ROCK legends Iron Maiden continue their hugely successful The Book of Souls World Tour into 2017 with a series of European arena shows, including Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on May 14.

The Book Of Souls World Tour opened in Florida, US, in February 2016, visiting 36 countries using their new 747 jumbo jet Ed Force One, piloted by Bruce, which flew band, crew and 22 tonnes of equipment over 61,500 miles (99,000 km) across six continents during the 72-date leg playing to around 1.5 million fans.

The Book Of Souls is Maiden’s first ever double studio album and their most successful chart-wise to date, debuting at the #1 spot in over 40 countries around the globe. www.ironmaiden.com Maiden founder member and bass player Steve Harris says: “As it’s been so long since our last full UK arena tour, we really wanted to get to our fans in as many cities as possible. The whole band is really enjoying this tour and although we love playing festivals and stadiums, it is terrific to return to the intimacy and atmosphere of arenas.

“The songs from The Book Of Souls album and the new Maya-themed Eddies and stage sets have gone down really well and fan reaction has been amazing. And of course we know our fans appreciate us playing a lot of the older songs too, which we will continue to do.”

  • Special Guests on all shows will be American arena headliners Shinedown www.shinedown.com
  • Iron Maiden, Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena, Sunday, May 14. Tickets £57.50/£49.50/£46 from www.livenation.co.uk