Ed Force One, Iron Maiden thrill fans at Auckland Airport

Iron Maiden's Ed Force One at Auckland Airport
Iron Maiden's Ed Force One at Auckland Airport

Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden landed in Auckland today in their very own jumbo jet after performing in Christchurch last night.

No other band on the planet travels in quite this style. The Ed Force One is a mighty Boeing 747-400 that carries the band, the crew and all their gear all over the world.

"This baby will get us anywhere we need to go; it's amazing. It's a squeeze. There's 20 tonnes of gear under this plane," says drummer Nicko McBrain.

Flight 666 touched down in Auckland this afternoon after thrilling South Island fans last night, and they've laid down a challenge for North Islanders.

"We hear that Auckland is louder than Christchurch but it's hard to believe that. Everyone will enjoy the show. It's big; it's loud; it's got plenty of action," says manager Rod Smallwood.

The plane is piloted by none other than Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson. The singer has recently beaten cancer, is a world-class fencer and a military veteran, which, along with the enormous plane, make his fans love him even more.

"He's the coolest guy in the world," one hardcore fan told Newshub after waiting at Auckland Airport to see Ed Force One in person.

And what does a super metal band do while waiting to perform in Auckland? Check out some super rugby, of course.

"The Kiwis and the Brits, we like to get together and beat the Aussies, so I'm Blues all the way," says Smallwood ahead of the Blues match against the Rebels tonight.

Iron Maiden's Vector Arena show tomorrow night is on its way to selling out. After that, Ed Force One takes the band to Australia.

Newshub.