Bruce Dickinson

[CA Bryers]

The real bonus song is Eternity. Come to think of it, the album could have been without it and Sonata - and those two, along with Shadow and maybe Resurrection Men, are the songs with the biggest impression from the album for most fans. So it was a good move for the album's success. Better songs, probably, the same emotion, that's not that easy. IIRC, Bruce said that Shadow is a better closer than Sonata, both unique in their feel and structure.

With the amount of the written material, he could have easily putted more songs to the album (2 more - one fast and one TCW-like), and a bonus one too (he should have done it after all these years), but I guess he wanted to save some songs for the next album and maybe followed the concept of the story in some way. He probably felt that the album's backbone was there, and Eternity is definitely part of. I'm very grateful that a version of the song with solos exists, but it will always be more of a Maiden song for me, probably because it was released first as such. Sonata and Rain could have been bonus songs, especially in some of his other albums.

I'm really curious if they'll try Sonata live, it could change some opinions. It's a too specific song, so I'm not sure if he has to play it.

Great points, especially about Eternity being a bonus song. I consider it a Maiden song for the same reasons, though I prefer Bruce's because--as much as people hate the production on Mandrake--at least it doesn't sound as horribly muddy as the BoS version does. It sounds pretty great to my ears, at least.

As for Sonata live, I guess it depends on if Bruce read any of the feedback Mandrake got. If there's one song that's universally agreed upon to be the weak point of the album, it's Sonata. I'm normally one who's up to hear a live version of just about anything, but after so long hoping the song'll grow on me, I've given up. It's not that far off from Midnight Jam, which is equally meandering and kinda pointless. I mean, Sonata had been laying around and considered unusable by both Bruce and Roy, and it reportedly took Roy a lot of tinkering and editing to get it to the version we got, which still wasn't very good.

Other than that one song, though, I do like the album quite a bit, and am hopeful for the next album.

 

[rockerman]

TMP is my most favorite album by Bruce with Sonata being my favorite track. In fact, I wish he would do an entire album with the “rock opera” feel of Sonata.

 

[Vaenyr]

TMP is my most favorite album by Bruce with Sonata being my favorite track. In fact, I wish he would do an entire album with the “rock opera” feel of Sonata.

I wouldn't be opposed to that, actually. I dislike how Sonata turned out, but that's because I would've wanted a bit more editing and a couple of songwriting sessions to tidy up the structure and lyrics. The "let's keep the majority of the first and improvised take" doesn't make for a particularly exciting song, in my opinion.

The overall idea of such a song, and story-telling like that, could work great as a concept album and I'd be interested to see what Bruce could come up with, if he went in with a bit more planning.

 

[Kalata]

As for Sonata live, I guess it depends on if Bruce read any of the feedback Mandrake got. If there's one song that's universally agreed upon to be the weak point of the album, it's Sonata. I'm normally one who's up to hear a live version of just about anything, but after so long hoping the song'll grow on me, I've given up. It's not that far off from Midnight Jam, which is equally meandering and kinda pointless. I mean, Sonata had been laying around and considered unusable by both Bruce and Roy, and it reportedly took Roy a lot of tinkering and editing to get it to the version we got, which still wasn't very good.

Not here, but I think Sonata is usually considered one of the highlights from the album, no? I think they wouldn't have add it to any album, TMP probably felt right, especially because of the storytelling aspect of the album and comic. Shadow would have been enough for an impression, methinks. Maybe in the place of Nightmares?
Sonata's idea is cool, but for 10 minutes, slow and with no tempo changes, always will be an issue. It's interesting ofc, but it's not what I want from Bruce. Rain too.

Other than that one song, though, I do like the album quite a bit, and am hopeful for the next album.

