Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden: “The list goes on and on… The closest I’ve come to death.”
The singer talks about performing in wartime Sarajevo, surviving an engine fire on an aircraft over the Atlantic, and having a terrifying pair of lips.
The 65-year-old Dickinson, a native of Nottinghamshire, joined Iron Maiden as lead singer in 1981. The Number of the Beast, the first of their five albums to reach the top of the UK charts, was released in 1982. With their song El Dorado, they received the Grammy for best metal performance in 2011 and the Brit Award for best British live act in 2009. Iron Maiden will resume their 23rd world tour this September. Dickinson is currently on a European tour in support of The Mandrake Project, his seventh solo album. Along with his third wife, he resides in London and Paris and has three children.
What scares you the most?
Well, snakes don’t exactly make me joyful. I detest sand as well. It’s really annoying.
Which is the first recollection you have?
A pair
Procrastination. What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever done? I once puked on the shoes of Ian Gillan, the singer of Deep Purple. He sent me home in a taxi with a towel. Apart from a piece of real estate, what is the most expensive thing you have ever purchased? A Cessna Golden Eagle eight-seater aircraft. I flew it both ways across the Atlantic and completed two US tours and two European tours in it before selling it and landing a job as an airline pilot, where I was paid to fly instead of the other way around. Hairy quantum hobbit is how I would characterize myself. What makes you unhappy? Anyone who is unable to change their opinions or beliefs in the face of new information.
Which of your habits is the least appealing?
I put things off, I’m messy, and I’m usually late.
What aspect of aging worries you?
I plan five years ahead of time so I’m never caught off guard. For instance, I am 70 years old right now. That means there will be reason for celebration each and every year for the following five years.Describe yourself in three words
Hairy quantum hobbit.
What’s causing your discontent?
somebody who is incapable of adjusting their thoughts or beliefs in light of new information.
What about your appearance do you detest the most?
I’m pretty much over it. I used to think I was an ugly, overweight child, but now that I’m older, I see that I wasn’t all that ugly.
If you could revive an extinct species
What is the worst thing you have ever heard someone say?
What gives you the impression that you are unique?
Which would you prefer: notoriety or anonymity?
Much like you could say that excrement is a result of a Michelin-starred restaurant, fame is a byproduct of my work.
Which kiss from your life was the best?
It happens to me every day.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
I’ve been asleep at the wheel on the M11, had an engine fire over the Atlantic in a light aircraft, driven unprotected through an enemy firing zone to do a gig in wartime Sarajevo – the list goes on and on. But I did have stage 3 throat cancer and was healed by some excellent UK specialists.
