Ultimate heavy metal tribute act, The Iron Maidens have been forced to change venue for their debut London show on April 14 to the 02 Islington Academy as the Shepherds Bush Empire remains closed for further roof works, it has been reported.

Following the closure of O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in December 2015 and further inspections, structural engineers have advised that works to the roof structure will extend into April 2016. All shows will be moved to other venues in London or rescheduled as necessary.

The world’s only all-female Iron Maiden tribute band The Iron Maidens will now play their one-off London show at the O2 Islington Academy on April 14. Tickets for the Shepherd’s Bush Empire show are valid for the new venue

Singer Kirsten Chickinson said: ‘For years people have been asking when we’re coming to the UK so it feels almost surreal that it’s finally happening. To play London – the city where Iron Maiden actually began in 1975 – is thrilling and also daunting; I expect the ‘home’ fans to be the most discerning but we are definitely up for the challenge! To see where it all began, this is hallowed ground.”

Formed in 2001 in Southern California, the Iron Maidens have quickly established themselves as one of the most notorious tribute act in the US, progressively expanding their fame far and beyond America. They have conquered the attention of fans and fellow musicians with their musical prowess and electrifying live shows, including getting a nod from Steve Harris himself, as discussed in the upcoming issue of Iron Fist.

The band features Linda ‘Nikki McBURRain’ McDonald on drums (ex-Phantom Blue), Nikki ‘Davina Murray’ Stringfield (from Before The Mourning) and Courtney ‘Adriana Smith’ Cox (also of Queen Diamond) on guitars, Kirsten ‘Bruce Chickinson’ Rosenberg on vocals and Wanda ‘Steph Harris’ Ortiz on bass. While Iron Maiden’s latest album hits the stores, the Iron Maidens celebrate the recent release of their first full-length studio album, the first studio tribute CD to a band ever recorded entirely by one artist; the cover artwork featuring a female monster was designed by none other than Eddie’s creator Derek Riggs.

Tickets are available here