Declaration generated so much controversy that Lars Ulrich “reacted” and the singer himself explained himself some time later
the american metallica and the british Iron Maiden are the two biggest heavy metal bands in terms of sales and popularity. They followed different paths throughout their careers, but became famous and respected across the planet.
The first has even made it clear at times that it has been influenced by the second. In 2008, the Americans even released a re-recording of “Remember Tomorrow”, by the English group, as part of the tribute album Maiden Heaven: A Tribute to Iron Maiden.
Despite this, there have already been some quarrels between them. One of them was performed by the vocalist of Maiden, Bruce Dickinson. In a 2011 interview with the magazine metal hammer (via blabbermouth), the singer was direct in stating that his band is better than the metallica.
“I got in trouble for saying that we are better than the metallica… and it’s true. They may be bigger than us, they may sell more tickets than us, they may get more gold-plated middle-class bourgeois to come to their shows, but they are not the maiden.”
Of course, the statement went down like a bomb among heavy metal fans. It got to the point where one of the leaders of the metallicathe drummer Lars Ulrich, speak about it during a 2014 interview with the newspaper The Guardian. And as a good fan of Ironhe put a damper on the situation — albeit with a small sting in return.
“I would never dispute that. I will always support Bruce Dickinson in whatever nonsense he says. That’s part of the fun. So bring it on, Iron Maiden! Everything is fine.”
Bruce Dickinson clarifies talk about Metallica
the speech of Bruce Dickinson became so emblematic that he ended up “returning” to it. In 2017, when talking to the Rolling Stone USA, the lead singer of Iron Maiden explained his intent by comparing his band to the metallica.
“Look, I’m perfectly aware that when you say things that get printed, people are going to take it however they want. what I said about the metallica, frankly, it was a good tease. We have a great relationship with the metallica. It was not directed to metallica. It was directed at the rest of the world to say, ‘We’re back and we mean it…we mean it so badly we’re going to say something pretty outrageous, so why don’t you come to the show and find out for yourself?’ It was like issuing a challenge. And I’m the lead singer. It’s my job. That’s what i do.”
Even during the chat, Dickinson confessed that, yes, his statement was arrogant. And that, as already pointed out, is part of his work.
“So you’re arrogant? Uh, yes. You are the lead singer of Iron Maiden and will be cocky from time to time because that’s part of the show. Mick Jagger is he arrogant? Yes, probably — he is Mick Jagger for God’s sake. I make a distinction between me walking down the street and me on stage with the Iron Maiden? Yes.”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
