Published: June 13, 2026
The NWOBHM veterans featuring former Iron Maiden drummer Doug Sampson revisit a classic Iron Maiden song with guest guitarist Dave Sullivan and support dates alongside Raven, Girlschool and Alcatrazz
AIRFORCE have signed with BraveWords Records and marked the announcement with the release of "Strange World", a new interpretation of the classic Iron Maiden song originally featured on the band's 1980 debut album.
The recording brings together several figures connected to Iron Maiden's early history, including former Iron Maiden drummer Doug Sampson, who is a member of Airforce, and former Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Sullivan, who appears as a guest musician on the track.
The release is accompanied by a music video inspired by the visual world associated with Iron Maiden's "Somewhere In Time" era, translating elements of the song into a narrative setting influenced by the artwork and imagery connected to that period of the band's history.
According to Airforce, the decision to record "Strange World" originated with bassist Tony Hatton, while guitarist Chop Pitman had long considered the song one of his favorite Iron Maiden recordings.
The connection to the material carries additional significance through drummer Doug Sampson, who performed on early Iron Maiden recordings during the "The Soundhouse Tapes" period before the band's rise to international success.
Rather than reproducing the original arrangement, Airforce adapted the song to fit the band's own style and sound while preserving the spirit of the composition.
The recording also incorporates an outro inspired by another early Iron Maiden song, "Remember Tomorrow", an idea developed during the production process and supported by both Steve Harris and Dave Sullivan.
The recording also serves as a tribute to late Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno.
According to the band, "Strange World" was played during Di'Anno's funeral and carries personal significance due to his previous collaborations with Airforce.
The band noted that Di'Anno had recorded with Airforce on more than one occasion and described the release as a tribute to their longtime friend.
The track features:
Lino — Vocals
Chop Pitman — Guitar
Doug Sampson — Drums
Tony Hatton — Bass
Special guest:
Dave Sullivan — Guitar
The song was produced by Jez Coad.
The accompanying video was created by Lee Heffron.
Prior to recording the song, Airforce consulted Steve Harris, who offered his support for the project and suggested inviting Dave Sullivan to participate in the recording.
The roots of Airforce extend back to the late 1970s when the group originally operated under the name EL-34.
Since adopting the Airforce name in 1986, the band has released two EPs, three studio albums and one live album while remaining associated with the legacy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement.
Over the years, Airforce have continued performing internationally, maintaining an active touring schedule and appearing throughout Europe and North America.
In the last five years alone, the band has performed more than one hundred concerts across more than twenty countries.
Airforce will join Raven, Girlschool and Alcatrazz for the Winter Metal Meltdown tour across the United Kingdom.
November 26 — Trecco Bay, South Wales — Planet Rockstock (Girlschool, Alcatrazz and Raven only)
November 27 — Southampton, England — The Brook
November 28 — Milton Keynes, England — The Craufurd Arms
November 29 — Newcastle, England — Digital Newcastle
December 1 — London, England — The Underworld
December 2 — Sheffield, England — Corporation
December 3 — Worthing, England — The Factory Live
December 4 — Hastings, England — Blackbox Hastings
December 5 — Manchester, England — Manchester Academy 3
December 6 — Bridgwater, England — The Palace Nightclub
AIRFORCE ARE
Lino — Vocals
Chop Pitman — Guitar & Vocals
Doug Sampson — Drums
Tony Hatton — Bass
While Airforce's history is closely linked to the early years of Iron Maiden through drummer Doug Sampson, the band has maintained its own identity within the NWOBHM tradition for decades.
The release of "Strange World" brings together several figures connected to Iron Maiden's formative years while revisiting a song that remains part of the band's earliest recorded catalogue. The participation of both Doug Sampson and Dave Sullivan adds another historical connection to the recording, linking multiple chapters of Iron Maiden's early development.
With "Strange World", Airforce revisit a song deeply connected to the early history of Iron Maiden while also honoring the memory of Paul Di'Anno. Released as the band's first project following its signing with BraveWords Records, the recording brings together musicians whose careers intersected during the formative years of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch the official music video for "Strange World" below.
