Iron Maiden secretly prepare for world tour in Split

Iron Maiden/Split

One of the world’s biggest heavy metal bands, Iron Maiden, spent 20 days in secret rehearsals in the Croatian coastal city of Split as they prepared for their latest world tour, which kicked off recently in Budapest.

The legendary group chose Split as their base for tour preparations, rehearsing at Dvorana Lora near Poljud Stadium, HRT reports.

The decision to swap Paris for Split was made three years ago, and the band has since made the Dalmatian city their preferred location when preparing for European and Asian tours.

Frontman Bruce Dickinson, a passionate fencer as well as a rock icon, trained daily while in Split — arriving to practice by bicycle, without security, and often greeted by fans at the entrance.

“We love coming here. It’s a beautiful place. No one even knows we’re here — until now,” Bruce tells HRT with a smile.

“People are very friendly, the weather is great, and the food is excellent. It’s a fantastic place to rehearse.”

The singer is also an active member of the Split Fencing Club, having joined during one of his earlier visits. Club president and coach Dino Šourek recalls being told that a “star” was arriving in secret.

“Ivica Kovačević, a collaborator with the band, called me saying someone famous was coming discreetly. At first, there were bodyguards checking the place. But by his second visit, Bruce came alone. He’s now completely at home here,” Šourek explained.

The Mediterranean lifestyle clearly suits Dickinson and the band. When not rehearsing or training, their days include walks, fishing, cooking, and enjoying Split like locals.

“What I do on stage is very physically demanding, so I have to stay in shape. Fencing is perfect for that — lots of quick, start-stop movements, which are difficult but very similar to performing live,” Bruce added.

At the fencing club, Bruce is known not just as a celebrity, but as a dedicated athlete. The club recently won 18 medals at the Croatian Championships across all categories and boasts national champion Lara Mikelić among its members.

“This is a great club. I love training here. It’s serious training, but the atmosphere is friendly. We have four pistes, and because the club isn’t too big, everyone gets a chance to spar. It’s really a good place to train,” Bruce said.

Coach Dino added that there was even a chance Bruce might compete under the club’s name.

“There was talk of hosting the national championships in Split, and Bruce would have competed with our team. If it happens next year, he’s in. His training routine is intense — after rehearsal in Lora, he does two hours of private training, lifts weights, and spars with younger members. Even top athletes aren’t used to such a pace.”

Over the next two months, Iron Maiden will play 30 shows across Europe, before heading on to the American leg of the tour.