Sun Dont Shine — the new band featuring members of Type O Negative and Crowbar — is gearing up to release its debut full-length record, Birth To Death, arriving April 1 through Corpse Paint Records. The band brings together a lineup with deep roots in heavy music: Kirk Windstein on guitar and vocals alongside Kenny Hickey on guitar and vocals, Johnny Kelly on drums, and Todd Strange on bass.
The newest single from the album is “Power To Live,” a hard-edged track that looks straight at humanity’s repeated violence while holding onto the basic instinct to survive. The song is already available to stream, and an official video is set to drop February 23 across Vevo/YouTube, Tidal, Apple Music, and Vimeo.
Written by Hickey and Windstein, “Power To Live” was recorded at OCD Studios during summer 2025. Production came from Duane Simoneaux, with Vinnie LaBella as co-producer and AndrewSpaulding handling executive production.
The song itself started with a discussion about its cover art. Hickey pointed out how grim it is that people still haven’t moved beyond killing each other, and that thought became the foundation of the track — a clear-eyed look at history repeating itself, paired with a refusal to give in.
“The track is a challenge to the times we’re living in,” Sun Dont Shine explains, “an insistence on survival and consciousness in the face of cycles that refuse to break.”
For the artwork, Sun Dont Shine worked with visual artist Nadiya Vizier, known for collaborations with Crowbar and Sailor Bob tattoo. Alongside the single, they’re also offering a limited art bundle tied directly to the release. The run includes 100 hand-signed posters, custom sticker sheets, and 10 ultra-limited trucker caps featuring Vizier’s original design. Everything was made specifically around “Power To Live,” and once these are gone, they won’t be reissued.
Musically, “Power To Live” sits right in the band’s lane: heavy riffs mixed with atmosphere, a balance of weight and space. Windstein’s crushing tone locks in with Hickey’s hooks, while Kelly’s drumming and Strange’s bass work give the track its drive and depth. The result sounds raw, lived-in, and built by musicians who know how to make heaviness hit harder through restraint.
The upcoming video, directed by Mike Holderbeast, carries those themes into unsettling visuals rather than a straightforward storyline. It focuses on mood, tension, and emotion, matching the band’s approach of keeping things honest instead of overly polished.
At its core, Sun Dont Shine keeps the focus on letting the music speak without sanding down the edges. With “Power To Live,” they continue shaping what comes next: direct, unflinching, and rooted in the real world.
Japanese power metal firestarters Lovebites are stepping into a new chapter, officially joining forces with Austrian heavy metal powerhouse Napalm Records. For fans who’ve been watching the band’s rise, this is a serious move — one that signals bigger reach, bigger stages, and an even louder future.
Their new album, Outstanding Power, is already available digitally, with physical editions landing May 8, 2026. It’s their fifth full-length release, and everything about this rollout feels like a band pushing beyond the usual boundaries.
Lovebites have been building momentum since forming in 2016, quickly becoming one of Japan’s most talked-about modern metal exports. From tearing through European festival crowds at Wacken, Hellfest, Download, and Bloodstock, to earning recognition at Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Awards, they’ve proven they’re not just a local phenomenon.
And in March 2026, they’ll hit another milestone: a debut at Tokyo’s legendary Budokan.
The band made it clear this partnership matters deeply to them. Lovebites comments: “We are very excited to announce that we have signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records, excluding Asia. Their roster is filled with metal bands ranging from rising stars to globally successful acts, and even legendary icons respected by all. We are proud to become part of this illustrious history. Together with Napalm Records, whose passion for heavy metal matches our own, we will ensure the success of our upcoming album, Outstanding Power. Stay tuned!”
That’s not just label hype — it’s a band fully aware they’re entering a wider arena.
Beyond the business side, Lovebites describe Outstanding Power as something built around resilience and motion — a record shaped by the idea of pressing forward no matter what hits you.
Lovebites states about Outstanding Power: “Unlike the solid ground of land, the sea never offers stability. Yet a ship pushes forward across its surface, never yielding to the crashing waves, raging storms, or roaring thunder. It was with this sense of overwhelming power that we created a truly one-of-a-kind album — something only we could bring into the world. We hope metalheads everywhere will draw strength from the songs contained in Outstanding Power, and we look forward to setting sail together aboard the ship called Lovebites!”
It’s a fitting metaphor for a band that keeps climbing without losing intensity.
The first taste of the album comes with the single “The Castaway,” and it wastes no time showing what this record is about: speed, melody, and power metal punch.
