Bruce Dickinson Explains Why He Struggles To Sing IRON MAIDEN Lyrics Written By Steve Harris

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson sat down with Classic Rock for a new interview, delving into The Mandrake Project, lyrics, and his relationship with bandmate Steve Harris.

When the interviewer brought up Dickinson’s adaptation to Harris’ lyrics and riffs in Iron Maiden, Dickinson responded with candor, expressing surprise at Harris’s penchant for writing “bloody difficult words.” He humorously remarked that he could risk losing his front teeth trying to sing Harris’ lyrics, highlighting the challenge he faces as a vocalist. However, Dickinson acknowledged that Harris has compromised over the years, allowing for smoother collaborations. He cited the example of “Alexander The Great” from 1986’s “Somewhere In Time,” a song he initially doubted he could sing but ultimately found success with.

The tensions within Iron Maiden escalated when Dickinson’s ideas for the band’s sixth album were rejected. Harris openly criticized Dickinson’s material, deeming it inadequate.

Following the ‘Fear of the Dark Tour,’ Dickinson departed but fulfilled tour commitments in 1993. Conflicts heightened, particularly with Harris, who expressed frustration and, according to Dickinson, harbored desires to harm him. The crux of the disagreement revolved around Harris’s perception that Dickinson deliberately underperformed. Despite Dickinson attributing his performance to external factors, personal conflicts ultimately led to his departure from Iron Maiden on August 28, 1993.