As Iron Maiden gears up for their massive Run For Your Lives tour celebrating 50 years of heavy metal dominance, guitarist Dave Murray has opened up about the band’s future—and the fact that they won’t be around forever.
In a recent interview with MusicRadar, Murray addressed a question that has loomed over the legendary band for years: how long can Iron Maiden keep going? The answer? They’ll know when it’s time to walk away.
“We’re nearly hitting the seventies mark now, but I think we will all know when it would be time. It would be a mutual decision,” Murray said, acknowledging that the band members aren’t getting any younger.
He emphasized that Maiden won’t be one of those bands that drags on past their prime just for the sake of it. “There’s nothing worse than seeing a band you like on stage and they look like they shouldn’t really be there doing it.”
Leaving on a High Note
While Iron Maiden has remained at the top of their game, selling out arenas worldwide, Murray insists they will bow out with dignity and grace rather than “flog a dead horse.”
“If you can leave it at that high level, and then bow out gracefully, I think it would be satisfying for us,” he explained. “And not just keep going for the wrong reasons.”
However, fans need not panic just yet. Murray confirmed that the band is still firing on all cylinders and enjoying every moment on stage.
One of the key elements of Iron Maiden’s continued success, according to Murray, is frontman Bruce Dickinson. Despite decades of touring and performing, Dickinson’s energy remains a driving force.
“Right now, Bruce’s singing is incredible,” Murray said. “It’s so powerful. On the last tour he was running around all over the stage and singing so well. He’s got it all. He’s got everything.”
What’s Next for Iron Maiden?
With the Run For Your Lives tour set to feature a setlist exclusively from 1980-1992, including rarely performed classics, it’s shaping up to be one of their most memorable tours yet. But beyond that? The future remains uncertain.
“We’re all set up for this tour, and after that we’ll see what the future holds,” Murray teased.
For now, Iron Maiden is still charging forward with the same passion and energy that made them metal legends—but when the time comes to say goodbye, they’ll do it on their own terms.
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