New Iron Maiden Doc Spotlights Eddie as Metallica, Public Enemy and Rock Icons Weigh In

Iron Maiden’s 50th-anniversary documentary Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition arrives in cinemas on May 7, and a newly released clip puts the spotlight on the band’s most enduring symbol: Eddie.

Directed by Malcolm Venville, the film combines archival footage with new interviews from the band and high-profile admirers, including Tom Morello and Javier Bardem. In the exclusive segment, artists from across rock and hip-hop break down why Eddie has remained central to Maiden’s identity for decades.

Public Enemy’s Chuck D describes the mascot’s cross-generational pull: “You could always lure a new head in with a character. Eddie’s a monument.” Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich echoes that point, calling Eddie one of hard rock’s most instantly recognizable images. Former Download Festival boss Andy Copping and KISS frontman Gene Simmons also appear, with Simmons praising Maiden’s understanding of how iconography builds lifelong fan connection.

The documentary also traces the band’s early club circuit in East London, the pivotal lineup change from Paul Di’Anno to Bruce Dickinson, and the pressures Maiden navigated through shifting trends, health setbacks, and internal moments where quitting was on the table.

The release lands as Iron Maiden continue their Run For Your Lives tour, including a major Knebworth Park headline on July 11 with support from The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne, and The Almighty. That show is part of the expanded EddFest weekender, which includes the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience and a July 10 bill featuring Stray, Maiden United, Airforce, Tony Moore’s Awake, and Hair Metal Glamageddon on the Maidenville Stage.

Manager Rod Smallwood said Knebworth was selected so the band could build what he called a “Maiden World” for fans. He added that the event’s name says it all: Eddie remains, in his words, “the true star of the show.”

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition opens in cinemas May 7.