In 1993, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson left the band to pursue a solo career before joining the band in 1999. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, the frontman discussed the creative impact his departure had on Iron Maiden.
“When I came back, Maiden had a kind of creative explosion again with ‘Brave New World,’” Dickinson said. “Everything I’d learned during that time away all went into the pot. If I just stayed where I was, I’m not sure Maiden would be as big as we are now, honestly. Because the drama would have been different.”
His return, however, was met with criticism from some fans.
“A lot of people were cynical, saying, ‘Oh, he’s just come back for the money.’ And absolutely not because, you know, actually, although people say, ‘Oh, his solo career was failing.’ Actually, it wasn’t,” Dickinson explained.
“I mean, I’m never going to be as big as Maiden, but actually, it was doing okay, you know, as a way to make a living and make music. It’s kind of cutting off my solo career at the knees by going back with Maiden because it was obvious I wouldn’t have the time cuz your feet weren’t going to touch the floor.”
