Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris recently opened up about the band’s future and potential retirement plans as they approach their 50th anniversary. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Kerrang.
Harris addressed questions about what the legendary metal band still hopes to accomplish and his perspective on the inevitable end of their touring career.
“Is there anything left that I’d like to accomplish? Not really, though there are a couple of countries here and there we’d still like to get to,” Harris said. “Like, we were once supposed to play Bangkok, but three weeks before there was a military coup and we had to cancel. Maybe one day we’ll drag the Iron Maiden plane out again to go and do them, because that makes those shows a lot easier!”
The bassist then reflected on the reality of aging and retirement in the music industry.
“I’m not thinking about retirement, but we all know that it’s coming at some point when you’ll be forced into it by one thing or another,” he continued. “I still stay fit, playing football and tennis and things, but you never know what’s coming round the corner. That’s why you’ve got to make the most of this while you can, going out enjoy every gig for the sake of it. I’ve been saying that for the last 10 years, but it’s truer now than ever.”
Harris’s reflections come at a particularly significant time for the band. They celebrate five decades of heavy metal dominance while actively touring the world.
Wikipedia reported that Iron Maiden are currently marking their 50th year with the ongoing Run For Your Lives world tour. The tour began on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary, and is scheduled to conclude on November 1, 2026, in Santiago, Chile. This extensive anniversary campaign encompasses Europe, North America, and Latin America, making it one of their most ambitious touring efforts in recent years.
The band is also commemorating this milestone beyond live performances. antiMusic revealed that Iron Maiden is working with Universal Pictures Content Group on a feature documentary chronicling their 50-year history. The documentary will include rare archival footage and interviews with band members and notable figures in rock and film.
The timing of Harris’s honest assessment about retirement adds weight to these anniversary celebrations. Fans recognize that even legends must eventually face the passage of time. His commitment to staying physically fit through football and tennis demonstrates his dedication to maintaining the energy required for Iron Maiden’s notoriously demanding live performances.
The mention of their custom aircraft, Ed Force One, highlights the logistical complexity of Iron Maiden’s global operations and their commitment to reaching fans in remote locations. Political circumstances sometimes intervene with their ambitious touring plans.
