What Does This Button Do? - by Dickinson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

New York Times Bestseller

"Illuminating and very entertaining...a compelling read about someone who is much more than just the guy who sings for Iron Maiden." --Loudwire

A long-awaited autobiography from the larger-than-life, multifaceted lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, one of the most successful, influential and enduring rock bands ever.

Pioneers of Britain's nascent New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene back in the late 1970s, Iron Maiden smashed its way to the top, thanks in no small part to the high-octane performances, operatic singing style, and stage presence of its second, but twice-longest-serving, lead singer, Bruce Dickinson. As Iron Maiden's front man--first from 1981 to 1993, and then from 1999 to the present--Dickinson has been, and remains, a man of legend.

But OTT front man is just one of the many hats Bruce wears. In addition to being one of the world's most storied and well-respected singers and songwriters, he is an airline captain, aviation entrepreneur, motivational speaker, beer brewer, novelist, radio presenter, and film scriptwriter. He has also competed as a world-class level fencer. Often credited as a genuine polymath Bruce, in his own words (and handwritten script in the first instance!), sets forth many personal observations guaranteed to inspire curious souls and hard-core fans alike.

Dickinson turns his unbridled creativity, passion, and anarchic humour to reveal some fascinating stories from his life, including his thirty years with Maiden, his solo career, his childhood within the eccentric British school system, his early bands, fatherhood and family, and his recent battle with cancer.

Bold, honest, intelligent and very funny, his inspirational memoir is an up-close look inside the life, heart, and mind of one of the most unique and interesting men in the world; a true icon of rock.

Bold, honest, and very funny, Bruce Dickinson's story is a call to adventure for the endlessly curious, revealing:

• A Rock Star Memoir: The story of thirty years with Iron Maiden, from early days in the British rock scene to global fame, plus a look at his celebrated solo career.
• Aviation and Flying: Go from the stage to the cockpit in the unbelievable true story of how Iron Maiden's frontman became a commercial airline captain and aviation entrepreneur.
• A True Polymath: Beyond the music, discover the man: a world-class fencer, published novelist, beer brewer, and motivational speaker who lives life to the fullest.
• Cancer Survivor Story: An honest, unflinching, and surprisingly funny account of his recent battle with throat cancer and his triumphant return to the stage and the sky.

From the Back Cover

Singer. Songwriter. Airline captain. Aviation entrepreneur. Motivational speaker. Beer brewer. Novelist. Radio presenter. Screenwriter. World-class fencer. Icon.

All of these things and much more, Iron Maiden's legendary front man Bruce Dickinson is one of the most unique and interesting men in the world. In this long-awaited memoir, Bruce contemplates the rollercoaster of life, and recounts--in his uniquely polished voice--the explosive exploits of his eccentric British childhood, the meteoric rise of Maiden, summoning the powers of darkness, the philosophy of fencing, brutishly beautiful Boeings, and dismissing cancer like an uninvited guest.

Bold, honest, intelligent and funny, this long-awaited memoir captures the life, heart and mind of a true rock god.

Review Quotes

"Illuminating and very entertaining...a compelling read about someone who is much more than just the guy who sings for Iron Maiden." - Loudwire

"An engaging memoir from the restless, curiousm and exploratory mind of Bruce Dickinson, a Renaissance man who is actually worthy of the nomenclature." - Houston Press