What Does This Button Do?

By: Bruce Dickinson

‘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.

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

a great listen

what an interesting intelligent talented guy. I would love to hear all the rest of his story. like submarine trips for example... 😉

Simply brilliant!

Informative, entertaining and brilliantly amusing. One of the best autobiography’s I have had the pleasure of listening to.

Amazing

I loved the story of Mr. Dickinson and, even though first in doubt whether I should go exactly for the audio version, I don't regret it. Now, that I've finished the book, I already miss the voice of a new friend.

What does this button do? - Let’s find out!!

Mr Dickinson surprised me with this book. Not only is he a talented singer and songwriter but he seems to have a hundred of little talents hidden. I loved his voice and way of presenting his book and I loved the way he told his story. I understand and appreciate he decided to leave out his love life and family. I see it as respecting their privacy and his life is interesting enough without.
As a extra for me having been a pilot for small planes, I loved the view on aviation from a fellow metal head :)

good

Enjoyed every minute of this. An inspiration. Very well written and read. I thought some of the musings ("theatre of the mind") strayed into the Partridgesque, but that may have been my fault as listened to this right after finishing 'Nomad.'