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
Ask Bruce how tall he is and he’d say some BS like 5′ 8″.
I like Maiden, Metallica and JP, but I think Iron Maiden probably is the “better” band, though that’s subjective. I think Maiden could easily cover any Metallica or JP song, but I don’t think either one could pull off a Maiden song convincingly.
I don’t have a huge issue with a teleprompter, though does that mean it’s ok for the guitar players to have one to tell them what chord to play next?
Years of abuse has to take it’s toll on all musicians and when they are over 60 it is borrowed time much like athletes. The number of guys who have prompters or bands who have singers no one see’s behind the stage or a key board making the guitars sound better or even hidden effects for the drums is common business. Yes it is like the Wizard behind the curtain is really a showman but watch the show enjoy it for what it is entertainment and go home smiling. Bruce does like to hear himself squawk, he’s got some Gene Simmons BS going on by putting other people down to make himself feel better, I ignore it(I like Maiden anyway).
I get where Bruce is coming from. Both Halford and Ozzy are notorious for using Obamas, err I mean teleprompters. Surprised Bruce didn’t mention Ozzy’s name just to piss off $haron some more. And Rob doesn’t even sing “Breakin’ the Law” any more. He just turns the mic to the crowd and let them sing the whole song. Dio never used a teleprompter, and neither does Sammy Hagar, two guys who were/are pushing 70. And with regards to Maiden being better than Metallica, you’ll get no argument from me here mate! UP THE IRONS!!!
Oh Snap! Technically, he’s right, but why would you diss Priest? Does Bruce have some inferiority complex that compels him to disrespect them publicly? I still remember seeing them (Maiden/Priest)together on a double bill at MSG back in the 80’s. (Denim jacket, check). I believe KK Downing took a major spill off some stairs on the stage that night, but he got back up an soldiered on. What’s next, Bruce will be claiming he can bench press more than Rob Halford?
Its called little man syndrome. Short people are assholes.
Zach,
As a short person (I stand 5 feet 1/4 inches. Yes, I hold on dearly to that 1/4 inch-LOL!), I take exception to that remark 😉 LOL!!!
Dana from EddieTrunk.com 🙂
I agree with Bruce about the teleprompter. That’s just ridiculous. Many singers do this nowadays including Ozzy. Heck the celebrity of the United States uses a Teleprompter lol. What a shame. Now in regards to being better than metallica? Well that should be a debate on TMS in the throw down! Record sales would heavily favor metallica. Musicianship, vocals, lyrics, technicality, it all depends.
Ozzy is tethered to the mic cause’ of the telepromter. I love both bands but, I favour Metallica over Maiden. Mostly cause’ Maiden’s formula is albeit tried and true, gets a bit tired after a while. With Metallica I find they have greater range and the lyrics and grooves are awesome.
;=}- Not sure what planet you’ve been living on but, Obama is hardly the first prez. to use a teleprompter.
Only the first with every repetitive speech he gives.
Love your name dude!! Brilliant.