IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson talks setlist and plans for upcoming solo tour
In a recent conversation with Noise11.com, Bruce Dickinson, the frontman of IRON MAIDEN, delved into details about his upcoming tour in support of his latest solo project, “The Mandrake Project.” The ensemble accompanying Bruce on tour includes his longtime co-writer and producer Roy “Z” Ramirez, drummer Dave Moreno, bassist Tanya O’Callaghan, and keyboard virtuoso Mistheria.
When Dickinson was asked if he would be performing “The Mandrake Project” in its entirety on the tour, Bruce said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “No. I mean, it’s been God knows how many years since I actually went out on the road. I mean, it’s [19] years since [my last solo album, 2005’s] ‘Tyranny Of Souls’, Yeah, it’s a long time. So, given that, and given the fact that you’ve got seven albums to pick from now in terms of the setlist, I think it would be cruel and unusual punishment to have people listen to a brand new album start to finish.”
He continued: “We’re gonna do ‘Tears Of The Dragon’ [from 1994’s ‘Balls To Picasso’ album], we’re gonna do ‘Chemical Wedding’ [off 1998’s ‘The Chemical Wedding’], we’re gonna do ‘Accident Of Birth’ [off 1997’s ‘Accident Of Birth’], and all this, this stuff. I’m gonna limit it, probably, to the things I did with Roy, because that’s stuff that we share, with Roy and Dave Moreno, the drummer, and Mistheria did keyboards on all my records.
“So, you’ve gotta have a little limit that goes some way. ‘Okay, where’s our starting point?’ And effectively, it’s gonna be from ‘Balls To Picasso’ forward. I’m probably not gonna put any ‘Skunkworks’ [1996] stuff — not because I hate it, but just because we’ve got so many other great songs. I’m sure this won’t be the last tour that we do together, so we’ve got we got plenty of opportunity to go and do stuff. There’ll probably be three or four off the new record, for sure.”
Bruce added: “Roy wasn’t on ‘Skunkworks’. That was a completely different band, and a completely different feel to everything. But there’s some cracking songs on there. And, obviously, Janick [Gers, MAIDEN guitarist] was on ‘Tattooed Millionaire’. But, again, I’m not gonna do anything off ‘Tattooed Millionaire’ — not this tour. I mean, we might dig stuff up for future tours and things like that, but for now I wanna concentrate on the heavy stuff. And I think people will wanna hear stuff off ‘The Chemical Wedding’ because that was my little bit of a groundbreaking record in the ’90s.”
Scheduled for release on March 1 through BMG, “The Mandrake Project” was primarily recorded at Los Angeles’s Doom Room by Bruce Dickinson and Roy Z. Roy Z, wearing multiple hats as guitarist and bassist, added his touch to the LP. Joining them in the recording lineup were Mistheria and Moreno, both familiar faces from “Tyranny Of Souls.”
Bruce Dickinson “The Mandrake Project” track listing:
01. Afterglow Of Ragnarok (05:45)
02. Many Doors To Hell (04:48)
03. Rain On The Graves (05:05)
04. Resurrection Men (06:24)
05. Fingers In The Wounds (03:39)
06. Eternity Has Failed (06:59)
07. Mistress Of Mercy (05:08)
08. Face In The Mirror (04:08)
09. Shadow Of The Gods (07:02)
10. Sonata (Immortal Beloved) (09:51)
On November 30, 2023, Bruce Dickinson unveiled the high-octane video for “Afterglow Of Ragnarok,” the album’s inaugural single. The IRON MAIDEN frontman premiered the visually stunning film at CCXP23, Brazil’s Comic-Con event in São Paulo, sharing additional insights into the album and an upcoming comic series in collaboration with Z2. To the delight of the global comic community, 2,000 CCXP-exclusive versions of the comic were released.
Describing the lead single, “Afterglow Of Ragnarok,” Bruce emphasized its heaviness, driven by a robust riff, yet balanced with a melodic chorus that encapsulates the album’s diverse tones.
Directed by Ryan Mackfall and co-written by Bruce Dickinson and esteemed British writer Tony Lee, the film introduces Dr. Necropolis, the central character of “The Mandrake Project.” It sets the stage for the dark narrative explored in the eight-page comic book prequel, featured in the seven-inch gatefold vinyl release of the single.
“The Mandrake Project” is more than just a musical endeavor; it’s a mature narrative exploring power dynamics, abuse, and the quest for identity against a backdrop of scientific and occult brilliance. Bruce Dickinson‘s brainchild comes to life in a 12-issue quarterly comic series scripted by Tony Lee and beautifully illustrated by Staz Johnson for Z2 Comics. These issues will be collected into three annual graphic novels.
Bruce Dickinson‘s journey with IRON MAIDEN began with the 1982 album “Number Of The Beast.” After a hiatus to pursue a solo career, he rejoined the band in 1999, contributing to their continued success. Despite his return to the band, Dickinson remains committed to his solo endeavors, with “The Mandrake Project” marking a significant chapter in his ongoing solo exploration.