What Does This Button Do? ─ An Autobiography

The long-awaited memoir from the larger-than-life, multifaceted lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, one of the most influential and enduring heavy metal bands in the world.

Pioneers of Britain’s New Wave of 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 booze-fueled antics of its 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 a man of myth and mayhem: a larger-than-life icon to metalheads around the world.

In addition to his successful music career as one of the most storied and well-respected singers and songwriters, he is an airline pilot, aviation entrepreneur, motivational speaker, beer brewer, novelist, BBC radio show presenter, and scriptwriter. He’s also competed as a world-class level fencer. A true renaissance man who has pursued life with singular gusto, he continues to inspire fans on-stage and off.

Now, Dickinson turns his unbridled creativity, energy, and passion to the story of his life, including his thirty years with Maiden, his solo career, the weird, sometimes dark, and often wonderful places his insatiable curiosity, talent, and drive has led him, his turbulent childhood, his university days and early bands, fatherhood and family, and his recent battle with cancer. Dickinson lays it on the line—the gigs, the music, the influences, the price and perks of fame, the Ozzfest dustup, and more. Bold, honest, and as propulsive and entertaining as his performances, this memoir is an up-close look inside the life, heart, and mind of one of the most interesting men in the world and a true legend of metal.