“Outstanding Power” dashes forward with galloping riffs and sweeping pathos in its opening song, “The Castaway”, a speedy power metal hymn extraordinaire, featuring rousing vocals and shimmering guitar and bass solos. For longtime listeners, it’s the kind of opener that feels tailor-made for festival stages — all forward motion and sharp hooks.
Encouraging “Silence The Void” ties in with catchy verses, while “Forbidden Thirst” channels the inner turmoil in its lyrics into heroic storytelling through music, crowned again with impressive solos by guitarists Miyako and Midori. In mature “Blazing Halo”, their dual guitars take the form of AC/DC-esque structures, gifting a classical sense to Lovebites‘ high-energy approach.
“Dream Of King” starts off as a stripped-down, mid-tempo anthem, letting vocalist Asami shine, before crescendoing into an emotional firework — an easy album highlight! Following, Lovebites channel some classic genre imagery by dedicating “Phoenix Rises Again” to the mighty mythical creature with regenerative powers, a symbol to outlast and overcome struggles. “Out Of Control” is a true rock hymn, perfectly matching its successor “Wheels On Fire” in its heavy metal vibe. A suspenseful riff builds up tension for “The Eve Of Change”, reminding listeners to raise their voices and stand up for themselves — this is the call! With “Reaper’s Lullaby”, the Japanese five-piece ventures into rougher territory, adding gang shouts to a thrash-reminiscent sound.
Delightfully fast, repeating the lyrics burns in their meaning, giving the words significant weight and turning the song into another standout showing Lovebites‘ versatile skills. Instantly contrasting comes the power ballad “Eternally”, layering Asami’s gentle vocals with tender keys before making room for her ardent vibrato and sweeping instrumentals, before “Outstanding Power” finds its finale with ever so heartfelt “One Will Remain”.
From arena-ready choruses to heavier, sharper moments, the album sounds like a band expanding without losing the core of what makes them lethal.
With Outstanding Power launching digitally now and physical copies coming in 2026, Lovebites are clearly gearing up for their biggest international era yet. Signing with Napalm Records only adds fuel to the fire.
Exodus have unleashed the colossal title track from their new album, Goliath, out March 20, 2026, via Napalm Records. Revealed today with an accompanying music video, “Goliath” simmers the tempo down with winding, malevolent leads, towering drums, and ominous string work from violinist Katie Jacoby, coupled with intricate guitars by the legendary Gary Holt.
Even over 40 years after their debut, Exodus are steadfast in their refusal to settle for the safety of mediocrity and continue to forge their trademark just as resolutely as they did in their inception. The band’s highly anticipated 12th studio album is their most multifaceted offering so far, featuring several epic collaborations and marking the return of Rob Dukes as lead vocalist.
EXODUS says about“Goliath”:“‘Goliath’ may quite possibly be the heaviest thing we have ever done, and certainly the slowest song in our catalog, as close to doom metal as Exodus we get! Just pure evil, as sinister as it gets, featuring our friend Katie Jacoby, who laid down 18 tracks of strings in the middle harmony section, making the song go from just pure horror to a thing of beauty.”
Emerging hungrier than ever in 2026, with Goliath, Exodusreinforces their eternal foothold at the top of thrash metal’s hierarchy with 10 of their most diverse, anthemic emissions to date. Further fueled by the widely embraced return of iconic late-era frontman Rob Dukes – first appearing on 2005’s Shovel Headed Kill Machine – the album boasts what the band describes as the performance of his life.
Goliath is Exodus’ most collaborative record in their four-decade-plus history, featuring songs written by several band members and guest contributions from Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) and violinist KatieJacoby.
“Are we excited for this record? That’s an understatement. We put everything we had into this record (and it’s 80 percent complete follow-up, but we’ll save that conversation for another day!), and it’s one of our proudest accomplishments. Wildly collaborative, the most band-centric album to date, with four songs written by Lee, lyrics by Gary, Rob, Lee, and Tom, and just killer all the way around. The time to let the monster loose is coming! Bow Down!,” the band added.
Produced byExodus, mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Nile, Undeath), Goliath beams with the explosive authenticity that has set Exodus eons apart from their peers since the release of their debut, 1985’s groundbreaking thrash blueprint Bonded By Blood. 40 years later, Exodus remains steadfast in their refusal to settle for the safety of mediocrity, fearing nothing and no one, and continues to forge their trademark just as resolutely as they did in their inception.