I can say the same, although for me it will always be an ''unfinished'' album (at least 3 of the songs imo). A song like Resurrection Men has no climax for example, I like its ideas, I could say all of them. Also Bruce could have done more takes. Eternity is elevated by the solos, but he shouldn't have putted it, even though it's one of the best songs he ever wrote. It feels like an album imo, not just a collection of different songs despite the variety of different songs. Everything around the album was like odd. I think every future solo album of his will be like TMP, more or less. Different styles and approaches, not his traditional AOB-TCW-TOS style for the most part. I feel that's what Bruce likes now. If I have to choose, I will always choose the latter. Ofc it depends on how good the songs are, but making the next album TMP 2.0 with just more keyboards, I don't think it would have the same impact, to say. Let it be unique. Something really heavy, dark and fast- for sure. More metal than rock. And it would probably be more impressive.

TMP is my most favorite album by Bruce with Sonata being my favorite track.

That's cool to hear.

Great points, especially about Eternity being a bonus song. I consider it a Maiden song for the same reasons, though I prefer Bruce's because--as much as people hate the production on Mandrake--at least it doesn't sound as horribly muddy as the BoS version does. It sounds pretty great to my ears, at least.

The production, even the drums sound, fits the vibe of the album, have to admit that. But live the songs are better.

 

[Belshazzar]

TMP is my most favorite album by Bruce with Sonata being my favorite track. In fact, I wish he would do an entire album with the “rock opera” feel of Sonata.

Wow! I'm the polar opposite. My opinion is that the album feels like what it mostly is - a collection of unused material from over a period of years. The change in Bruce's voice, with his unfortunate slight lisp and drawled annunciation on the most recently recorded tracks (especially noticeable in Rain on the Graves) in contrast to some of the other songs, stands out and makes it feel like a "B sides" compilation to me. The lazy editing doesn't help, with some songs inorganically transitioning between parts with a noticeable jolt. Resurrection Men again sounds like what it is, a song Bruce wrote with an awful middle section added by Roy that sounds like he was actually trying to make the song worse.

One track being a Maiden track and one being what is essentially a jam, hammer home the disparate feeling of the album as a whole. Then there's the awful production.

The fact that some outlets (erroneously) called this a concept album is laughable.

That's my opinion

 

[Vaenyr]

Resurrection Men again sounds like what it is, a song Bruce wrote with an awful middle section added by Roy that sounds like he was actually trying to make the song worse.

I agree with most of your points, but this surprised me. The slower-paced middle part that plays around with the IESF lyrics is probably my favorite part of the song. The weirdly dissonant verses and the simplistic chorus on the other hand annoy me, so the middle part is one of the few good parts of the song, imo. Interesting how tastes can differ!

And yeah, the record was marketed as a concept album, and IIRC we ended up getting a grand total of 3 songs that deal with the concept, while the rest is about different, unrelated topics. Couple that with the focus on the comics (are those finished? Are we still waiting on volumes? Feels like they marketed the first entry and then forgot this project existed) and it is super strange how everything connected to this album was handled.

 

[Fozzie]

Bruce is 67 today,

 

[redandtheblack92]

"So we’re going in the studio with him in January, and we’re looking to release the album in 2027."

So, if Maiden records also new album, would they both (Bruce and Maiden) release it in the same year? I don't see in what timeframe Maiden guys could record it in 2026 (maybe autumn 2026), but if they do it in 2026 they surely would release their album in 2027.

Beginning to think Maiden will release in 2028

 

[MindRuler]

Happy Birthday Brucey!
Hope you like your present!

 

[Yax]

"Hey all! Graham here. Please join me and the rest of the Graham Bonnet Band in wishing this guy, the sensational Bruce Dickinson, a very happy birthday! Bruce is is a fascinating man and so accomplished! Not only does he front one of the best bands in the world, he got his commercial pilot's license, authored multiple books, worked as a radio presenter, beat cancer and he's also a world class fencer. He's also a great solo artist. There's so much more but I want to get back to celebrating. Did I also mention that he's one of the nicest guys you could ever meet? I think Bruce and I have always had a mutual admiration. We have much in common vocally and musically. I'm excited that we will be collaborating on a song on the next Graham Bonnet Band album. I feel very privileged to call him my friend. Cheers, Bruce!!! Wishing you all the best. "

From Graham Bonnet's Facebook page. That will be the first studio guest work in how long?

 

[matic22]

Happy birthday Bruce!

