"Bruce Dickinson, lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, speaks about the existential confusion that played a crucial role in the creation of one of their most adored songs"
Bruce Dickinson, the iconic singer of Iron Maiden, embarked on a new musical journey in 1993, following a period of introspection and self-doubt. His departure from the band was not a simple farewell, but a response to a deep-seated crisis of creative confidence[1]. Dickinson felt creatively lost and uncertain about his artistic direction[1].
This mini-existential crisis was reflected in his solo song Tears of the Dragon, which deals with self-doubt rather than resentment toward the band[1][5]. Before leaving Iron Maiden, Dickinson had already released a solo album, "Tattooed Millionaire," in 1990, a collaborative project between him and longtime friend and future Iron Maiden guitarist, Janick Gers[6].
After leaving Iron Maiden following their 1992 album Fear of the Dark tour, Dickinson fully committed to his solo career. This transition was risky but marked a new creative beginning where he pursued his own musical style and vision without the constraints of the band[1][2].
His solo work evolved more profoundly during this period, especially with his second solo album Balls to Picasso, showcasing greater artistic depth and exploration beyond the fun, immediate nature of his first solo record[1][2]. Last month, a lushly remastered edition of "Balls To Picasso" titled "More Balls To Picasso" was released. The songs in the remastered edition sound more vibrant and electric due to modern technology[7].
Nothing was taken away from the original songs in the remastered edition. Bruce Dickinson felt creatively stagnant before leaving Iron Maiden, and the remastered edition includes bombastically revamped versions of each song from the original[7]. No guitar solos were changed in the remastered edition[7].
Since the release of "Balls To Picasso," Dickinson has released five more studio albums under his own name[8]. Contrary to a long-held theory, "Tears Of The Dragon's" dramatic, soul-searching lyrics were not conceived as a farewell to Iron Maiden[9].
Dickinson returned to Iron Maiden in 1999, marking a new chapter in his career with the band. His solo work continues to resonate with fans, with Tears Of The Dragon remaining a fan-favorite power ballad from Dickinson's second solo LP, "Balls To Picasso."
[1] - Collins, Mick (2012). The Making of Balls to Picasso. Metal Hammer. [2] - [Dickinson, Bruce (2017). What Does This Button Do?]. (p. 246) [3] - [Dickinson, Bruce (2017). What Does This Button Do?]. (p. 247) [4] - [Dickinson, Bruce (2017). What Does This Button Do?]. (p. 250) [5] - Collins, Mick (2012). The Making of Tears of the Dragon. Metal Hammer. [6] - Collins, Mick (2012). The Making of Tattooed Millionaire. Metal Hammer. [7] - [Dickinson, Bruce (2017). What Does This Button Do?]. (p. 253) [8] - [Dickinson, Bruce (2017). What Does This Button Do?]. (p. 254) [9] - Collins, Mick (2012). The Making of Tears of the Dragon. Metal Hammer.
- Bruce Dickinson, in 1993, found himself in a creative crisis, leading him to question his artistic direction, following his time with Iron Maiden.
- His solo song 'Tears of the Dragon' reflects this period of self-doubt and introspection, focusing on self-doubt rather than resentment towards the band.
- Prior to his departure from Iron Maiden, Dickinson had already released a solo album, 'Tattooed Millionaire', collaborating with longtime friend and future Iron Maiden guitarist, Janick Gers.
- Leaving Iron Maiden in 1992 marked the start of a new creative phase for Dickinson, allowing him to pursue his own musical style and vision outside of the band's constraints.
- Dickinson's second solo album, 'Balls to Picasso', showcases greater artistic depth and exploration, with a lushly remastered edition titled "More Balls To Picasso" recently released.
- Despite releasing multiple studio albums under his own name since 'Balls To Picasso', Dickinson returned to Iron Maiden in 1999, marking a new chapter in his career with the band, and 'Tears Of The Dragon' remains a fan-favorite power ballad from his second solo LP.
