ADRIAN SMITH Says Official IRON MAIDEN Documentary Will Uncover ‘A Few Things That Have Never Come To Light Before’

IRON MAIDEN fans are in for a treat this spring with the release of the band’s much-anticipated feature documentary, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition. Speaking to Gastão Moreira of Brazil’s Kazagastão, guitarist Adrian Smith shared his thoughts after watching the film ahead of its limited theatrical release on May 7, 2026.

“Yeah, I have. And I really enjoyed it, which might sound funny, but when there’s something on a big screen about you, it can be a bit — you wanna hide behind the chairs,” Smith admitted, reflecting on the surreal experience of seeing himself and the band on the big screen (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “But I think it’s a good document of the band, and I think fans will enjoy it. There’s a few things in there that have never come to light before, and it goes into depth on a few things. So I think people are really gonna enjoy it.”

The documentary is just one piece of the band’s expanding legacy. Smith also discussed Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams – The Official Visual History, a hardcover book released worldwide in autumn 2025 that celebrates the first 50 years of the legendary heavy metal group. The book provides fans with a detailed look at the band’s evolution, featuring extensive contributions from members and management alike.

“I love some of the old photos,” Adrian said. “It’s almost like a different life back in the ’80s when I was in the band, a different person. But I love the stuff in it, like [MAIDEN founder] Steve Harris‘s diary, talking about getting just a couple of bucks to do a show and having to buy guitar strings and petrol and counting all the pennies. Stuff like that is priceless. It’s great that he’s kept that stuff.”

Smith also weighed in on the impact he and singer Bruce Dickinson had when they joined IRON MAIDEN. “I can’t really talk about myself, but Bruce definitely did, because as much as we love [former IRON MAIDEN singer] Paul [Di’Anno], I don’t think he had the same mindset as Bruce, the same determination to succeed, commitment. Bruce was all about commitment and professionalism, and he could sing night after night after night. And that’s what the band needed to do. They needed to go on the road — they needed to go on the road for six, eight months at a stretch. And that’s what rock bands have to do. No one’s gonna hand them success with, ‘Okay, we’ll play you on the radio. You’ll be stars.’ There’s none of that.”

Reflecting on his own contributions, Smith added: “As far as myself, yeah, I’ve, I’ve been a part of it. I think we all worked hard to get to another level. Maybe, hopefully my contributions, writing-wise, helped. A lot of the singles that we used, ‘Flight Of Icarus’ and ‘Wasted Years’ and stuff like that, were my ideas, my songs — ‘2 Minutes To Midnight’ — co-writes, really. So, I feel like I hopefully contributed in that way, or do contribute.”

The long-awaited documentary is an emotive journey through IRON MAIDEN‘s 50-year history told from the perspective of both the band and some of their most devoted followers — from longstanding superfans to established names from the worlds of film and music such as Spanish actor Javier Bardem, METALLICA‘s Lars Ulrich and KISS‘s Gene Simmons. The documentary will also feature exclusive interviews with pivotal band members including the final interview with former vocalist Paul Di’Anno, who sadly died in 2024.

The film showcases rare archival footage along with brand-new animated sequences featuring the band’s iconic mascot, Eddie, offering a distinct visual experience. It emphasizes IRON MAIDEN‘s far-reaching influence and the deep bond between the band and their global fanbase. Additionally, the documentary delves into the cultural movement shaped by IRON MAIDEN and their lasting impact on both music and fan culture, challenging traditional views on the broader importance of rock and heavy metal.