 

[Jer]

BRUCE DICKINSON Says His Next Solo Album Will Be Recorded In 2026 And Released In 2027

In a new interview with Charlie Kendall of Charlie Kendall's Metalshop, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson spoke about his plans for more new solo music following the release of his latest solo album, "The Mandrake Project", which arrived in March 2024. Bruce said (as transcribed by...

blabbermouth.net

Solo album studio work in Jan 2026, album to be released in 2027. Will be current touring line-up in the studio.

 

[Mosh]

Doesn't bode well for new Maiden imo unless they are planning a 2026 release.

 

[redandtheblack92]

Doesn't bode well for new Maiden imo unless they are planning a 2026 release.

Timeline seems tricky. This year Bruce is busy till October. Steve resumes his touring in November. Bruce hits studio in Jan - 26. Assuming he’d spend 2-3 months recording given he’s already demoed 18 tracks. Adrian begins tour in March with Kotzen in Feb till March. Assuming Maiden start leg 2 around June-July and that goes on for 4-5 months. All of them have just around 2-3 months in between to record (Late March - Mid June). Seems very tight to me leave aside releasing. My bets are they head into the studio late 2027 for a Sept 2028 release. Let’s see what happens

 

[Mosh]

If Bruce is already marking his calendar to do an album release cycle and a tour in 27, it kinda makes me feel like Maiden isn’t going to be active that year. It’s not clear how far in advance Maiden is making plans right now, but clearly they have planned enough that Bruce can make solo album plans for that year. Bruce has never released a solo album in the same calendar year as Maiden while also a member of Maiden, so I expect that to continue.

2028 with several members in their 70s, rumors of a couple of them having wanted to retire as early as the beginning of the decade, idk I’m not really seeing it. I have said it before but I really wouldn’t be surprised if they start marketing the 2026 tour as a “soft” farewell tour.

 

[matic22]

If Bruce is already marking his calendar to do an album release cycle and a tour in 27, it kinda makes me feel like Maiden isn’t going to be active that year. It’s not clear how far in advance Maiden is making plans right now, but clearly they have planned enough that Bruce can make solo album plans for that year. Bruce has never released a solo album in the same calendar year as Maiden while also a member of Maiden, so I expect that to continue.

2028 with several members in their 70s, rumors of a couple of them having wanted to retire as early as the beginning of the decade, idk I’m not really seeing it. I have said it before but I really wouldn’t be surprised if they start marketing the 2026 tour as a “soft” farewell tour.

I have a feeling that they will go the Stones route after RFYL. They tested the stadiums now, at least in Europe and they now have a stage setup that basically allows them to do whatever with minimal preparation (screens everywhere). So, they can easily change the production without much preparation. That makes a 15/20-date per year stadium/festival tour feasible.

I have a feeling that there will be less and less touring, but they won't stop after RFYL.

 

[Mosh]

I have a feeling that they will go the Stones route after RFYL. They tested the stadiums now, at least in Europe and they now have a stage setup that basically allows them to do whatever with minimal preparation (screens everywhere). So, they can easily change the production without much preparation. That makes a 15/20-date per year stadium/festival tour feasible.

I have a feeling that there will be less and less touring, but they won't stop after RFYL.

It’s possible, which is why I said “soft” farewell. I don’t think they will rule out more gigs, but I think they’re going to enter a phase where there’s less distinction from tour to tour and tours aren’t necessarily an annual event, yes like the stones. The Stones also still make new albums and even play songs from those albums live. I don’t think it’s coincidence that Bruce frequently references the Stones when speaking to Maiden’s longevity.

The other piece of this is that afaik there aren’t really any stadium acts who actually tour every year or even every other year. If Maiden wanted to stay in that stratosphere I reckon they would need to tour less frequently.

 

[Robert.M.]

2028 with several members in their 70s, rumors of a couple of them having wanted to retire as early as the beginning of the decade, idk I’m not really seeing it. I have said it before but I really wouldn’t be surprised if they start marketing the 2026 tour as a “soft” farewell tour.

