Iron Maiden has been forced to cancel its previously announced Japanese tour due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is sweeping the globe. The heavy metal legends announced the cancelation in a Facebook post earlier today. Maiden has already canceled their tour of Australia and New Zealand as the pandemic sweeps the globe and has turned the touring industry for bands to a standstill. The band is said to have completed a new album for release either in late 2020 or early 2021.

The band commented:

“We have been informed by our Japanese Promoter, Creativeman Productions that they are cancelling all their International Artists’ shows in Japan up to May 31. The Iron Maiden shows will therefore not be taking place in Tokyo on May 19 & 20, and in Osaka on May 22.

“Please see the full statement from the Promoter below. We send our best wishes to the people of Japan and to all our fans there.”

Creativeman Productions’ statement reads as follows: “Announcement about all international Artists’ shows scheduled up until May 31st 2020.

“Amid COVID-19 outbreak, all international artists’ shows scheduled up until May 31st 2020 will be either cancelled or postponed.

“Some of the tours during April through May period that have not been officially announced the status yet, will still not happen during the said period. And for those without status, we will soon be able to announce whether it it’s cancelled or postponed. We are in discussion right now, and we apologize for the inconvenience caused. In any case, please hold on to your tickets, as you will need them for refund.

“Our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

“Please be safe and stay alert.”