MUMBAI: Nous Production in collaboration with DNA Networks will bring British metal band, Iron Maiden for the first time to Indian shores on 17 March.

Iron Maiden will perform in Bangalore at the Palace Grounds and will be the first major heavy metal band to perform in India. The show promises to bring in a massive western style stage production, for which they are air freighting almost 20 tons of backline equipment and special stage production for the show, informs an official release.

Says singer Bruce Dickinson, "To say we`re all really looking forward to coming to Bangalore soon is something of an understatement. It`s very special to us to be able play to new fans in countries we`ve never been to before, and we hear the Indian fans are very loud and into their metal. The whole trip will be an exciting adventure for us and we intend to enjoy every moment there. The fans should know that we are bringing the whole stage show we used in Europe and America and that Eddie will definitely be joining us! We are crafting a special set to include both songs from A Matter of Life and Death and a load of other favorites. It promises to be an absolutely amazing atmosphere playing outdoors in front of the palace and we much look forward to seeing you all in March"

A spokesman from DNA Networks explained, "As this is the first show ever in India to feature 3 supports acts in addition to an international headliner, it will be a very special occasion. As the setting is a beautiful open site in the palace grounds we thought the occasion should be marked with a special name and as such we are calling the event `Edd-Fest` and are confident that `Edd-Fest` will encourage more european bands in the future to join us and play here in India.

Also appearing on the Edd-Fest bill is Britain`s Lauren Harris, who opened for Maiden throughout the European and Japanese legs of their world tour. We are expecting Lauren to receive a lot of interest, and a female fronted rock band has never been seen before in India. Also included is Indian Rock band Parikrama , and xxxx who earned the right to appear by winning India`s Rock Idol contest. This is the first time that any domestic Indian rock act has had the opportunity to open for an international artist of Iron Maiden`s stature".

Published in India by Deep Emotions Publishing Iron Maiden`s new album, `A Matter of Life And Death` has reached number 2 on the Indian album charts after debuting at number 4, is the highest chart position in India ever for any rock act, adds the release.