In a recent interview with Classic Rock, Bruce Dickinson reminisced about his efforts to rejoin Iron Maiden after Blaze Bayley’s departure. Dickinson shared insights into his conversation with Steve Harris during that pivotal moment:
“Steve was very suspicious. He said: ‘Why do you wanna come back?’ I actually said, ‘I want to come back, Steve, because, in the words of my mates, ‘The world needs Iron Maiden,’ and secondly, I think we can make amazing music.’”
When asked if he felt Iron Maiden needed him as much as he needed the band, Dickinson responded with a mix of candor and diplomacy:
“Probably. But there was no point in saying that because it would have sounded like sour grapes.”
He elaborated on his approach to the situation:
“What I said was: We will sweep away the past by doing an amazing future.”
Dickinson also recounted a bold assertion he made during the discussions:
“Though the first words out of my gobby mouth were: Of course we are better than Metallica! People said: ‘You can’t say that.’ I said: I just did. Then they started going: ‘Maybe he’s right.’”
His remarks reflect the confidence and conviction he brought to the table, emphasizing his belief in Iron Maiden’s potential to create exceptional music and rejuvenate their legacy.
