In a new interview with Classic Rock, Bruce Dickinson took a trip down memory lane, reflecting on a moment that unknowingly foreshadowed his future with Iron Maiden. Recalling a 1980 gig at London’s Music Machine—where Maiden, then fronted by Paul Di’Anno, opened for Dickinson’s band Samson—the legendary vocalist admitted he was struck by the sheer pull of the band.
Bruce recalled: “All these Maiden fans turned up, and then immediately MAIDEN finished they all f**ked off, leaving us to play to a hundred punters! I thought: ‘There’s something going on with this band. I think they’re going to be big.”
Now, decades later and firmly cemented as the voice of Maiden for generations, Dickinson has opened up about one particular song from that formative Di’Anno era—one he flat-out refuses to sing.
Bruce Dickinson feels Maiden should no longer perform “Remember Tomorrow” live, a song co-written by Steve Harris and Di’Anno and frequently regarded as one of their most emotionally resonant.
“If ever Paul owned a song, it’s that one,” he said. “I can sing it, and have done. But I think we should leave it with Paul now.”
To commemorate their 50th anniversary in 2025, Iron Maiden is producing an official documentary set for a global theatrical release. The film will feature interviews with the band, their fans, and prominent individuals, and notably includes Paul Di’Anno‘s last interview.
Paul Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews, died at his home in Salisbury on October 21 at the age of 66.
Born on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Paul rose to prominence as the original lead vocalist of the iconic English heavy metal band Iron Maiden, serving from 1978 to 1981. He provided vocals on their seminal self-titled debut album Iron Maiden and its influential successor Killers.
