Maiden/Paul Natkin/Getty Images
