Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, never one to censor himself, has reportedly taken a couple of potshots at Metallica and Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford.
According to Loudwire, the singer recently chastised Halford for apparently using a teleprompter to help him remember lyrics during live shows. “People pay good money and you can’t even remember the sodding words,” exclaims Dickinson. “The daftest one I ever saw was Breaking the Law.”
Also, back in 2011 Dickinson told Metal Hammer that Iron Maiden were a much better band than Metallica.
“I got into trouble for saying that we’re better than Metallica … and, it’s true!” Dickinson added, “They might be bigger than us and they might sell more tickets than us and they might get more gold-plated middle-class bourgeoisie turning up to their shows but they’re not Maiden. I did say it’s a bit of a wind-up. I thought, if I’m going to turn into an a–hole, I might as well, you know, go for it!”
In a new interview with the Guardian, Dickinson’s comments were brought up to Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, who offered a humble response. “I will never argue with that,” says Ulrich. “I will always support Bruce Dickinson in whatever nonsense he says. That’s part of the fun. So go Iron Maiden! It’s fine.”
additional source: loudwire.com
153 Responses
My opinion is like Bruce’s in that I think Maiden is definitely the better band over Metallica but I hardly think Metallica sweat that. I”m sure Lars, James and Kirk are flattered to even be mentioned by Bruce as Maiden are, in my humble opinion, the benchmark for every hard rock/ metal band as far as longevity, technicality and live performances go.
Bruce’s comments about Rob, I think, are just Bruce’s way of stirring up the pot for these bands, not just JP, step up their game.
In defense of Rob, there were widespread rumors about his health many years ago when he started using teleprompters.
Look, these guys are getting on in age. Various mind-related things can go wrong for people in their 40s for god’s sake. I’ve seen people at 50 get hit with Alzheimers.
The simple fact of the matter is that Priest STILL puts on a sick show every night they’re on stage. Can Rob run around like Bruce the Maniac? No. But so what? I’m sort of shocked Bruce would say something like this, as I was under the impression they were good friends. I guess not. Then again, Bruce has a penchant for being an overly outspoken asshole, despite his talent. Rob, on the other hand, hasn’t badmouthed a soul in public that I can ever recall. So, we know who the classy one is. BTW, wasn’t it Priest that brought Maiden on its first tour?
What I would like Bruce to address, really, is why Maiden has put out such shitty, boring albums ever since Dance of Death….
I still scratch my head on why Bruce is spouting off like this. The Ozzy thing, I can understand. LOL Ozzy has been a joke for 20+ years. This Metallica and Rob Halford thing, I don’t get. Wish someone would ask Bruce that. I am glad Priest take the high road. I’d hate for it to become a real mudfest. Now, with regard to Maiden’s last few albums…I love them. Since Bruce and Adrian have been back in the band, I think each album has gotten better and better.
Oh, Dana from ET.com I agree with you that Priest were first and Bruce should respect his elders. 🙂
Thanks Trapper 🙂
D 🙂
I was lucky enough to meet Bruce, Steve and Nicko backstage during their Seventh Son Tour. Even back then, I can remember him saying Maiden was so much better than Metallica. The quote I remember most – “they play too fast”.
I don’t really care about Bruce’s opinions on anything. I do, however, care greatly about that superb Iron Maiden Trooper Beer that they have put out. If they ever stop making that, I will be deeply saddened!
I agree Trooper beer is pretty good. But gotta admit, I had my first AC DC Beer the other day, and it was friggin awesome…better than Trooper. Check’em out if you haven’t yet.
I found the AC/DC beer to be rather disappointing. It wasn’t horrible, but it was missing something.
That beer is pretty awesome…..when you can find it
My wife made some beer cheese soup with. That worked out reeeaallyy well!