For a singer with one of the most powerful voices in heavy metal, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has a surprisingly simple philosophy for its care. In a recent interview with Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine, he revealed that his routine for vocal maintenance is nothing more than “common sense, really.”
Far from adhering to a complex regimen, Dickinson believes that vocal health is a byproduct of overall physical well-being. “Be nice to your voice. If you respect your body, the voice is just a projection of that,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of adequate sleep and rest, stating that singers should live “a little bit like a monk” to ensure their voices are properly supported. He believes that the ability to project his voice loudly comes from having strong lungs and a diaphragm—an abundance of “wind” that provides a solid foundation for his vocal cords.
This grounded approach to his craft extends beyond his role as a singer. As a true polymath—a pilot, author, entrepreneur, and fencer, among other pursuits—Dickinson has found a singular purpose that ties all of his endeavors together: storytelling. He said that when people ask him what he likes about being a singer, he realizes it’s “not the things that people think.” Instead, he is driven by the narrative. “When I’m in a song, I’m in that song. I’m telling the story of that song, I’m acting it out in my head,” he said.
This philosophy of telling a story, rather than simply pursuing fame or “salacious dirt,” has guided his work outside of music as well. He approaches his novels, his comic book series The Mandrake Project, and even his autobiography as narrative tales that people can follow. No matter how dark a story might get, Dickinson maintains that in his world, “there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even though it might be an oncoming train.”
Dickinson is currently on his first extensive North American solo tour in almost 30 years, supporting his latest studio album, The Mandrake Project. He kicked off the tour in Anaheim, California, with a new backing band that includes newcomers Philip Näslund and Chris Declercq, showcasing a new chapter in his storied career.