And this after Bruce has recently repeatedly and very clearly said that Iron Maiden still have many plans. Now they are supposed to suddenly hint that the 2026 tour could be a farewell tour. So that the fans feel really fooled.
I think Iron Maiden needs to realise that they can say whatever they want. It's no use. Some fans are just obsessed with the idea that Iron Maiden is retiring.

By the way: Congratulations, Bruce! 67 years young!

 

[Kalata]

I'm excited that we will be collaborating on a song on the next Graham Bonnet Band album. I feel very privileged to call him my friend. Cheers, Bruce!!! Wishing you all the best.
From Graham Bonnet's Facebook page. That will be the first studio guest work in how long?

Since Tribuzy in 2005? I wonder if Bruce will co-write the song. Rainbow's album with Bonnet and that hard rock style is what he likes and enjoys. Maybe we'll get a Rainbow-esque song with prominent keys on the next album.

Doesn't bode well for new Maiden imo unless they are planning a 2026 release.

Maiden can record in early 2027 for a 2027 release. The question is, would they and Bruce release albums in the same year. Doubtful. The gap between the last two albums has increased by a year, so maybe 2028 (could be recorded: early 2027, 2027 fall or early 2028, depending on their solo plans ofc -> released: either 2027 fall or early 2028, I think the former)... please no. But if they plan a 3rd leg with some changes to the 80's songs or Part 2 (which would be the best). If Maiden do a 3rd leg again, it won't be cool at all.

Timeline seems tricky. This year Bruce is busy till October. Steve resumes his touring in November. Bruce hits studio in Jan - 26. Assuming he’d spend 2-3 months recording given he’s already demoed 18 tracks. Adrian begins tour in March with Kotzen in Feb till March. Assuming Maiden start leg 2 around June-July and that goes on for 4-5 months. All of them have just around 2-3 months in between to record (Late March - Mid June). Seems very tight to me leave aside releasing. My bets are they head into the studio late 2027 for a Sept 2028 release. Let’s see what happens

It's unfortunate because Bruce most likely won't be touring solo next year. He records fast and maybe in parts solo, so the real issue is Adrian's tour for early next year's recordings.

If Bruce is already marking his calendar to do an album release cycle and a tour in 27, it kinda makes me feel like Maiden isn’t going to be active that year. It’s not clear how far in advance Maiden is making plans right now, but clearly they have planned enough that Bruce can make solo album plans for that year. Bruce has never released a solo album in the same calendar year as Maiden while also a member of Maiden, so I expect that to continue.

Maiden won't skip years for touring (remember, Bruce said recently that they still have a lot of ideas for the future), a new album is a logical next step, yes, even now. And especially for a band like Maiden. Bruce is making solo plans to record, release and tour a year later, but the tour could not be that long and definitely coordinated with Maiden's tours. Plus, he said that's the plan. Last year he said he knows the band's plans until next year, but they should have already talked about the next tour. I think their future tours will be similar to the recent schedules.

 

[Kalata]

BRUCE DICKINSON Says His Next Solo Album Will Be Recorded In 2026 And Released In 2027

In a new interview with Charlie Kendall of Charlie Kendall's Metalshop, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson spoke about his plans for more new solo music following the release of his latest solo album, "The Mandrake Project", which arrived in March 2024. Bruce said (as transcribed by...

blabbermouth.net

Solo album studio work in Jan 2026, album to be released in 2027. Will be current touring line-up in the studio.

So I'm gonna do that song ['Revelations'] down in Brazil. And I thought, 'Hell, if I'm gonna rehearse 'Revelations' for Brazil, oh, damn it, I might as well do it in the USA as well.' So I think that'd be kind of cool. We're not playing it on this next tour, this next MAIDEN tour. And I think because it's my song, if I wanna tweak a few things and make a few little alterations that I think might maybe make it a little bit better, then, yeah, it's my song. I'll do what I damn well like.

Some changes to Revelations... Bruce, it's perfect. Some TMP songs need changes/little alterations/tweak a few things, imo.
He said: ''this next Maiden tour'', as if it would be a different form of RFYL...

''The most amazing live band''! Philip might use a double-neck guitar live. Hmm, which song?