HALESTORM Drummer Arejay Hale Reflects on European Tour with IRON MAIDEN
A Memorable Experience
During a recent episode of The DJ Force X podcast, Arejay Hale, drummer of HALESTORM, spoke candidly about his band’s upcoming European tour in May and June 2025, where they will support the legendary British heavy metal band IRON MAIDEN. Arejay expressed his initial uncertainties about touring with such an iconic band, mentioning the common concern of “treadmill touring,” where opening acts often fail to gain new fans due to the audience’s singular focus on the headliner.
Unexpected Reception
To Arejay’s surprise, the response from the IRON MAIDEN audience was overwhelmingly positive. He shared that many fans approached them during their meet-and-greets on their November 2025 U.K. headlining tour, expressing that they were introduced to HALESTORM through their opening performance. Arejay noted, “We’re like, hell yeah, we’ll poach some of those fans, we’ll steal some.” He attributed this warm reception to the enduring relevance of IRON MAIDEN in Europe, where their merchandise is prevalent and their fan base spans a wide age range.
The Cultural Divide
Arejay highlighted the stark contrast in the perception of IRON MAIDEN between Europe and the United States. In Europe, the band retains a vibrant lifestyle status, while in the U.S., they might be viewed as more of a nostalgia act. The drummer remarked on the diversity of fans attending the shows, from older generations to younger audiences, which was also noted by the members of IRON MAIDEN themselves.
HALESTORM’s Acclaimed History
HALESTORM has built a formidable reputation in the rock scene, with multiple platinum and gold certifications from the RIAA. They have headlined sold-out shows globally and shared stages with music icons like HEAVEN & HELL, Alice Cooper, and JUDAS PRIEST. Frontwoman Lzzy Hale has also made history as the first female brand ambassador for Gibson and hosted AXS TV’s “A Year In Music.”
A Grammy-Winning Legacy
The band’s breakout single, “Love Bites (So Do I),” won a Grammy Award in 2012 for “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.” In 2019, HALESTORM received another Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Performance” for their song “Uncomfortable.”
Latest Album and New Singles
HALESTORM collaborated with producer Dave Cobb on their latest album, “Everest,” following three successful records with Nick Raskulinecz. In November 2025, they released a two-track bundle featuring the reflective ballad “How Will You Remember Me?” and the sultry tribute “Like A Woman Can,” both recorded live during their “nEVEREST” tour. The tracks feature orchestration by Finnish symphonic metallers APOCALYPTICA.
Critical Acclaim for “Everest”
The album received four-star ratings from multiple outlets, with The Times praising its “fantastical appeal.” Similarly, The Daily Star highlighted HALESTORM’s upcoming tour, noting that “every track here is sure to get phones out en masse.”
Success on the IRON MAIDEN Tour
Following their stint with IRON MAIDEN, HALESTORM had the privilege of performing at BLACK SABBATH’s “Back To The Beginning,” marking Ozzy Osbourne’s final show. Their ability to warm up an IRON MAIDEN crowd was lauded by U.K.’s Metal Hammer, emphasizing Lzzy Hale’s remarkable vocal prowess and the band’s confident new material from “Everest.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between HALESTORM and IRON MAIDEN has not only expanded HALESTORM’s fan base but also showcased their ability to connect with audiences across generations. As they continue to evolve and produce new music, the band’s journey remains an exciting one for rock enthusiasts worldwide.
FAQs
When will HALESTORM be touring in Europe with IRON MAIDEN?
HALESTORM will be touring in Europe as the support act for IRON MAIDEN in May and June 2025.
What is HALESTORM’s latest album?
HALESTORM’s latest album is titled “Everest,” which features new singles and has received critical acclaim.
Has HALESTORM won any Grammy Awards?
Yes, HALESTORM won a Grammy Award in 2012 for “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance” for their song “Love Bites (So Do I).” They were also nominated for another Grammy in 2019.
What are the themes of the new singles released by HALESTORM?
The new singles “How Will You Remember Me?” and “Like A Woman Can” explore themes of reflection and bisexuality, respectively.
