Heavy metal stars diverted in emergency

Rock band Iron Maiden’s flight was diverted as they headed to Japan to play a pair of shows in Tokyo.

The British band had flown in from Seoul in South Korea, where they played a concert the previous night. At least one of their planned gigs at Saitama Super Arena has now been cancelled as the venue undergoes safety checks.

The six-piece band were aboard their specially-chartered “Ed Force One” Boeing 757 when they were told to fly to another major Japanese city, Nagoya, which is 167 miles to the west.

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Frontman Bruce Dickinson, a qualified pilot, often flies the band during their tours, but it is not known if he was in control during this leg of the journey.

A message posted on the band’s website said yesterday: “Ed Force One, heading to Tokyo for shows this weekend, was diverted to Nagoya and the band and crew are safe.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected.”

The band were playing the shows as part of their Final Frontier World Tour, with support from two other British bands, Bullet For My Valentine and Rise To Remain.

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