Belphegor’s North American Praise The Beast tour starts tomorrow, Thursday February 19. The gates open once more. Get your tickets here.
With the release of “Scarlet Beast – Leviathan,” Belphegor returns at their most menacing and deliberate, delivering a track that moves with the force of an advancing colossus. Built upon lumbering, monolithic riffs and a suffocating sense of inevitability, the single embodies a towering presence, vast, unrelenting, and absolute.
“Scarlet Beast – Leviathan” does not chase speed; it commands submission. Favoring tension, density, and sheer authority over velocity, the song fuses ritualistic black metal atmosphere with the crushing weight of death metal. The result is a sonic behemoth, oppressive, deliberate, and unstoppable, advancing through scorched terrain with death trailing in its wake.
The single arrives as Belphegor kicks off their North American “Praise The Beast” tour, carrying this new chapter directly onto the stage. The track’s immense weight and deliberate pacing translate into a live experience built on tension and command, setting the tone for a run that promises ritual intensity across the continent.
Accompanying the single is a stark and uncompromising music video that captures the essence of true darkness. Gritty and raw in execution, the visual counterpart strips away artifice and embraces ritualistic imagery, shadow, and decay. It is not spectacle, but invocation.
With “Scarlet Beast – Leviathan,” Belphegor once again prove their mastery of controlled devastation. The beast does not rush. It advances. And nothing stands in its path.
Shinedown has locked in a major new cycle for 2026, confirming its eighth studio album, Ei8ht, for 05/29 via Atlantic Records. At the same time, the band rolled out “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II,” a global run across 11 countries and 54 dates, with arena and festival stops in North America and Europe.
The latest preview from the record is “Safe And Sound,” which arrives with an official lyric video and sets the tone for what the band says is a hard push forward creatively. Check it out below.
Talking about the album, the tour, and working with producer and bandmate Eric Bass, Shinedown frontman Brent Smith said, “This album is over a year in the making. Without question, as a band, we pushed ourselves like never before. Especially when it comes to Eric. Myself, Zach and Barry are so honored to create and work with such an extraordinary producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter, musician, performer, and bandmate. We are so excited to finally announce our eighth studio album titled Ei8ht alongside our ‘Dance, Kid, Dance Act II’ world tour.”
He also described the new single directly: “‘Safe And Sound’ is about reminding the competition what they are dealing with one by one.”
Support across the world tour will rotate between Coheed And Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes To New, Dj Rock Feed, and Those Damn Crows, depending on market and date.
Ticket timing is split by region:
North America public onsale: 02/20 at 10:00 AM local time
Europe public onsale: 02/27 at 10:00 AM local time
Additional presales are scheduled earlier that week in multiple territories
Beyond the world tour, Shinedown is also launching its first curated destination event, Shinedown’s Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend, set for 10/23 to 10/25 in Miramar Beach, Florida. The festival bill currently includes Shinedown (two different headlining sets), Bush, Hanson, Flyleaf (with Lacey Sturm), Living Colour, From Ashes To New, Guardians Of The Jukebox, Neon Mooners, and more to be announced.
Shinedown “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II” World Tour Dates
05/13 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center *^% 05/15 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Festival (Headlining) 05/16 – Madison, WI – Kohl Center *^% 05/18 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center *^% 05/19 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena *^%% 05/22 – Austin, TX – Moody Center *^% 05/23 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center *^% 05/26 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena *^% 05/28 – Estero, FL – Hertz Center *^% 05/30 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena *^% 06/02 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum *^% 06/05 – Norfolk, VA – Chartway Arena *^% 06/06 – Hershey, PA – GIANT Center *^% 07/11 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle *#% 07/13 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum *% 07/15 – Quebec City, QC – Centre Vidéotron *#% 07/17 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena *% 07/18 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena *#% 07/20 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena *% 07/21 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center *% 07/23 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena *% 07/25 – Knoxville, TN – Food City Center *#% 07/30 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena *#% 07/31 – Colorado Springs, CO – Weidner Field *% 08/02 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center *#% 08/04 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Arena *#% 08/06 – Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena *% 08/07 – Las Vegas, NV – Michelob ULTRA Arena *#% 08/09 – Sparks, NV – Nugget Event Center *% 08/10 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena *#% 08/12 – Billings, MT – First Interstate Arena at Metrapark *#% 08/14 – Spokane, WA – Numerica Veterans Arena *#% 08/15 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Pacific Coliseum *#% 08/17 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place *#% 08/20 – Fargo, ND – Fargodome *#% 08/21 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort *% 08/23 – Springfield, IL – Illinois State Fair #% 09/04 – Dyersville, IA – Velocity Festival 09/10 – McHenry, IL – McHenry Music Festival 10/31 – Paris, FR – Zénith Paris – La Villette & 11/02 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz & 11/04 – Tilburg, NL – O13 & 11/06 – Prague, CZ – Forum Karlín & 11/08 – Copenhagen, DK – Falkonersalen & 11/09 – Stockholm, SE – Annexet & 11/11 – Berlin, DE – Columbiahalle & 11/12 – Düsseldorf, DE – Mitsubishi Electric Halle & 11/14 – Birmingham, UK – bp pulse LIVE *& 11/16 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro *& 11/17 – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena *& 11/19 – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley *& 11/20 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena *& 11/22 – Dublin, IE – 3Olympia Theatre &
* with Coheed And Cambria ^ with Black Stone Cherry # with From Ashes To New & with Those Damn Crows % with DJ Rock Feed
Two major names in classic rock are hitting the road together in 2026. Santana and The Doobie Brothers have confirmed a co-headlining North American run under the banner of the Oneness Tour, bringing decades of hits and shared history to arenas and amphitheaters across the continent.
