ANTHRAX to Open for IRON MAIDEN at Sofia Concert on May 26, 2026

Following the exciting announcement of IRON MAIDEN’s return to Bulgaria with their historic Run For Your Lives tour, another major update elevates the event: legendary thrash metal icons Anthrax will join as special guests for the concert at National Stadium “Vasil Levski” on May 26, 2026.

This makes the Sofia show one of the strongest metal events of 2026, bringing together two of the most influential names in heavy music history on one stage. Anthrax, a cornerstone of global thrash metal and part of the legendary “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, hail from New York and lead the East Coast thrash scene in the U.S. The signature guitar style of Scott Ian, combined with the powerful, instantly recognizable drumming of Charlie Benante – who last performed in Bulgaria with Pantera – defines the band’s distinctive sound and ensures Anthrax remain a defining force in the genre.

IRON MAIDEN have announced that their Run For Your Lives tour, celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary, will feature a setlist focused on the key early years of their career, presented in the most spectacular show they have ever staged. Tickets for the concert are available through Ticket Station, and demand has been tremendous since day one. The addition of Anthrax as special guests makes the Sofia concert an even more anticipated and powerful event for metal fans.

For updates and more information, follow the event page, festteam.bg, ticketstation.bg, and social media channels.