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What Does This Button Do?

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What Does This Button Do?

By: Bruce Dickinson
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About this listen

‘I was spotty, wore an anorak, had biro-engraved flared blue jeans with “purple” and “Sabbath” written on the thighs, and rode an ear-splittingly uncool moped. Oh yes, and I wanted to be a drummer…’

Bruce Dickinson – Iron Maiden’s legendary front man – is one of the world’s most iconic singers and songwriters. But there are many strings to Bruce’s bow, of which larger-than-life lead vocalist is just one. He is also an airline captain, aviation entrepreneur, motivational speaker, beer brewer, novelist, radio presenter, film scriptwriter and an international fencer: truly one of the most unique and interesting men in the world.

In What Does this Button Do? Bruce contemplates the rollercoaster of life. He recounts – in his uniquely anarchic 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 firmly 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 icon, and is guaranteed to inspire curious souls and hard-core fans alike.

Entertainment & Celebrities History & Criticism Music Celebrity Funny Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Aviation Air Force Combat Sports

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Critic reviews

‘A chatty and anecdote-filled autobiography… There is much fun to be had, such as trying to put a certain part of his anatomy in the ear of the singer in rival band Quiet Riot (clue:not his finger) Sunday Times Books of the Year

‘The entertaining chronicle of a spotty anorak who escaped his grey existence into the absurd drama of life as Iron Maiden’s frontman’ Daily Telegraph Books of the Year

‘What Does This Button Do? is a genuinely fascinating and funny look back at Dickinson’s life. From his early days growing up in the Nottinghamshire mining town of Worksop (where he was raised by his grandparents until the age of six) to his roller-coaster 40-year music career, it paints a candid picture of a life well lived.’ Classic Rock Magazine

‘If you only read one book this year, it absolutely must be Bruce Dickinson’s new autobiography, What Does This Button Do? … The book is every bit as entertaining and bursting with energy as you might expect.’ Metal Hammer

‘Whether you are a Maiden fanatic, an aviation enthusiast, a fencing aficionado or none or even all of the above, you will most definitely get something from this extremely well written and entertaining book, such is the calibre of the man, his philosophies and the level of his accomplishments.’ Metaltalk

All stars
Most relevant
A brilliant audio book. I couldn’t wait to listen to Bruce telling his own story! Wasn’t disappointed.

Scream for me Audible

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I really enjoyed this book. So often autobiographies are self indulgent, full of rambling anecdotes aimed at self justification, but this is a tight, disciplined book with a coherent and interesting narrative. There is a very nice balance between the music and his other interests and nice bits of travelogue when describing his visits to foreign shores. To be honest the delivery was a bit Clarksonesque but easily forgivable in light of such wonderful story telling. Some parts made me laugh out loud whilst others made me feel sad, but Dickinson never deliberately tweeks the heart strings. All in all a fine piece of work, well worthy of the fascinating life it seeks to portray.

A very well written autobiography.

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I would liked to have heard more about his personal journey though, kids etc. It just left me feeling he left enormous parts of his life out. The excuse it would have been too long? well maybe a bit less about being a pilot, nobody bought the book to hear pilot stories

Good book and interesting story.

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An absolutely fascinating story from a fascinating man.
Well done Bruce! Now to listen again.

Awesome.

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Sublimely written and narrated exquisitely. An unbelievable listen - and read if you buy the book.

Incredible

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