'Early' Iron Maiden for Reading/Leeds

United Kingdom | | 19 March 2005

Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson has revealed the band will only be playing material from their first four albums at the Carling Reading/Leeds Festival to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Iron Maiden are set to headline Reading for the first time since 1982, however their stage set and choice of material may be familiar to fans who were there the first time around.

The band will only be playing material from their first four albums and the stage set will also reflect the early years of their live shows.

Singer Bruce Dickinson told Metal Hammer magazine: "This will be back to the full on metal spectacular. We've always put everything, physically and mentally, into our stage shows and this will be no exception. People are back and into real live music now and we want to make sure that the Maiden shows are never surpassed and an incredable experience for everyone there!"

It is believed Iron Maiden will close Reading Festival on the Sunday after playing at Leeds on the Saturday night. It should be confirmed on Monday night at the launch of both festivals. Foo Fighters and Pixies are believed to be the other two headliners.

Reading Festival 2005 takes place at Little Johns Farm, Reading, while Leeds Festival 2005 happens at Bramham Park, Leeds, both from 26-28 August.