In a new video update, Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson promised fans "a setlist for the ages" for their band's 2025/2026 tour. Deep cuts will be exhumed, including tracks the iconic Brits have never performed live before.
There's actually more than 40 songs Iron Maiden have never brought to the stage, so we've wrangled the 10 very best that Maiden should consider adding to their upcoming setlist.
Gangland
Over 40 years since The Number of the Beast came out and Iron Maiden have still never played "Gangland" live. It's the most rip-roaring cut on the legendary album, and the only crime "Gangland" has committed was being sandwiched between "Run to the Hills" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name" on one of the greatest side two's in metal history. This would bring the energy in any arena on Earth.
Sun and Steel
Unreal that this song has never been played live. From the powerhouse Piece of Mind album and written about Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest swordsman to ever live, "Sun and Steel" is an infectious Maiden classic. Iron Maiden didn't even bust out this song during the Senjutsu tour cycle. Missed opportunity!
Deja-Vu
This song is so underrated… and it's a Dave Murray cut! Can you imagine tens of thousands of people screaming, "Feel like I've been here before! Feel like I've been here before!" right before that massive, melodic guitar lead chimes back in? Those pummeling drums during the song's bridge would be incredible live too.
The Prophecy
Wild that "The Prophecy" didn't even get played on the Maiden England tour. Yes, Iron Maiden were essentially recreating the iconic 1988 Seventh Tour of a Seventh Tour setlist, but this song's only four minutes without the chiming outro. But that's not even the biggest Seventh Son snub in Maiden's history.
Only the Good Die Young
What Maiden fan on Eddie's green earth wouldn't want to hear "Only the Good Die Young"… the closing track to Iron Maiden's most epic album!!! Is it wrong to assume Maiden fans would rather hear this than "Moonchild" or "Infinite Dreams"? The good news is Steve Harris wants to play this one live, so we've got a decent shot of Iron Maiden dusting this classic off.
Fates Warning
No Prayer for the Dying was Maiden's first semi-dud of an album, but "Fates Warning" wouldn't know anything about that. It's a solid mid-tempo Maiden cut with beautiful guitar work and soaring verses from Bruce Dickinson. Maiden used to play "Public Enema Number One" live for fuck's sake… at least give this track a little nod.
Judas Be My Guide
Judas my guiiiiiiiiiiiide!!! Listen, this is a top-tier Maiden song and that's a fucking fact. Incredible guitar intro, fierce vocals from Bruce, anthemic sing-along chorus, kingmaking solos… what else do you want? If this song had been on Piece of Mind, it'd still be part of the album's better half. Start glazing this song immediately!
The Thin Line Between Love and Hate
It's a long-ass song, but there are zero boring seconds in this eight-and-a-half minute Brave New World closer. "The Thin Line Between Love and Hate" showcases a revitalized Bruce Dickinson moreso than any other Brave New World track — he just soars on the track's chorus. It'd be chill-inducing to hear this live.
Starblind
The Final Frontier, by far, is Iron Maiden's most under-appreciated album. Nothing but god damn fire from "El Dorado" onward. For a song so deep into the album, "Starblind" is so lyrically awesome, and Bruce sings his ass off for damn near eight minutes. "Take my eyes for what I've seen / I will give my sight to you." That line hits so hard every time. It may damn near kill Bruce each night, but let's give "Starblind" a shot.
Empire of the Clouds
C'mon, 18 minutes isn't too long! One of the all-time Maiden epics, "Empire of the Clouds" would be the ultimate experience for any superfan of the British legends. If Iron Maiden could somehow tell the story of the R101 airship with their godlike production, it'd be a new level unlocked entirely. Let's do it, boys!
