Bruce Dickinson just isn’t having any of it. While more and more bands rely on backing tracks to smooth over the cracks in their live performances, Iron Maiden are keeping it real.
According to Dickinson, if the day ever comes when Maiden can’t deliver a show without studio tricks, that’ll be the day they call it quits. “The idea that you can turn it into the Disneyland Maiden by using backing tracks, a few tricks… No!” Dickinson told Classic Rock magazine. “Maiden has to be one hundred percent real — and f***ing fierce!”
He recalled a fan telling him how impressive it is that Iron Maiden are still performing at such a high level. His response? “Yeah, and we’re doing it for real. There’s no detuning.” When the fan pointed out how common backing tracks are now, Dickinson shut it down: “No! No, no! If we use backing tracks, that’s the day I quit. Or the day we stop. If it’s not real, it’s not Maiden.”
This stance isn’t new. The band has always taken pride in keeping things raw and authentic. During a recent interview on the Rich Roll Podcast, Dickinson doubled down, pointing out that Maiden still play everything in its original key—no detuning, no click tracks, no pre-recorded vocals.
“We still play everything too fast, because we’re all excited,” he said. “We’ve never played to click tracks or time code. I see a lot of bands now and I’m going, ‘Hang on a minute. Hey, you sang that without moving your lips.’”
It’s not just Dickinson who’s against the shift towards pre-recorded elements. Bassist Steve Harris says they’ll know when it’s time to stop. “I think you’d know in yourself if you can’t cut it anymore. And I like to think that we’re still out there giving it large.”
Guitarist Adrian Smith has also spoken out against the use of tapes. “We’ve toured with a couple of bands that use tapes—it’s not real. You’re supposed to play live; it should be live. I don’t agree with using tapes… I think it’s a real shame.”
While plenty of bands are opting for more polished, pre-programmed live shows, Iron Maiden are making it clear they won’t be one of them, ever.
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