The finalists on the ballot for the 2026 class of inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame were just announced, including the third nomination for heavy metal icons Iron Maiden. However, it remains to be seen if the iconic metal band will accept the honor if inducted.
For a band of Iron Maiden’s stature, having formed over 50 years ago and being such a pivotal part of the growth and development of heavy music for the past several decades, it is a nod well-earned.
One problem: Bruce Dickinson, the group’s legendary frontman, said in 2018 that he would refuse induction, following on with the scathing comment, “Rock and roll music does not belong in a mausoleum in Cleveland.”
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Prior to that, Dickinson also declared, “I actually think the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is an utter and complete load of bollocks, to be honest with you. … It’s run by a bunch of sanctimonious bloody Americans who wouldn’t know rock ‘n’ roll if it hit them in the face. They need to stop taking Prozac and start drinking fucking beer.”
Those quotes, taken roughly eight years ago, don’t seem to indicate a band, or at least one key member of it, particularly interested in joining the club, as it were. Perhaps things have changed in the intervening years? After all, fellow foundational heavy metal legends Judas Priest accepted their induction in 2022.
The inductees will be announced sometime in April, with a chance that the band won’t be given the opportunity to refuse the induction depending on how voting goes. It will be interesting to see if time has softened Dickinson’s heart regarding the institution or whether he and the band remain as rebellious and vital as ever.
While they wait to learn their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame fate, Iron Maiden are gearing up for the North American leg of their “Run for Your Lives World Tour,” featuring support from Megadeth and Anthrax. Tickets are available here.