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"Burning Ambition" – Five Decades of Iron Maiden on the Big Screen
Iron Maiden On May 7, 2026, "Burning Ambition" – the first comprehensive Iron Maiden documentary – hits cinemas worldwide. Directed by Malcolm Venville (Churchill at War) and produced by Dominic Freeman (Spirits in the Forest – A Depeche Mode Film), with Trafalgar Releasing handling global theatrical distribution. Tickets go on sale March 18 at ironmaidenfilm.com.
Bardem, Ulrich, and Di'Anno's Final Words
What makes "Burning Ambition" truly special: alongside archive footage and animated Eddie sequences, the film features high-profile voices. Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich (Metallica), and Chuck D (Public Enemy) discuss the band's cultural impact. Most poignantly, the filmmakers captured the final interview with founding vocalist Paul Di'Anno, who passed away in October 2024. In it, he reflects on his time in Iron Maiden and his departure.
The active band members – Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, Janick Gers, and Nicko McBrain (who retired from touring in December 2024) – opted for audio-only interviews. Director Venville says this led to more intimate and revealing conversations. Manager Rod Smallwood also features in the film.
Live at Rock am Ring on June 7
The documentary's timing is perfect: Iron Maiden are currently on their "Run For Your Lives" 50th anniversary world tour – with new touring drummer Simon Dawson replacing Nicko McBrain. On June 7, 2026, they headline Rock am Ring. The setlist draws from their first nine studio albums and, according to Bruce Dickinson, includes "stuff we've never, ever done before."
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