Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith recently discussed the band’s upcoming feature documentary “Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition,” revealing that it will contain previously unknown secrets about the legendary metal band. His comments were shared in an interview with KazaGastão.
Smith confirmed he has seen the documentary and shared his thoughts on the experience of watching himself and the band on the big screen.
“Yeah, I have. And I really enjoyed it, which might sound funny, but when there’s something on a big screen about you, it can be a bit – you wanna hide behind the chairs,” Smith said.
The guitarist emphasized that the documentary offers fans new insights into the band’s history and goes deeper into certain aspects than ever before.
“But I think it’s a good document of the band, and I think fans will enjoy it,” he continued. “There’s a few things in there that have never come to light before, and it goes into depth on a few things. So I think people are really gonna enjoy it.”
Smith also reflected on the nostalgic elements featured in the documentary, particularly vintage photographs and historical band materials.
“I love some of the old photos. It’s almost like a different life back in the ’80s when I was in the band, a different person,” he said. “But I love the stuff in it, like [founder] Steve Harris’s diary, talking about getting just a couple of bucks to do a show and having to buy guitar strings and petrol and counting all the pennies. Stuff like that is priceless. It’s great that he’s kept that stuff.”
Smith’s enthusiasm for the documentary comes as Iron Maiden prepares for one of their most significant releases in recent years. This coincides with major milestone celebrations for the band.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that “Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition” will arrive in theaters on May 7, 2026, with tickets going on sale March 18. The documentary is directed by Malcolm Venville and produced by Dominic Freeman, bringing professional filmmaking expertise to the band’s story.
The film spans five decades of Iron Maiden’s history. Cinemark noted that it charts the band’s remarkable rise from the pubs of East London to performing in the world’s biggest stadiums. This comprehensive timeline will give fans an unprecedented look at the band’s evolution across different eras and lineup changes.
Beyond interviews with current and past band members, the documentary features exclusive contributions from notable figures including actor Javier Bardem, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, and Public Enemy’s Chuck D. Fandango confirmed that the film also includes all-new animated sequences featuring the band’s legendary mascot, Eddie.
The documentary’s release comes strategically during Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary celebrations and their ongoing Run for Your Lives World Tour. This makes it a centerpiece of the band’s milestone year. With Smith’s promise of never-before-revealed secrets and the comprehensive scope spanning five decades, “Burning Ambition” appears positioned to become the definitive Iron Maiden documentary for both longtime fans and newcomers to the band’s legacy.
