Iron Maiden’s lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, recently reflected on a regrettable moment from the past involving Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose. During a 1988 show in Quebec, where Guns N’ Roses was the opening act for Iron Maiden, tensions between the two bands reached a peak. In a candid interview with *Journal De Montreal*, Dickinson revealed his lingering regret over not confronting Rose more directly after an incident that night.
According to Dickinson, Rose had spoken disparagingly to the audience, which led to considerable dissatisfaction among the crowd. Reflecting on the event, Dickinson expressed his frustration, saying, “I should have come onstage and given him a punch. How could he dare speak to my audience in that way? I always regretted not having done so.”
When asked why Rose had treated the audience poorly, Dickinson explained the context. The crowd had been communicating with Rose in French, which is common in French-speaking regions of Canada. Dickinson noted, “The crowd was speaking to Axl in French, which tends to happen in French Canada.” It seems that the language barrier or the crowd’s response in French might have contributed to Rose’s negative reaction.
Dickinson’s regret underscores the intense emotions and high stakes often present in the world of rock and roll, where audience interaction and respect can significantly impact a performer’s experience and reputation. Despite the passing years, this incident remains a vivid memory for Dickinson, highlighting the passion he has for his audience and his commitment to their experience at Iron Maiden shows.
