Iron Maiden CONFIRM they’re headlining Download festival

A month ago they announced a 35-date tour and now Iron Maiden have been confirmed as the first headliners for next year's Download festival. The world is a great day to be in today.

The metal music veterans will close the event, which takes place from 10-12 June, at Donington Park, Leicestershire.

Posting on their Twitter, IM told their 1.3 million followers: "Double DOWNLOAD action! Paris on Friday June 10 then jetting across the channel for Donington on Sunday June 12. #DL2016."

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AND the Download gig is their ONLY appearance in the UK next year. Yes, sad but true.

Speaking of their highly anticipated appearance, the band's vocalist Bruce Dickinson said: "Download is a very special place for us. Not just because it’s always great to play on home turf but because there’s a truly unique vibe there. It’s the very heart of England and of metal, so a fitting place for Iron Maiden.

"We haven’t decided on the set list as yet and won’t until we start rehearsing but we really look forward to playing a number of new songs live, especially as the recording was so much live. However, as it’s been a while since we saw you all, I am sure we will include plenty of older fan favourites too.

"I think the fans will be delighted by what we have in mind. We are also in the middle of creating the new show and rest assured we are working hard to bring you all something spectacular, something with a lot of heart. You certainly deserve it for your patience."

Bruce is also a pilot and will be flying himself and the band from their *The Book Of Souls World Tour *to East Midlands airport to mark their sixth Download performance. A fricking pilot, jheez.

Their world tour follows the success of album, The Book of Souls, which debuted at NO. 1 in the UK and more than 40 other countries.

*Download festival ticket go on sale October 23 at 9am. *

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