Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson continues to prove he’s not your quintessential rock star. On January 19, the Iron Maiden singer represented Great Britain in the “Veterans” category at the Circuit Européen 2025 fencing tournament in Faches-Thumesnil, France.
Dickinson’s performance showcased his passion for the sport. He won his first round against Denmark’s Jeiner Simon with a solid 10-4 victory. However, he was subsequently knocked out in the next round by France’s Jolyot Pascal, losing 10-1. Out of 31 fencers in the category, Dickinson finished 13th overall—a respectable result in a field filled with seasoned competitors.
The tournament saw the singer blend his love of physical challenge with the mental discipline required for fencing. For Dickinson, fencing has been apart of his life since the tender age of 13. Encouraged by a schoolteacher to give it a shot, Dickinson quickly fell in love with the sport.
This isn’t the first time Dickinson has excelled in an arena outside of music. At 66 years old, he’s worn more hats than most: licensed commercial pilot, aviation company owner, beer brewer, author, and even actor.
Dickinson’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2014, he was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer, undergoing nine weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. By May 2015, he had beaten the disease—a testament to his resilience and determination. He later opened up about the experience in his 2017 autobiography, What Does This Button Do?.
Dickinson joined Iron Maiden in 1981, debuting on the groundbreaking album The Number of the Beast. After a brief departure in the ’90s, he returned to the band in 1999 and remains their iconic frontman.
But whether he’s commanding a stage, piloting a plane, or competing with a sword, Dickinson embodies the spirit of a relentless adventurer. His appearance at the Circuit Européen is yet another chapter in the storied life of one of rock’s most fascinating figures. He quite literally living proof that even legends keep evolving.
