ROCK legends Iron Maiden return to Merseyside later this month as part of their world tour.

Their show at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on May 20 is part of their hugely successful The Book of Souls World Tour tour that has taken them to Germany for shows in Oberhausen, Frankfurt and Hamburg.

They have not played in Liverpool since 1990.

Founder member and bass player Steve Harris said: "As it's been so long since our last full UK arena tour, we really wanted to get to our fans in as many cities as possible.

"We're really looking forward to it, especially visiting places we haven't been to for a very long time like Leeds, where we haven't played since 2005, and Liverpool where we haven't played since 1990.

"The whole band is really enjoying this tour and although we love playing festivals and stadiums, it is terrific to return to the intimacy and atmosphere of arenas.

"The songs from The Book Of Souls album and the new Maya-themed Eddies and stage sets have gone down really well and fan reaction has been amazing.

"And of course we know our fans appreciate us playing a lot of the older songs too, which we will continue to do".

Special guests on the tour are American arena headliners Shinedown. 

Bandmember Zach Myers said: "Iron Maiden are the kings of metal and one of the greatest live bands of all time.

"It's an honour to be touring with them in Europe and in their home country and to play in front of their fans".

Tickets are from the box office on 0844 8000 400.