Iron Maiden have unveiled the first round of U.S. stops on the upcoming tour in support of their new album, The Book of Souls.

The announcement comes several weeks after the band revealed the first spate of dates on the tour, a run of spring shows scheduled for April and May in Australia and South Africa. Maiden members had previously suggested that they were likely to play in the United States earlier in the year, and that's now confirmed with the updated concert calendar.

The U.S. leg of the Book of Souls tour begins Feb. 24 in Fort Lauderdale, the first of nine currently announced dates that will send the band coast to coast between late February and mid-April. As concert announcements continue, as well as a “long-awaited return” to Japan and their first-ever shows in China.

"We cannot wait to get back out on tour," enthused vocalist Bruce Dickinson in a press release announcing the new shows. "Maiden thrive on touring and getting out to our fans, it's also what we enjoy the most. When we play in Fort Lauderdale, it will be 19 months since our last show at Sonisphere in the U.K., so we will be raring to go."

Pointing out that the band had "made more time" to visit parts of the country where they don't often have the opportunity to perform, Dickinson went on to add that although they don't have a set list in place yet, he's confident the tour will offer something for Maiden fans of all ages.

"We haven't decided on the set list as yet and won't until we start rehearsing, but we really look forward to playing a number of new songs live, especially as the recording was so much live. However, as it's been a while since we saw you all, I am sure we will include plenty of older fan favorites too. I think the fans will be delighted by what we have in mind. We are also in the middle of creating the new show, and rest assured we are working hard to bring you all something spectacular, something with a lot of heart!!! You certainly deserve it for your patience."

Check out the complete list of currently announced dates below, and visit Iron Maiden's official site for more details and ticketing information.

Iron Maiden 2016 Tour Dates
2/24 - Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
2/26 - Tulsa, Okla.
2/28 - Las Vegas, Nev.
3/30 - New York, N.Y.
4/05 - Detroit, Mich.
4/06 - Chicago, Ill.
4/11 - Tacoma, Wash.
4/13 - Denver, Colo.
4/15 - Los Angeles, Calif.
4/29 – Christchurch, New Zealand
5/01 – Auckland, New Zealand
5/04 – Brisbane, Australia
5/06 – Sydney, Australia
5/09 – Melbourne, Australia
5/12 – Adelaide, Australia
5/14 – Perth, Australia
5/18 – Cape Town, South Africa
5/21 – Johannesburg, South Africa

Iron Maiden Albums, Ranked Worst to Best

This Day in Rock History: October 1

More From Ultimate Classic Rock