Iron Maiden Adds Blaze Bayley, Gypsys Kiss to EddFest

Iron Maiden has expanded its lineup for EddFest, the band's 50th anniversary festival, with the addition of former frontman Blaze Bayley as Friday headliner and Steve Harris's early band Gypsys Kiss to the bill, organizers announced this week. The two-day event is set for July 10 and 11 at Knebworth Park in Knebworth, England, marking a comprehensive celebration of the heavy metal icons' legacy.

Bayley, who led Iron Maiden from 1994 to 1999 and contributed vocals to the albums The X Factor in 1995 and Virtual XI in 1998, will headline the Maidenville stage on Friday evening. His set will feature songs from those records, many of which he co-wrote with Harris, the band's founder and bassist. "I'm so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EddFest, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden," Bayley said in a statement. "I am so proud of my two albums with the band and I'm really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can't wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth!"

Gypsys Kiss, formed by Harris in 1974 alongside singer-guitarist David Smith just before he launched Iron Maiden the following year, will also perform on the...