Iron Maiden, finally named as a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee earlier this year after being repeatedly overlooked, will not attend the induction ceremony in Los Angeles. Although the band has a scheduling conflict — they are due to be touring Australia in November — members have confirmed they would have stayed away regardless, given frontman Bruce Dickinson's long-standing criticism of the institution. The story matters because it reflects the band's characteristically indifferent stance towards mainstream music honours.

In a new interview with Metal Hammer, bassist Steve Harris said the band would not turn the honour down, noting that awards are not why they make music, though he was "glad it's happened so the Americans will stop banging on about it". Dickinson said he could not "summon the energy to be vitriolic about it" and that the accolade was not something the band was bothered about, answering "No" when asked whether he would have attended even without the tour. Iron Maiden will play North America in August and September on their "Run for Your Lives Tour" with Megadeth and Anthrax.