Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden recently criticized “legends” who “can no longer sing” during an interview.

The vocalist and founding member Steve Harris discussed with Kerrang! during the first week of their 50th Anniversary Run for Your Lives World Tour about the band’s longevity and their views on retirement, especially following the departure of longtime drummer Nicko McBrain in late 2024.

What Does Bruce Dickinson Think About Retiring?

Dickinson mentioned an “argument” he had with another journalist before the interview, who urged him to continue performing even when he feels he can no longer deliver his best.

“I said, ‘Look, there are loads of singers whose voices are shot and everybody knows it.’ He replied, ‘Yeah but they’re legends.’ They’re not fucking legends. They’re people who can’t sing anymore. When they were singing, they were legends. When they can’t sing anymore, they’re not legends anymore,” the vocalist asserted.

“That’s the end of that, the brutal truth. I couldn’t go onstage if I didn’t think I could do it. I don’t know how people get onstage when they can’t do it anymore. Obviously, it’s their life, but it’s not my way… It’s just a fact of life that one day it may or may not happen. You take each day as it comes and you try to give the best performance of your life every night. That’s the rules of the game.”

Even when he is no longer able to sing, Dickinson does not view that as retiring. He stated he will still engage in activities like writing more books to avoid simply waiting for his life to end.

What Do Iron Maiden Have Planned After the Tour?

Regarding Iron Maiden’s future, the rocker admitted that if given a choice between making another album with the band or going on another tour, he would prefer to work on an album.

“Steve’s the opposite. He will tour and tour until he probably dies onstage. Touring is enjoyable, but it’s not new. I’m a creative bunny and I like making new things,” he explained.

READ MORE: 5 Best Black Metal Covers of Iron Maiden Songs

In the meantime, the singer has already been working on the follow-up to his latest solo album The Mandrake Project (2024). Harris described the material as “some of his best stuff I’ve ever heard,” and he recently announced the latest installment of his corresponding graphic novel saga in partnership with Z2.

Maiden’s next performance will take place tomorrow (June 19) at Hellfest in Clisson, France. Check out the rest of the band’s upcoming dates on their website.

See which other rock and metal bands are touring for the rest of the year in the gallery below.