Iron Maiden has announced that former vocalist Blaze Bayley will headline the Maidenville stage at EddFest this summer, as part of the band’s 50th anniversary celebration. The announcement was shared on Iron Maiden’s Instagram.
The band revealed that Bayley will perform on Friday night at the festival, which takes place at Knebworth’s hallowed grounds. Steve Harris also announced that his first band, Gypsy’s Kiss, formed in 1974, will also perform on the same stage.
“We’re excited to announce that Blaze Bayley will headline the Maidenville stage on Friday night at EddFest this summer!” Iron Maiden stated in their announcement.
Bayley expressed his enthusiasm about returning to perform with his former bandmates’ material.
“I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EddFest, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden,” Bayley said. “I am 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!”
Steve Harris also commented on bringing together past and present collaborators for the special weekend.
“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,” Harris said. “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.”
Harris added that including Gypsy’s Kiss holds special significance as they were instrumental in his musical journey before forming Iron Maiden.
The announcement marks a significant reunion for the metal community. It brings together key figures from Iron Maiden’s extensive history for their milestone anniversary celebration.
Kerrang! reported that EddFest is Iron Maiden’s two-day 50th anniversary festival taking place at Knebworth Park, England, on July 10-11, 2026. The main event will see Iron Maiden headlining the Saturday, July 11 show, supported by The Hu, The Darkness, Airbourne, and The Almighty.
Bayley’s involvement carries particular historical weight. Louder Sound noted that he fronted Iron Maiden from 1994-1999 and sang on two studio albums during that era: The X Factor (1995) and Virtual XI (1998). His Friday night performance will likely feature songs from these albums, representing a crucial period in the band’s evolution.
The festival’s Friday lineup extends beyond Bayley’s headline set. Ultimate Classic Rock confirmed that Steve Harris’ pre-Maiden band Gypsy’s Kiss will also perform on the Maidenville stage. The Friday bill includes other acts connected to Iron Maiden’s history, such as Stray, Maiden United, Airforce, Tony Moore’s Awake, and Hair Metal Glamageddon.
Loudwire revealed that the event will feature Iron Maiden-themed attractions including the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience and Eddie’s Ultimate Dive Bar, enhancing the anniversary celebration atmosphere. These additions demonstrate the band’s commitment to creating a comprehensive experience that celebrates their five-decade legacy while honoring the various chapters of their musical journey.
