Blaze Bayley, former lead vocalist of British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, will embark on a unique European tour this autumn where, for the first time ever, he will perform the entire The X Factor album live. The tour, scheduled for October and November 2025, includes an exclusive Swedish date: October 11 in Jönköping.
Joining Bayley on stage are long-time bandmates Christopher Appleton (lead guitar), Luke Appleton (bass), and Martin McNee (drums). The event marks a rare opportunity for Swedish fans to experience one of Iron Maiden’s most underrated albums performed live in full, with the original vocalist behind the microphone.
Released in October 1995, The X Factor introduced a darker, more cinematic sound to Iron Maiden’s catalogue and marked a new era for the band. The album features expansive tracks such as “Sign of the Cross,” “Lord of the Flies,” and “The Edge of Darkness,” and has since gained cult status among fans.
The Jönköping concert will also be the first time Bayley performs “The Unbeliever” and “Look for the Truth” live in Sweden. While songs like “Man on the Edge,” “Fortunes of War,” and “2 A.M.” have appeared in his solo shows over the years, others have been played rarely or not at all. “Look for the Truth,” for instance, has not been heard live since 2007, and “Edge of Darkness” was last performed in 2009.
Whether the three Japanese bonus tracks from the album—“Justice of the Peace,” “I Live My Way,” and “Judgement Day”—will be included in the setlist remains to be seen.
About The Author
