Bring Iron Maiden To Townsville group pushes for local stadium show during tour

Seeing Townsville’s success in attracting P!nk, NQ’s black-shirted music fans are pushing for a local stadium show by heavy metal legends Iron Maiden.

Chris Irvine and Arik Anidjar (front) with Trish Irvine, Rebekah Bennett, Kylie Berry-Porter and Jess Gorman are part of the FB group Bring Iron Maiden To Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan

Emboldened by Townsville’s success in attracting popstar P!nk, a group of passionate music fans have their sights on attracting another marquee act to Queensland Country Bank Stadium – British heavy metal superstars, Iron Maiden.

Developing a passion for heavy metal early in life, thanks to the influence of their parents, Townsville couple Kylie and Arik Anidjar have been active in the local music scene over the decades, playing in bands, organising gigs, and supporting upcoming talent through their not-for-profit group Shed 3.

One of many black-shirted locals to regularly board a plane to see concerts and festivals in the capital cities, Ms Anidjar believes the time is right for Townsville to stamp itself on the map as a touring destination for international artists.

In the wake of Iron Maiden’s 2024 Australian tour announcement last week, she founded the Bring Iron Maiden To Townsville group on social media, which quickly gathered 374 members.

“We have no other option, if we want to see any (international) bands, you’ve got to travel for it,” Ms Anidjar said.

Iron Maiden ... the band has caused headbanging since 1975. Picture: John McMurtrie

“As you get older, everyone’s got kids, it’s harder to do it, so it would be good just to have it in Townsville, especially now that we’ve got that stadium.

“We’re getting better at the whole tourism thing. I would imagine if we had big acts like we do for P!nk, people from Mackay, the Tablelands, instead of catching a plane and going down to Brisbane, they would just drive to Townsville.”

Chris and Trish Irvine, Rebekah Bennett, Jess Gorman, Kylie Berry-Porter and Arik Anidjar are part of the FB group Bring Iron Maiden To Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan

She said the city had a history of attracting big acts, with Elton John playing twice, KISS locked in before a clash with the NRL Finals, and visits from heavy metal favourites including Guns N’ Roses, Korn, Fear Factory, and Parkway Drive.

“We talk to a lot of our friends and everyone wants the music scene to be happening in Townsville,” she said.

“If P!nk is coming here, for sure (Iron Maiden) would love it in North Queensland. It’s pretty special.”

The group has attracted the attention of TEG DAINTY president Paul Dainty, who was promoting the Iron Maiden tour.
“I am aware of the growing interest in Townsville for an Iron Maiden concert; keep showing your enthusiasm, I’ll explore the possibilities,” Mr Dainty said.

Iron Maiden's bassist Steve Harris (foreground) and singer Bruce Dickinson.

Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy, and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said they recently partnered with Townsville City Council for a community sentiment and future event demand study, which has and would continue to support event acquisition for the city.

“It’s always wonderful to see the community passionate about securing events into the city, however the city’s key stakeholders continue to evaluate opportunities based on a number of factors,” Ms Woolfe said.

Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson. Picture: JOHN McMURTRIE

“2024 will see Townsville’s biggest event calendar with P!nk in March and the Multisport World Championships in August, and of course our annual favourites.”

A spokesman for Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Government built Queensland Country Bank Stadium for its potential to grow North Queensland’s visitor economy.

“We know there are many passionate Iron Maiden fans in North Queensland and although we would love to see a Townsville date added to their Australian tour, Iron Maiden’s concert itinerary is a matter for the tour promoter,” the spokesman said.

A Townsville City Council spokesman said they were supportive of any major acts wishing to perform at our world-class Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“Since being built, it has seen the major events like Elton John, the State of Origin, Rugby Championships, Women’s State of Origin and more,” the spokesman said.

“Our city has proven time and again it knows how to stage major events and we are excited to prove that again when we welcome Pink to North Queensland.

“Townsville is the events, sports and arts capital of North Queensland and we look forward to being able to host more major events if the opportunity presents itself.”

Iron Maiden was approached for comment.

Originally published as Bring Iron Maiden To Townsville group pushes for local stadium show during tour