Iron Maiden has been nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! The announcement came on Wednesday, February 25. This is the band’s third time on the ballot since they became eligible in 2004. They are the only metal band among the 17 nominees for the 2026 class.
Other nominees include The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, INXS, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, P!nk, and Sade. Ten of these nominees are making their first appearance on the ballot. This year, Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, P!nk, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan are all debuting.
To be eligible for the Hall, artists must wait 25 years after releasing their first commercial recording. Over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals will vote on this year’s nominees. The Hall honors both current and former band members. If inducted, Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, and Janick Gers will be recognized, along with former guitarist Dennis Stratton, ex-vocalist Paul Di’Anno, and past drummers Nicko McBrain and Clive Burr.
Iron Maiden has been nominated before, in 2021 and 2023, but they have not yet been inducted. Many iconic hard rock and metal bands, like Motörhead, are still outside the Hall. In contrast, Guns N’ Roses were inducted in their first year of eligibility.
Fans can vote for Iron Maiden, and the Class of 2026 will be celebrated this fall. If you want to see Iron Maiden live, catch them on their Run for Your Lives World Tour this year!
