Derek Riggs is an artist best known for his work creating Iron Maiden album covers, including their beloved mascot, Eddie. Now, Riggs has designed a benefit shirt intended to raise money for former Maiden vocalist, Paul Di'Anno, who has long suffered with health issues for many years.
The front illustration features Eddie holding an axe, with the caption "Axes High for Paul Di'Anno"—a riff on Iron Maiden's track "Aces High" from the 1984 Powerslave LP. Di'Anno's face is featured on the back, with two crossed axes underneath and "Axes Crossed Tour 2022" written around it. In a cool twist for all fans who contribute to the singer's mounting medical bills, buyers of the shirt will have their names printed below the design to look like actual tour dates. (Note: Name printing will be on a first come, first serve basis, and not all names may fit.)
Shirts will start shipping in September, and they're available in colors black, gray and white. The shirt will cost around $52 USD, including shipping. You can pre-order yours here.
Di'Anno had recently been living in Croatia, where he had been receiving treatments and preparing for a knee procedure. While Maiden was on tour, bassist Steve Harris reconnected with Di'Anno, and shortly after, the band arranged to help pay for the remaining treatment the singer needs.
Di'Anno originally sang for Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981, and performed on the band's first two albums. Di'Anno has since gone on to front a number of other bands, including his long-running and self-titled solo project. And of course, we wish Di'Anno all the best with his surgeries!
Meanwhile, you can catch Iron Maiden on the road this fall throughout North America. All confirmed dates are below.
w/ Trivium
9/11 – El Paso, TX, USA – Don Haskins Center [Tickets]
9/13 – Austin, TX, USA – Moody Center [Tickets]
9/15 – Tulsa, OK, USA – BOK Center [Tickets]
9/17 – Denver, CO, USA – Ball Arena [Tickets]
9/19 – Salt Lake City, UT, USA – USANA Amphitheatre [Tickets]
9/21 – Anaheim, CA, USA – Honda Center [Tickets]
9/25 – Chula Vista, CA, USA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre [Tickets]
9/27 – Concord, CA, USA – Concord Pavilion [Tickets]
9/29 – Seattle, WA, USA – Climate Pledge Arena [Tickets]
9/30 – Spokane, WA, USA – Spokane Arena [Tickets]
w/ Within Temptation
10/3 – Sioux Falls, SD, USA – Denny Sanford Premier Center [Tickets]
10/5 – Chicago, IL, USA – United Center [Tickets]
10/7 – Columbus, OH, USA – Nationwide Arena [Tickets]
10/9 – Detroit, MI, USA – Little Caesars Arena [Tickets]
10/11 – Toronto, ON, CANADA – Scotiabank Centre [Tickets]
10/12 – Hamilton, ON, CANADA – FirstOntario Centre [Tickets]
10/15 – Ottawa, ON, CANADA – Canadian Tire Centre [Tickets]
10/17 – Worcester, MA, USA – DCU Center [Tickets]
10/19 – Belmont Park, NY, USA – UBS Arena [Tickets]
10/21 – Newark, NJ, USA – Prudential Center [Tickets]
10/23 – Washington, DC, USA – Capital One Arena [Tickets]
10/25 – Greensboro, NC, USA – Greensboro Coliseum [Tickets]
10/27 – Tampa, FL, USA – Amalie Arena [Tickets]
