Iron Maiden has been officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2026. The band’s manager addressed whether they will attend the ceremony, as reported by Instagram.
The band’s manager Rod Smallwood issued a statement on behalf of Iron Maiden regarding their induction alongside fellow 2026 inductees Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
“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,” Smallwood said. “Iron Maiden have always been about our relationship with our fans above anything else, including awards and industry accolades. However, having said that, it’s always nice to be recognised and honoured for any achievements within the music industry too!”
The statement also connected the induction to the band’s current milestone celebrations.
“It also seems appropriate for the band to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year as we continue our 50th anniversary celebrations with our Run For Your Lives World Tour visiting the Americas and beyond,” Smallwood continued. “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 now! See you all, somewhere on tour.”
The induction comes despite previous criticism from frontman Bruce Dickinson. He had called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame “an utter and complete load of bollocks” and criticized its organizers. Iron Maiden had been eligible for induction for more than 20 years before receiving this recognition.
Smallwood’s statement hints at potential attendance with its positive tone. However, the band’s actual participation in the ceremony remains uncertain given their history of criticism toward the institution.
Bastille Post reported that the induction ceremony will be held November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will feature the diverse 2026 class that includes Phil Collins, Sade, Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, and Joy Division/New Order alongside Iron Maiden.
Industry speculation suggests that attendance from Iron Maiden members may be mixed. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Bruce Dickinson is seen as highly unlikely to participate due to the band’s previous stance against the Rock Hall. Some members might show up and potentially enable a performance with pyrotechnics.
The uncertainty around Iron Maiden’s attendance mirrors that of fellow inductee Oasis. Both bands have previously indicated they would skip the ceremony if inducted. Ultimate Classic Rock pointed out that past precedents show artists often skip despite prior objections. Grudges more commonly deter attendance than initial reluctance.
The ceremony will be broadcast to a wider audience through a televised presentation scheduled to air in December 2026 on ABC and Disney+. This ensures fans can witness the historic induction regardless of the band’s physical presence at the event.
