IRON MAIDEN WITHDRAW NAME FROM VODAFONE AWARDS!!

IRON MAIDEN have taken their name out of the running for this year's (08) Vodafone Live Music Awards. The British rockers were nominated for Best Live Return for their recent gig at England's Twickenham Stadium when the contenders were announced last week (01Aug08). But the band refuse to partake in the awards in that category, because they don't feel that they've been absent from the live circuit for that long.

A statement released by their publicist on Thursday (07Aug08) reads: "Iron Maiden today advised that they do not wish to be featured in this year's Vodafone Live Music Awards category for Best Live Return. "Although nominated in this year's category for Best Live Return following their triumphant recent show at Twickenham Stadium, they felt that since they have always toured regularly throughout their careers it would not be at all appropriate for them to be included for an award for a Best Live Return." The awards will take place at London's Brixton Academy on 18 September (08).