Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson is going to fly the band around the world on a Boeing 747

Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson must be mad.

He's announced he will pilot a Boeing 747 on a 55,000-mile journey over six continents for the rockers 2016 world tour.

Frontman Bruce said: "When the opportunity arose from my friends at Air Atlanta Icelandic to lease a 747 for The Book of Souls World Tour, of course we jumped at the chance, who wouldn't?"

However, Bruce - who was declared cancer free earlier this year after a health scare - admitted he needs to learn to fly the huge aircraft before the band can take to the skies, as although he has a pilots license, it will be the biggest plane he has ever flown.

He explained: "Even though we have worked out the logistics of taking a plane of that immense size out on tour, I still have to learn to fly it before we can go anywhere! So, I'm currently doing my training to qualify as a pilot and Captain on a Boeing 747.  I'm doing this at Cardiff Aviation, my aircraft maintenance facility in Wales, where we recently took possession of a rather splendid 747 simulator which I can't wait to get practising on!"

The band will release their first album in five years, 'The Book of Souls' on September 4 and will begin releasing their exact tour dates soon after.

Listen Bruce, here's a thought - hire a pilot and put your feet up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F7A24f6gNc