Bruce Dickinson Joins Iron Maiden
Updated: Sep 26
On September 26, 1981, "Iron Maiden" made the best decision of its career, by welcoming Bruce Dickinson officially to the band.
(Photo: Imdb)
Dickinson, who began his musical career in 1979 with the band "Samson", first crossed paths with "Iron Maiden" in 1980, when they opened for his band "Samson". He was impressed, but did not imagine that he would soon become their singer.
After the Samson band performance at the 1981 "Reading" Festival, Rod Smallwood, "Iron Maiden"'s manager, approached Bruce Dickinson and invited him to his room behind the scenes. In this small room, Smallwood invited Dickinson to audition for "Iron Maiden". For Samson's performance at the 1981 Reading Festival, see here:
Bruce who was not so pleased with "Samson"'s style and saw the potential in "Iron Maiden", was interested, but he had some questions for Rod. He wanted to know whether he would get creative freedom and if Paul Di'Anno knows that the band was looking to replace him. In the end Bruce agreed.
The audition took place early September 1981 in a rehearsal room in London's Hackney district. Bruce Dickinson listened to the members of "Iron Maiden" perform the songs "Prowler", "Sanctuary", "Running Free" and "Remember Tomorrow" and later he was asked to perform the same songs together with the band. Bruce claims that in addition they played songs that they all knew mutually. Before this historic audition, Bruce Dickinson was asked to send a tape to the band and we are lucky that this recording is available online and we can witness the moment when Bruce opened his mouth and sang for the first time songs of "Iron Maiden". Listen here:
Bruce of course passed the audition and the official announcement of his joining the band appeared in the music press on September 26, 1981....
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