Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Bruce Dickinson, the singer of Iron Maiden and honorary RAF Group Captain, took a break from the band’s world tour late last month to visit the RAF Odiham base in Hampshire, UK, to interact with members of the military community, as per Blabbermouth. The visit took place prior to the yearly national celebration on Saturday, June 27, which aims to honour the men and women who comprise the Armed Forces community, including cadets, service families, veterans, and presently serving soldiers. In an interview with Pad Wives Unfiltered, Bruce was asked to name one aspect of the idealised touring lifestyle that is actually quite difficult.
Well, I have three grown-up kids now who mercifully have all ended up as fantastic individuals. And I would love to say it was all down to me, but for half of their life I was not there because I was on tour. And part of me will always regret that, but it’s a price you pay for doing… And my kids, we’re closer now than we ever were. And so that would be my — I think my biggest regret is the dislocation that you get from what most people perceive to be a normal life. Although having a normal life, I’m not sure what that involves anymore. I’m not sure that you’re any better off having a normal life because that’s full of so many uncertainties. At least in the military, if you have a problem, generally somebody’s always got your back.
Iron Maiden were playing to over 30,000 people at the La Défense Arena on June 22 in the midst of a scorching summer in Paris with temperatures above 40 degrees. The event was being filmed for future generations and a potential film release. Exuberant admirers travelled from all around the world to participate in the much-anticipated event. However, a complete power outage in the building abruptly stopped everything around 50 minutes into the set, around the finish of ‘Two Minutes To Midnight’, leaving the entire stadium in complete darkness and stillness.
About an hour after the interruption, full power was eventually restored, allowing the band to return to the stage and continue the performance. The police extended the legal curfew until 11:35 p.m., but they didn’t want more than 30,000 fans left on the streets of Paris because public transport in Paris closes shortly after that. The three encores, “Aces High,” “Fear Of The Dark,” and “Wasted Years,” were not performed within that time, but Iron Maiden managed to complete the performance with “Iron Maiden.” The band made the decision to finish the upcoming movie on July 11 in the sacred grounds of Knebworth, where they will be commemorating their 50th anniversary tour with the once-in-a-lifetime Eddfest.
You all know what happened in Paris, we all know what happened in Paris, so we’re gonna finish it off at Knebworth, and we’ll see you there. – Steve Harris
We’re not going to lose what we did in Paris but we’re going to add to it with some amazing stuff from Knebworth. So Knebworth, be on ya best behavior!! – Bruce Dickinson
More information about the groundbreaking on-site “Infinite Dreams” museum has been revealed, giving fans a taste of what is in store for them as last year’s pictorial book, “Infinite Dreams,” is brought to life in a brand-new dedicated experience where fans will get up close and personal with the exhibits. And don’t forget to feel free anywhere else but to keep your phone in your pocket throughout the performance. The famous pharaoh’s head from the “World Slavery” tour, Eddie’s ray-gun from the 1986 “Somewhere On Tour,” “The X-Factor” electric chair, tank commander Eddie from the “A Matter Of Life And Death” tour, baphomet from “Number Of The Beast,” the “Phantom Of The Opera” organ from the “Maiden England” tour, and personal band mementos from Paul Di’Anno onwards will all be included.
