Blaze Bayley and Gypsy's Kiss Join Iron Maiden 50th Anniversary EddFest Lineup at Knebworth

Iron Maiden has announced two additions to the lineup for its upcoming 50th anniversary EddFest.

The two-day festival is scheduled for July 10-11 at Knebworth, England. Former Iron Maiden lead singer Blaze Bayley will headline the Maidenville stage on Friday night. Bayley, who fronted the band from 1994 to 1999, sang on two Iron Maiden albums: "The X Factor" (1995) and "Virtual XI" (1998). He was recently added to Iron Maiden's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination ballot after initially being omitted.

"I'm so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EddFest, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden," Bayley said in a statement. "I am so proud of my two albums with the band and I'm really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can't wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth."

The second major addition to the lineup is Gypsy's Kiss, the first band formed by Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris in 1974 with singer and guitarist David Smith. Gypsy's Kiss will also perform on the Maidenville stage on Friday.

"Having the opportunity to put together our very own festival at Knebworth, and celebrate 50 years of Iron Maiden, has given me a chance to bring together friends past and present and create a really special weekend for the fans," Harris said in a statement.

"I'm very pleased that Blaze is able to join us and perform some of the songs we wrote and recorded in the '90s," Harris said. "He has been a big part of Iron Maiden's career, and I know the fans will be really excited to see him on stage at EddFest. It's also great to have Gypsy's Kiss playing with us at Knebworth too. They were a big part of my musical heritage and it's really exciting to have them play at the Maidenville stage."

Other performers scheduled for EddFest include the Hu, the Darkness, Airbourne, the Almighty and Iron Maiden, who will headline Saturday night.

Additional festival highlights include the Infinite Dreams Experience museum, the Maidenville fairground, Eddie's Mega Emporium merchandise area and performances from Maiden United (an acoustic Iron Maiden tribute band), Hair Metal Glamageddon and more.