Bruce Dickinson

You might ask, why did I choose a musician as my hero? Why not a friend, or possibly a family member? For one, music is a subject I keep close, it means a lot to me. Most of my family is hardly ever home, and I don't have many people to talk to; I need to find something to fill this void. It's amazing how a man's vocals can bring so much hope. Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson is more than an idol, or an inspiration, but he's a hero.

"It doesn't matter whether you're male, female, Muslim, Christian, Catholic, Jewish, [it] doesn't matter. If you're a Maiden fan, you're an Iron Maiden fan, and you are part of one. world and one family my friends!" (En Vivo!) is a quote that perfectly personifies Mr. Dickinson. It shows his unselfishness, his persona, and his place before people even though he's famous. He thinks everyone, including himself, is no different from another. This isn't something you see with everyday musicians that are glorified. His ideals inspire me to be more of a humble person, to be the best I can be without putting people down. It awes me on how this man has not let the fame go to his head.

It's not every day you meet a broadcaster, entrepreneur, musician, author, actor, pilot, songwriter, and vocalist in just one person. What is the sole purpose of doing so many things at once, though? "The reason I do all the things I do now is because I love them. Life is too short to do the things you don't love doing." (Quinn) says Dickinson about his accomplishments. The amazing characteristic about Bruce Dickinson is how he is a great risk taker. As Dave Murray (guitarist) describes him, "He tends to juggle a lot of things at once, he has a perpetual flood of ideas. [When] he gets excited about something, he really follows it through" (Iron Maiden: Flight 666). He never relied on anybody, and was always determined about his own goals in life. Heck, he went homeless when he was young, and spent his last £10 on going to see the band he is currently vocalist of just for a job opportunity. I can say that Mr. Dickinson is living proof that anything is possible, even if you're in the harshest of times.

Last but not least, his musical talent is what tops it all. But how would Mr. Dickinson describe his achievements with the band? "All people need is something to hang on to that's real. [And] won't let you down, and if Maiden fulfills that, [it] would be a remarkable thing. We might all end up retiring at some point in the future, having actually achieved something" (Iron Maiden: Flight 666); this is one of my favorite quotes of Mr. Dickinson. It is obvious that Maiden has accomplished so much, yet all Bruce wishes is to be an inspiration. Many people would just assume my hero sings about malevolent subjects. But it's the complete opposite; the songs he has written over the years discuss literature, history, war, and life. With his songwriting, the lyrics just speak to me, and seek to impress me, time and time again. I can still remember the utter joy I felt of seeing him live on September 13, 2013. As if it were yesterday, I can close my eyes and hear the passion in the music, feel the wave of heat from the pyrotechnics, and witness everyone around me felt the same beat of the music in their hearts. This band's music has formed who I am today. It has chosen me, my friends, my ideals, morals, and even my dreams. Bruce Dickinson has taught me so much, despite never meeting him in person.

Bruce Dickinson is more than an inspiration to me. He's more than just a vocalist for a heavy metal band, but an important figure in history. He is a legendary man who doesn't believe in the price of fame, a determined risk-taker who gives it his all. His musical ability gives me goose bumps and always awes me. He is my true hero. He is Bruce Dickinson, The Air Raid Siren!