 | Bruce Dickinson is for many the face of British heavy metal. As a rock vocalist he has scaled the heights of global commercial success, and is truly a member of the international metal elite.
Bruce cut his teeth in a succession of school bands before fronting Samson. Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris was impressed with Bruce's voice and when former vocalist Paul D'ianno left, Dickinson was the obvious replacement.
Bruce immediately made his mark with The Number of the Beast album in 1982, which gave the band their first UK number one album and which is now widely regarded as a classic. Throughout the 80s Iron Maiden became one of the biggest metal bands in the world, with albums such as Piece of Mind (1983), Powerslave (1984) and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1987). They still hold the record for the highest ever attendance at the Castle Donington Monsters of Rock festival - their first headline appearance was witnessed by an estimated 110,000 people.
In addition, Maiden have appeared at the vast Rock in Rio festival. Bruce left the band in 1993 to pursue a solo career, but rejoined in 1999 for the Brave New World album and tour, hailed as a return to form for the band.
He's also a published author with two comic novels to his name, a fully qualified airline pilot and a gifted fencer. Bruce's first taste of broadcasting was as a stand in on the Radio 1 Friday Rock show many years ago. As well as the Masters of Rock series on Radio 2, he also presents the Friday Rock Show on 6 Music.
Links
6 Music Rock Show
Iron Maiden Official Website
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Special guests on Dermot's show this week
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Masters of Rock