The tour is promoted by Live Nation, it will first be available starting with a Citi presale beginning Tuesday, February 17 at 10 a.m. PT, followed by an artist presale beginning Tuesday, February 17 at 2 p.m. PT. For complete presale details, visithere. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. PT here.
The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, a limited-edition lithograph, exclusive Santana merchandise, and more. VIP package contents vary based on the selected offer. For more information, visit here.
Onstage, the tour will highlight the full scope of Santana’s catalog, from the epic breakthrough of Abraxas to Woodstock to the global phenomenon of Supernatural and beyond.
For more than fifty years, Carlos Santana’s work has stood at the crossroads of rock, Latin rhythms, blues, and soul. His guitar, message, and music speak a universal language of rhythm and soul, uniting audiences worldwide.
The Doobie Brothers will appear on most of the tour dates, bringing their own long-running legacy to the bill. The legendary hitmakers (Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons, John McFee and MichaelMcDonald) will perform all the hits fans know and love as well as new music from their highly acclaimed new album, Walk This Road.”
Walk This Road, their 16th album, marks a notable moment in the band’s history, featuring key members together again in the studio.
Santana and The Doobie Brothers share a history of touring together — most notably in 2019, when The Doobie Brothers supported Santana on the “Supernatural Now” tour, celebrating major milestones in Santana‘s career, including the 20th anniversary of Supernatural and the 50th anniversary of Carlos Santana‘s iconic performance at Woodstock.
With both bands carrying massive catalogs and multi-generational fanbases, the Oneness Tour is shaping up as one of the biggest classic rock runs of the year.
An Eevening with Santana at Red Rocks (Not with The Doobie Brothers):
Wed, May 27 – Morrison, CO- Red Rocks Amphitheatre* Wed, May 28 – Morrison, CO- Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
Santana & The Doobie Brothers 2026 Tour Dates:
Sat, Jun 13 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Mon, Jun 15 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater Wed, Jun 17 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center Thu, Jun 18 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre Sat, Jun 20 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater Sun, Jun 21 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center Wed, Jun 24 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live Fri, Jun 26 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium Sat, Jun 27 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center Mon, Jun 29 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center Wed, Jul 1 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center Thu, Jul 2 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater Sat, Jul 4 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Sun, Jul 5 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre Wed, Jul 8 – Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater Thu, Jul 9 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Thu, Aug 6 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre Sat, Aug 8 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre Sun, Aug 9 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre Tue, Aug 11 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre Thu, Aug 13 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl Fri, Aug 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center Sun, Aug 16 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center Tue, Aug 18 – Austin, TX – Moody Center Fri, Aug 21 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sat, Aug 22 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center Wed, Aug 26 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater Thu, Aug 27 – Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater
Twilight Force have officially entered a new era, signing a worldwide record deal with Austrian metal label Napalm Records. The agreement locks in a major next step for the Swedish symphonic power metal band as they move forward with new material and bigger plans.
The partnership is being framed as a natural match built on shared respect, and it comes with fresh music right away. To mark the occasion, Twilight Force have released a new single, “Magic Of A New Dawn”, giving fans the first taste of what’s ahead.
