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What Does This Button Do? cover art

What Does This Button Do?

By: Bruce Dickinson
Narrated by: Bruce Dickinson
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Summary

A long-awaited memoir 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 rock and 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 frontman 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 30 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, What Does This Button Do? 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.

©2017 Bruce Dickinson (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about What Does This Button Do?

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A fascinating life story!

Well, yes I’m a fan of Iron Maiden. Yes. I buy a lot of things related to Iron Maiden. Yes. I also drink the beer. However, this is also one of the most fascinating autobiographies I’ve ever read.

I bought this book purely because I went to see Bruce on one of his book launch tours. As part of the cost of the ticket you were given a stunning hand-signed copy. Great. It’s sat proudly on my shelf. Thing thing was, having heard Bruce read a few excerpts from the book, I realised that the only way I’d really get the feel for the characters in his life was to let Bruce tell me the whole story. So, I bought this book! It’s fantastic. Bruce has led an amazing life and I think it’s admirable that he’s told his story while avoiding his personal life. You won’t hear anything about his marriages or kids.

If you are a fan of Iron Maiden, you’ll probably have bought the book. If you are a fan of a riveting read, laughing your socks off and could give a flying monkey about Iron Maiden, buy this book! You won’t regret it.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting book without descending into tabloid stories

Not a Maiden diehard fan although I do own one of their albums. First thing I’d say is Bruce has kept any stories about his spouse/kids out which is fine as I wanted to know about Bruce the musician and pilot. I’m sure he missed some other stories/controversy out as they may be not fit to print. But this kept me interested. His fight with cancer was well written as well. His love of flying as well as the music. Bit of an anorak with planes and details. So if you are expecting a rock’n’roll, tales of drugs and sex orgies you are going to be disappointed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great book

great to listen about a person life that i have grown up with
wow wow

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Inspirational, unputdownable

A b c d e, f g h I j k l, m n o

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An excellent book. Well Read and Engaging

Very much enjoyed this book. Well read and engaging from the start. He comes across as a very nice guy. Highly recommended.

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Outstanding

I find it only fair that I begin the review by saying I am a huge Iron Maiden fan, and queued for hours just to fulfil one of my ambitions of meeting Bruce and shaking his hand.

I should learn never to be surprised by the man, with his well known ventures in the skies and his swashbuckling with the foils, through to his writing and film making jaunts. This aside from Maiden makes his life story very interesting, and every expectation I had of the book was met.

I decided upon an audio download of the book simply because I didn’t want to spoil my hard copy, and I am so pleased I did. Narrated by Bruce himself in wonderful fashion. He speaks with such passion and is very articulate throughout. I’d love to hear more stuff narrated by Bruce, he puts everything into it and you feel like you’re there with him through all steps of his life.

My one thought at the end was why he didn’t discuss certain things relating to his family etc, but he clears up why in the last chapter.

All in all... a MUST for any Iron Maiden fan, and for people interested in aviation, it’s really eye opening to hear about his path into the profession. Wonderful stuff!

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You don't have to be an Iron Maiden fan...

you don't have to be a fan of Bruces music to appreciate this brutally honest, laugh out loud funny doccumentation of a life well lived. He is an incredible human being. And this is a must listen (or read) for everyone

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Not just about iron maiden

Having being a fan of Bruce for years and a big iron maiden fan it’s was nice to get a insight into his world and life. A intelligent and interesting story, there is more to the man than just iron maiden.

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Very good and considerably better than expected.

Although admittedly a fan, I expected less and came away with more - well done!

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Bloody brilliant!

What did you like most about What Does This Button Do??

All of it but particularly Bruce's narration

What was one of the most memorable moments of What Does This Button Do??

Captain Clusterfuck and the marzipan covered fruit cake

Any additional comments?

Even if you haven't heard of Iron Maiden (really??) this is well worth a listen.

When he's not jumping around stage wailing like an air raid siren, you will discover Bruce Dickinson is an articulate, talented and rather clever sort of a chap. Fencing, brewing beer and airline captain to name but a few of his achievements.

(And on the off chance that he reads this, I'd quite like to meet him for a pint and a chat!)

#IronMaiden

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