Book Review: Bruce Dickinson: What Does This Button Do? An Autobiography (Dey St. Books/Harper Collins)

Bruce Book

Legendary Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson finally puts his life story in book format, and unlike those of many of his contemporaries, doesn’t feel the need to dumb it down with sleazy tales of sex and drugs (you’re better off reading the life story of Stephen Pearcy if that’s what you’re looking for). Instead, he focuses more on what he knows Maiden fans really want in the most intellectual way possible, even avoiding overusing unnecessary obscenities along the way.

Everything from his early days in Samson, to the very moment he joined Iron Maiden, are all touched upon (and yes, you can hear Dickinson’s heavy English accident shine through in his writing). Every endeavor pursued both with the band (including each album and tour he ever did with them) and outside of Maiden (such as his solo efforts and piloting career, and of course his recent bout with cancer) are covered in full detail that fans are sure to appreciate.

Dickinson has always been one of the most talented and charismatic singers in heavy metal history, and his autobiography is a breath of fresh air in a market lacking the class and dignity that he exudes; he remains one of the rare exceptions as a true influential member of the metal community, and up-and-comers should take notes here.

Rating: 4 Stars

Leave a Reply