“Magic Of A New Dawn” leans fully into the band’s trademark cinematic power metal sound, aiming for sweeping melodies, fantasy-driven themes, and a sense of forward momentum.
Twilight Force comments on the signing: “Brave knights, rejoice and revel! A new dawn is upon us! Twilight Force is proud and elated to announce that a new and mighty covenant has been sealed! Together with the indomitable Napalm Records, we shall brave new quests and journey into a bright and exhilarating tomorrow!”
Label representative Sebastian Münch also spoke on the signing, highlighting the band’s global reach and distinct style: “Napalm Records is thrilled to officially welcome Twilight Force to the label roster! Known for their epic symphonic power metal, rich fantasy worlds, and unique adventure metal style, Twilight Force have captured the hearts of metal fans around the globe. We’re excited to work together to bring their heroic sound and legendary stories to an even bigger audience.”
Band member Blackwald offered a deeper look into the meaning behind “Magic Of A New Dawn”: “Life is like a magic tome; filled with mystery, marvels, wisdom, and unforeseen events. Trials and tribulations sometimes appear when least expected, but whenever gloom and hardships arise in your path; remember that there is always hope and magic. Follow your destiny with persistence, steadfastness, and courage. The prophecies shall guide you to glory, and the Power of the Ancient Force will be with you, always!”
Over the years, Twilight Force have built a strong reputation as one of the defining names in modern symphonic power metal, known for combining high-level musicianship with full fantasy immersion.
The group’s origins trace back to 2007, formed with the goal of reviving the classic spirit of epic symphonic power metal while also carving out their own world. Since then, they’ve expanded far beyond that initial vision, growing into something unique within the genre.
Their approach remains rooted in sweeping orchestration, fast-paced performances, and storytelling that pulls listeners into their mythical universe.
With Napalm Records now behind them and “Magic Of A New Dawn” setting the stage, Twilight Force look ready to push their adventure metal vision even further.
Dethklok has confirmed a new batch of spring headline shows, bringing their full-scale live production to a handful of cities across the West Coast and Midwest. For fans who want the full Dethklok experience in a standalone setting, these dates offer a rare chance outside of the band’s upcoming co-headlining run with Amon Amarth.
The tour is being promoted by Live Nation and begins in April 26th. The opening night lands in Chicago at the Aragon Ballroom, with more major stops following before wrapping up on May 28th at Observatory North Park in San Diego, California.
Tickets will first be available starting with a Citi presale (more details here) beginning on Tuesday, February 17 at 10 a.m. PST, followed by an artist presale beginning Tuesday, February 17 at 11 a.m. PST here (code: BRUTAL). Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. local time here.
This spring run is shaping up as a must-see for metal fans looking to catch Dethklok at full force in a true headline environment.
Dethklok 2026 Solo Headline Tour Dates:
April 26 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom May 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium May 25 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre May 26 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater May 28 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
Twice-Grammy-nominated artist Poppy has officially revealed plans for her upcoming “Constantly Nowhere” North American tour, bringing her latest era directly to metal and hard rock fans across the continent. The Live Nation-promoted run will feature support from French metalcore force Landmvrks and post-hardcore outfit Thousand Below.
Tickets are first available with a Citi presale beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time tomorrow, February 18. All presales end at 11:59 p.m. local time on Thursday, February 19. General on-sale tickets are available on Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. local time. For complete presale details visit here.
The tour announcement arrives right after the buildup surrounding Poppy’s seventh studio record, Empty Hands. The album explores a wide sonic range, pulling from industrial textures, pop hooks, and the surreal edge that has become part of her signature.
The record reflects Poppy’s ability to shift between genres while keeping her sound unmistakably her own. The LP draws from eclectic influences, with industrial elements, pop sensibilities, and moments that call back to Poppy‘s surrealist roots with her signature uncanny, machine-like voice. The Constantly Nowhere tour brings the album to the stage for the first time.
Before hitting the U.S. and Canada, Poppy will first take the tour overseas, playing dates in Australia and Europe. Once the North American leg begins, fans can expect stops in some of the biggest markets on the map.
With Landmvrks and Thousand Below rounding out the bill, this run is shaping up to be one of the more stacked heavy tours of the season — and the first real chance to hear Empty Hands come alive in a full live setting.
Get ready for EddFest: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience what constitutes IronMaiden’s idea of a fun-filled 48 hours of entertainment, themed areas and bars, experiences, live music, and more. Inside EddFest, fans will be able to explore the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience, a walk-through display of stage props and relics, inspired by the Sunday Times Bestseller book Infinite Dreams. This is an unprecedented and completely unique opportunity to view Maiden relics up close and personal.
