Iron Maiden are once again on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot, and in 2026 they’re flying the metal flag alone.
After 22 years of eligibility, Iron Maiden has secured its third nomination, following previous attempts in 2021 and 2023, this time, they’re the only outright metal act among the 17 artists listed in the “Performer” category.
That’s a familiar position for Maiden, although respected globally, commercially bulletproof, they still seem to be treated like an outlier by certain corners of the industry. Third time lucky? Maybe. The Hall has overlooked them before.
Roll Hall of Fame 2026 list
This year’s full list of nominees reads like a genre spanning playlist:
The Black Crowes
Jeff Buckley
Mariah Carey
Phil Collins
Melissa Etheridge
Lauryn Hill
Billy Idol
INXS
Iron Maiden
Joy Division / New Order
New Edition
Oasis
Pink
Sade
Shakira
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan
Ten of those artists are first time nominees, eligibility kicks in 25 years after an artist’s first commercial release, and voting is handled by more than 1,200 artists, historians, and industry professionals.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chairman John Sykes described the ballot as proof of rock’s elasticity, stating (per Metal Sucks):
“This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of rock and roll and its continued impact on youth culture.”
If Maiden do finally break through, the Hall has indicated that both current and former members would be recognised: Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, Janick Gers, Dennis Stratton, Paul Di’Anno, Nicko McBrain, and Clive Burr.
For a band that built its empire on twin guitar leads, mythology, and global touring dominance, validation from Cleveland has never seemed essential, still for metal fans watching year after year, seeing Iron Maiden as the sole heavy act on the ballot feels telling.
Whether the Hall embraces them or not, Maiden’s legacy is already carved in steel.
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