Iron Maiden announce “unrestricted” new documentary film – including final Paul Di’Anno interview
Iron Maiden are set to release a new documentary film which includes the final interview from former frontman Paul Di’Anno. Find out the details below.
The new film is made in collaboration with Universal Pictures Content Group, and is set to arrive later this year to mark 50 years since the iconic metal band first formed.
According to a new description, the feature-length documentary is set to be an emotive journey through the band’s history. It is also set to tell the story of their music and legacy through the perspective of both the fans and the band members.
As well as including contributions from life-long fans, it also includes appearances from huge names who have been inspired by the band, including actor Javier Bardem, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and KISS’ Gene Simmons.
Rare archival footage and all-new animated sequences of the band’s legendary mascot, Eddie, are all included too, as well as the final interview with Paul Di’Anno. The band’s original vocalist sadly died last year, aged 66.
An official title and release date have not yet been shared, although it is predicted to arrive in the autumn. Malcolm Venville (Churchill At War) has been named as director, and production has come from Dominic Freeman (Spirits In The Forest – A Depeche Mode Film).
“We’re proud Universal Pictures Content Group has chosen to share the unique story of Iron Maiden with the world. We have given them unrestricted access to the band, our fans and musical peers,” said the band’s manager Ron Smallwood.
“We trust that they will excite not only music fans but also anyone who loves a story of an underdog beating the odds to become and remain one of Britain’s biggest musical exports since our first record released 45 years ago.”
Adding on how the film will explore the cultural movement Iron Maiden helped shape since their formation in 1975, Exec Producer Helen Parker added: “We’re thrilled Iron Maiden have entrusted us to bring their legacy to cinemas around the world. Working closely with the band and their passionate fans has been an unrivalled experience allowing us to tell their story in a unique way and celebrate their incomparable fearless creativity in their 50th anniversary year.”
Details about the release date and where it will be available to watch are set to be announced at a later date.
News of the new documentary film comes as Iron Maiden recently confirmed that they would also be celebrating five decades together by releasing a new visual book titled Infinite Dreams.
Set to arrive in autumn, it will be packed with previously-unseen images of the members, as well as photos of the band’s instruments, stage props, hand-written lyrics and archival artefacts. Also featured is a foreword by bassist Steve Harris and an afterword by frontman Bruce Dickinson.
Also in the pipeline, Iron Maiden are gearing up for their ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour, which is set to kick off in May. The tour will feature a special setlist containing only songs from their first nine studio albums, from their self-titled debut to ‘Fear Of The Dark’.
Since forming in London in 1975, the band have sold over 100million records globally and performed over 2,500 shows across six continents. Their latest album came in the form of 2021’s ‘Senjutsu’, which was given a four-star review from NME and described as “an instant classic in Iron Maiden’s 41-year journey.”
The post Iron Maiden announce “unrestricted” new documentary film – including final Paul Di’Anno interview appeared first on NME.
Liberty Dunworth
NME