Fans will also encounter Maidenville, where you will find the greatest Eddie’s Dive Bar yet, a second stage for music and entertainment, the Unfair Funfair featuring rides and Eddie-themed Funfair Games, plus Eddie’s Emporium and much more to explore throughout the site.
Friday night campers will be able to gain early access to the site and experiences, including first access to the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience. There will also be a whole evening of entertainment planned on the Maidenville stage featuring a mix of special acts with a connection to Maiden. This is all topped off with the previously announced main stage on the Saturday, featuring an exceptional supporting line-up, ahead of Iron Maiden’s show-stopping Run For Your Lives performance.
Manager Rod Smallwood explains, “After the monumental shows in the UK last year, we knew that if we were going to play the UK in 2026, it had to be very different. So we chose Knebworth Park as it gives us the space required, which is just not available in stadiums, to put together something groundbreaking for our fans by creating a Maiden World for them. We are excited to now reveal the details of this one-off event to celebrate the band’s 50-year career, which we are now calling EddFest, because, as everyone knows, Eddie is the true star of the show!”
“We also know Maiden fans are basically a huge gang, and we want to give them a weekend to remember at Knebworth. For the last couple of tours, we have been arranging the Eddie Dive Bars for our fans, both pre- and post-show. Some of these took over the entire centres of towns with thousands of fans gathered there enjoying the fun, the music, and each other’s company. So EddFest is going to expand on that concept in a huge variety of ways, to create a truly unmissable Maiden World over the whole weekend!”
“There will be a whole host of great music, great beer (of course!), lots of exciting and varied fun things to do, great souvenirs and merch, some unique and fantastic photo opportunities to create unbeatable Maiden memories, and of course, the true camaraderie that comes from being a Maiden fan.”
Kilimanjaro promoters Stuart Galbraith and Alan Day, the creators of Sonisphere, add, “Maiden have a different view on how they want to do things for their fans than most bands. We previously worked with them at Sonisphere, and when they explained what they wanted to do for this show, we were hooked. It will be a unique event. A celebration of the Eddie-verse if you will: a curated Friday afternoon, night, and all day Saturday, finishing with the last UK show Maiden will play until at least 2028!”
“Creating something like that, which will include a once-in-a-lifetime Infinite Dreams museum experience, featuring a wide range of rarely-seen memorabilia from throughout their history, a Maiden-themed fun fair, the biggest Eddie’s Dive Bar ever with some extra special additions and surprises, plus the ability to camp, glamp or park a motorhome on site for the Friday and Saturday night show in a specially created ‘village’ space with Maiden Alumni, friends and our perfect partners, Planet Rock – well it was a chance not to be missed!”
The EddFest Festival starts from 2 pm on Friday, with camping included for both nights. Various parts of the Maidenville site will be open to weekend campers throughout Friday afternoon and into the early hours of Saturday morning, including the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience.
Friday Night at EddFest is all about fun before the big day. The campsite comes alive with direct access to the heart of Maidenville, and the entertainment is a blend of bands and artists with connections to Maiden – some obscure, some as clear as daylight, but they all have something in common and deserve to be a part of the opening night celebration.
Friday Night on the Maidenville second stage will feature full sets from:
Stray
Maiden United
Airforce
Tony Moore’s Awake
Hair Metal Glamageddon
Saturday sees the opening of the Main Arena, which includes Eddie’s Extended Emporium, the Trooper VIP area, and a range of interactive experiences. These will act as hors d’oeuvres for the curated Main Stage festival live bill, starting with back, better than ever British rockers The Almighty.
Australia’s festival-ready Airbourne follows, before the thrilling Mongolian metal of The Hu rings out across Knebworth’s hallowed park. As we move into the evening, The Darkness will take to the stage for a barnstorming set before Iron Maiden deliver a historic performance – the ultimate communal experience between the band and their fans set in the heart of this one-off Maiden World.
EddFest is going to be a truly exceptional weekend for each and every Maiden fan in attendance – an unforgettable chance to be part of a fully themed Festival experience, celebrating Iron Maiden’s spectacular fifty-year career… and the last chance to see them in the UK until at least 2028.
For further details, to purchase tickets and to stay updated on all things to do with Iron Maiden at Knebworth, including FAQs & timing,s make sure you check out the dedicated sitehere
Camping tickets are separate from event tickets and can be purchased in parallel.
