Blaze Bayley Added to EDDFEST

1 April 2026 rocknews

Blaze Bayley to Headline Friday Night at Iron Maiden’s EDDFEST 2026 + Gypsy’s Kiss Confirmed

Iron Maiden’s highly anticipated EDDFEST weekend this summer has just become even more special with the announcement that Blaze Bayley – who fronted the band from 1994 to 1999 – will headline Friday night on the Maidenville stage.

This is the latest addition to the all-encompassing celebration of Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary, taking place on the iconic Knebworth site.

Blaze said: “I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EDDFEST, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden. I am so proud of my two albums with the band and I’m really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can’t wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth!”

Fans can expect a powerful set featuring songs from The X Factor and Virtual XI, the albums Blaze recorded with Iron Maiden alongside founder Steve Harris.

Steve Harris has personally curated the entire Maidenville stage for Friday night and has also invited Gypsy’s Kiss – the band he formed in 1974 with singer/guitarist David Smith – to perform. Gypsy’s Kiss were Steve’s very first band and played a key role in the journey that led to the formation of Iron Maiden just one year later.

Steve Harris commented: “Having the opportunity to put together our very own festival at Knebworth, and celebrate 50 years of Iron Maiden, has given me a chance to bring together friends past and present and create a really special weekend for the fans.

I’m very pleased that Blaze is able to join us and perform some of the songs we wrote and recorded in the 90s. He has been a big part of Iron Maiden’s career and I know the fans will be really excited to see him on stage at EDDFEST. It’s also great to have Gypsy’s Kiss playing with us at Knebworth too. They were a big part of my musical heritage and it’s really exciting to have them play at the Maidenville stage.”

Friday Night – Maidenville Stage (Second Stage) Line-Up

Blaze Bayley (headliner)
Stray
Maiden United
Airforce
Gypsy’s Kiss
Tony Moore’s Awake
Hair Metal Glamageddon

Saturday Night – Main Stage Line-Up

Iron Maiden (headline – Run For Your Lives set)
The Darkness
The Hu
Airbourne
The Almighty

EDDFEST 2026 – What to Expect

EDDFEST is a once-in-a-lifetime, fully themed 48-hour celebration of Iron Maiden’s 50-year career. Fans will enjoy:

The Infinite Dreams Museum Experience – a unique walk-through display of stage props and relics
Themed bars, interactive experiences, Eddie’s Extended Emporium, the Unfair Funfair and more
Camping included for weekend ticket holders (Friday 2pm start)

Friday night is all about early access, the Maidenville stage and the full festival atmosphere before Saturday’s main arena opening.

This will be Iron Maiden’s last UK show until at least 2028 – making EDDFEST an unmissable event for every Maiden fan.

Tickets are on sale now via ironmaiden.knebworth.com, myticket.co.uk, ticketmaster.co.uk and ironmaiden.com. Camping tickets are available separately.

FAQs – Iron Maiden EDDFEST 2026

When and where is EDDFEST 2026? This summer at Knebworth (exact dates confirmed on the official site).

Who is headlining Friday night on the Maidenville stage? Blaze Bayley, with Gypsy’s Kiss also performing.

What is the full Friday Maidenville line-up? Blaze Bayley, Stray, Maiden United, Airforce, Gypsy’s Kiss, Tony Moore’s Awake + Hair Metal Glamageddon.

Who is headlining Saturday night on the main stage? Iron Maiden, with support from The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne and The Almighty.

Why is this event special for Steve Harris? It’s his personally curated celebration of Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary, featuring friends past and present including Blaze Bayley and his first-ever band Gypsy’s Kiss.

Are tickets still available? Yes – available now at ironmaiden.knebworth.com and major ticket retailers. Camping is sold separately.

Is this Iron Maiden’s last UK show for a while? Yes – their last UK performance until at least 2028.