Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson turns captain for band's 2016 world tour

The London-based heavy metal band – consisting of Bruce, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain and Janick Gers – will take to the skies as they embark on the Book Of Souls tour next February.

Licensed pilot Bruce has been using a simulator as training at Cardiff Aviation, his aircraft maintenance facility in Wales, for a licence to fly the massive four-engine jet, nicknamed Queen of the Skies.

The aeroplane is almost twice the size and over three times the weight of the Boeing 757 used on Iron Maiden’s previous tours in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

“When the opportunity arose from my friends at Air Atlanta Icelandic to lease a 747 for The Book Of Souls world tour, of course we jumped at the chance, who wouldn’t?” the 57-year-old said.

“However, even though we have worked out the logistics of taking a plane of that immense size out on tour, I still have to learn to fly it before we can go anywhere! So, I’m currently doing my training to qualify as a pilot and captain on a Boeing 747.”

Bruce said the “greatest benefit” of travelling in a 747 is being able to transport all their equipment and crew.

“We’re all really excited at the thought of bringing our brand new tour to fans who have never seen us play live before, and of course re-visiting all our old friends again too. You can rest assured we are all working hard to put together a spectacular show for our fans,” he added.

Dates for the live shows, which will see the group covering six continents and stopping off in South America, Asia, Australia, South Africa and Europe, will be announced shortly.

The latest world tour, which will open in the US in late February and arrive in Europe in late May, follows the September 4 release of Iron Maiden’s 16th album The Book Of Souls, their first new music in five years.