Ten years ago, Music fans were deeply concerned for the health of Bruce Dickinson, the legendary lead singer of Iron Maiden, after he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Although he managed to overcome the illness, Dickinson reveals that he had considered the possibility of no longer being able to sing for the group. In a recent interview on the podcast Rich Rollhe shared how this experience made him think about a potential replacement, in case he could no longer perform as before.
Music above all
During her treatment, Dickinson says her first concern was not being able to sing again, but surviving. “When I had this cancer, the last thing I thought about was whether I would be able to sing again,” he explained. “The first thing that mattered to me was whether I was going to make it and stay alive.”
Once his health recovered, he understood that music must come before the individual. He said he would be willing to help Iron Maiden find a replacement if he could no longer sing at the level required for the band: “I was completely ready to accept that I might not be able to sing with Iron Maiden. […] But if I couldn't sing the way Iron Maiden needed to, I would help the band find a great replacement, because music is sacred.”
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A unique alchemy within the group
Dickinson also discussed the dynamics and“alchemy” particularity that reigns within Iron Maiden, an element that he considers fundamental to the success of the group. “We didn't all grow up together. What binds us is Iron Maiden, this music. It’s a central point of contact that matters to all of us.”
He added that integrity and passion for their music allows the band members to be as powerful on stage today as they were 30 years ago. “We are still together because we are determined and the music is still as good, if not better, than when we played it 20 or 30 years ago.”
Her voice after cancer
The cancer changed aspects of Dickinson's voice, including saliva production, essential for lubricating the throat, and possibly the shape of her tongue after the tumor was removed. However, he claims that this only made the high part of his voice stronger: “Strangely, the top of my voice is maybe even a little better than before.”
Iron Maiden continues to embody the fervor of Metal with unchanged intensity, and Bruce Dickinson's sincerity is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the music and the band.
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