Iron Maiden has announced the first of what expects to be a long string of tour dates in support of the just released, smash hit album Book of Souls (Parlophone). Announcing dates for New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, more date are are soon to be revealed. The band has confirmed previously that a tour of the US will begin in late February. So far all dates will feature The Raven Age in the direct support slot, the band led by Steve Harris’s son George Harris.

Front man Bruce Dickinson has commented on getting Maiden back on the road:

“We cannot wait to get back out on tour.

“When we start in the USA in late February, it will be 19 months since our last show at Sonisphere in the U.K., so we are raring to go.

“Maiden thrive on touring and getting out to our fans, it’s what we do best, so it will be a great feeling to board our new Jumbo Ed Force One with the crew and the gear and head round the globe and get back on stage for you guys.

“We haven’t played in AU and NZ for a number of years, so it will be a pleasure to play for our Antipodean cousins again, irrespective of who wins the dates with destiny at Twickenham in a few weeks’ time!

“Of course, 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 favorites 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.”

Tickets go on sale at noon local time on September, 24th.

Iron Maiden Tour Dates with The Raven Age:

Apr 29 : Christchurch Horncastle Arena, NZ
May 01 : Aucklane Vector Arena, NZ
May 04 : Brisbane Entertainment Centre,
May 06 : Sydney Allphones Arena, AU
May 09 : Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, AU
May 12 : Adelaide Entertainment Centre, AU
May 14 : Perth Arena, AU
May 18 : Cape Town at the Grand Arena, SAF
May 21 : Johannesburg Carnival City Festival Lawns, SAF