Blaze Bayley, former vocalist of Iron Maiden, has spoken candidly about his decision to quit alcohol, describing it as one of the most important changes in his life. The 62-year-old singer, who fronted the band from 1994 to 1999, says he has now been sober since June 2019.
In a new interview with Metal Hammer, Bayley explained that his choice to stop drinking was closely linked to his long-standing struggles with mental health, which he only fully understood later in life.
“I was diagnosed with depression 25 years ago and I didn’t even know what it was,” the singer says. “In the end, I decided I didn’t want to take antidepressants anymore. I’d already stopped drinking on show days or the day before a show, but when I was off tour I slipped back into the habit of drinking – doing things you shouldn’t like drinking alone, so I decided to stay stopped.”
He also reflected honestly on his relationship with alcohol, noting that while he does not consider himself to have been severely dependent, the pattern still caused issues in his life.
“I’m not a full-blown alcoholic who could down a bottle of vodka each day, but there’s not a part of me that goes, ‘Oh, I don’t really care about not drinking today’ which is a bit of a problem.”
Now firmly on the other side of that period, Bayley uses his experience to encourage others who may be struggling to try sobriety for themselves.
“Try quitting and give it six months,” he advises. “First year I took it for granted a bit, but by the second year I was looking back at the trail of destruction I left behind me and there was nowhere near as much as there was when I’d been drinking. I couldn’t help but think about all the crap decisions I’d made while drinking.”
He says life without alcohol has brought a strong sense of freedom and control, particularly in everyday situations.
“I feel liberated,” he continues. “I can get on my motorcycle and ride any time day or night. I can go anywhere because I’m not drunk, so I’m never in a situation where I can’t ride. I have petrol instead of booze. For anybody with mental health issues who suffers from depression – try it. I wish I’d stopped drinking years before.”
It was recently confirmed that he will take part in Iron Maiden’s upcoming EddFest weekend, appearing as a special headliner on Friday night.
“I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EddFest, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden,” Blaze Bayley stated. “I am so proud of my two albums with the band and I’m really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can’t wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth!”
The performance will feature material from his tenure with the group, specifically highlighting the studio albums The X Factor and Virtual XI.
The Friday night Maidenville stage was personally curated by Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris to showcase different eras of his musical history. In addition to Blaze Bayley, the Friday lineup will also include a performance by Gypsy’s Kiss. Formed in 1974 by Steve Harris and vocalist and guitarist David Smith, the group was the first band Steve Harris played in before forming Iron Maiden the following year.
