REVELATIONS

ten things we learned from Bruce’s new autobiography

HE WAS IN A BAND CALLED SPEED

they were so named “’cos we play too fucking fast”, and their gigs involved the disembowelling of a large Snoopy toy.

HE’S NOT A FAN OF SWIMMING

“I am one of nature’s sinkers,” Bruce says. “‘relax!’ cry the floaters, but sadly my feet go the way of gravity and the rest follows suit.”

HE WAS SICK ON HIS HERO

When Bruce met rock legend Ian Gillan, he foolishly took a few drags on a joint and threw up everywhere. much to Gillan’s amusement.

HIS FIRST GIG WAS WEIRD

the first band Bruce ever saw live – while “out of my mind on Fanta and mars bars” – were obscure 70s hard rockers Wild turkey.

HE’S TRAINED WITH THE BEST

Bruce’s exploits in competitive fencing began well when he took lessons from a man that had taught swashbuckling movie legend errol Flynn.

HE WAS DESTINED FOR MAIDEN

When he first saw them live, in 1979, Bruce immediately decided that he was destined to be Iron maiden’s singer. a year later, he was.

HE HAS SEVERAL CHIPPED TEETH

these are a result of early territorial battles with Steve harris, who would run “full tilt” into the singer’s mic stand.

HIS FANS LIKE DESSERT

During one of maiden’s Donington headline shows, Bruce spotted “a fully formed, inverted sherry trifle” that some scamp had lobbed on to the stage.

HE’S TRAINED FOR COMBAT

Bruce joined the territorial army as a teenager. Private Dickinson’s number was 2440525 and duties included building fences, driving tractors and shovelling shit.

HIS DRESS SENSE WAS ALWAYS IFFY

one of Bruce’s earliest stage costumes involved army long johns, boxing boots and, erm, a handmade gold lamé jockstrap.