What Does This Button Do: Book Review

                      The Life & Times of Heavy Metal Vocalist, Bruce Dickinson

Somewhere back in time during 1987 I had the chance to meet Iron Maiden's second drummer, Nicko McBrian at Guitar Center in Chicago while he was promoting Paiste drum cymbals. This was to also spark interested in Iron Maiden's future release titled: "Seventh Son of the Seventh Son," a concept album about a boy with paranormal gifts. In 1995 I was granted an interview with the courtesy of Sanctuary Music Unlimited when I met with Ian Day whom took me back stage where lead guitarist, Dave Murray was waiting. Entering a small private room at the Vic Theater, Mr. Murray and I talked about the success of Iron Maiden and their undead mascot named Eddie. At 15-years of age, Murray told me that he dropped out of school to start a band with Steve Harris. "Bruce and Adrian left on their own, explained lead guitars Dave Murray and after my interview, I got a chance to meet Steve Harris and had seen the best concert of my life.

I never had a chance to acquaint myself with Bruce Dickinson and after several failed attempts trying to contact Rod Smallwood, I said to myself, "Fuck chasing this dead dream, and I quit Heavy Metal journalism. However, in 2018 Bruce Dickinson wrote a book titled: "What Does This Button Do?" and within seven days I was able to complete Dickinson's 366 page autobiography. I learned that dreams die hard for everyone, especially for Dickinson's parents as they ceased to achieve higher learning and stayed locked down to the blue-collar working class. Regardless, Dickinson's list of achievements include: a PhD in music, radio host interviewer, commercial pilot and lead front man of Iron Maiden. 

Pictures courtesy of: Harper Collins 

Under those circumstances, Martin Freshwater, Noddy White and countless names where dropped and that Bruce Dickinson went on tour with Rainbow and .38 Special. Maiden's PA equipment was hi-jacked by bandits over seas and later Dickinson undergone eleven radiation treatments while battling cancer. My favorte part of this book was chapter 30 titled: "Wing Nut." Taking to the skies in southern California is where Dickinson learned to fly a C-152 over Cajon Pass. 

Bruce Dickinson was able to offer some deeper insights on his world travels, touring and his battle with cancer. The language was a bit dry and could have used stronger attention to detail. On the other hand, Dickinson is a master songwriter and a champion of Heavy Metal. Writing a book does not come easy and his overall presentation was well delivered to his fans and new readership. I strongly recommend "What Does
This Button Do" and if you look close enough, you might access that On-Switch to ones imagination.