The first trailer for the new Iron Maiden documentary film, Burning Ambition, has been released, and it features cameos from Jarvier Bardem, Tom Morello and more.
The upcoming film is set to arrive in cinemas worldwide in May, and will chart the impressive 50-year career of the heavy metal giants.
Directed by Malcolm Venville, it comprises footage of the band both on stage and behind the scenes over the years, as well as interviews with the members themselves. Other guest appearances come from their co-manager Rod Smallwood and famous fans.
The first teaser of the film has now been shared, and touches upon their rapid rise to global fame after starting out by “playing locally around the East end of London” and “picking up fans from the first gigs we did”.
It also makes a nod to the decision to replace original frontman Paul Di’Anno with Bruce Dickinson, who the band describe as the missing “piece of the puzzle”, and the ambitious plans that songwriter and bassist Steve Harris had for the group from the early days – “Steve had this vision, and if you interfered with that, you were not going to stay with this band.”
Guest appearances come from Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, and film star Javier Bardem, and later in the clip the band also outline the challenges that they have faced over the years, including the rise of Grunge, serious health issues, and the subsequent temptation to “pack it in completely”.
Burning Ambition is set for cinematic release on May 7. Tickets are on sale now, and you can find them here.
A synopsis of the film reads: “With unprecedented access to official band archives, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition charts five decades of one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Featuring interviews with the band and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich, and Chuck D, this electrifying film offers an intimate look at their uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their global army of fans”.
Since forming back in 1975, Iron Maiden have played almost 2,500 live shows worldwide, and released a total of 17 studio albums – their most recent being 2021’s ‘Senjutsu’.
The documentary film comes as the band continue their ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour, which will include the unique EddFest celebration in Knebworth Park on July 11. The event’s name is taken from the band’s famous mascot, Eddie, and comes almost two decades after they headlined an earlier iteration of the festival in Bangalore, India.
They also have some festival dates planned too, including a headline slot at Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky – joining other huge names including My Chemical Romance, Tool and Limp Bizkit on the line-up. Visit here for tickets to all of Iron Maiden’s upcoming shows.