Before taking the stage with his solo band on June 8 at the Sweden Rock Festival, Bruce Dickinson, the iconic frontman of IRON MAIDEN, opened up about the unfortunate cancellation of his June 3 concert in Bucharest, Romania. The decision, driven by a severe viral infection, was a rare move for Dickinson, who is known for his resilience and commitment to performing.
In an interview with Sveriges Radio P4 Live, Dickinson explained the severity of his condition. “I’m okay now,” he said, detailing how he had to take a five-day course of antibiotics and other medications to reduce swelling in his vocal cords. The infection, which he caught about two weeks prior, worsened over time, affecting not just him but also his crew. “It’s my gift to them,” he joked, acknowledging the spread of the illness among his team.
When asked if he was accustomed to canceling shows, Dickinson was candid. “No. The last show I canceled was 17 years ago. So this was rare,” he admitted. The decision to cancel was not taken lightly. “Because I don’t cancel shows hardly ever, it was obvious that it was real,” he emphasized. Despite his efforts to sing through the illness, it only got worse, leading him to seek medical advice and take a necessary break.
The initial announcement of the Bucharest concert cancellation came with a statement from Dickinson’s camp, explaining that various members of the band and crew had been affected by a flu-like virus since the start of the European tour. By the time of the London show, Dickinson was also feeling the effects. He managed to complete the Paris show, but by Groningen, his ability to sing at the expected standard was compromised. The situation became critical during the Budapest show, prompting the decision to rest completely to preserve his health and the remaining tour dates.
In a heartfelt statement, Dickinson expressed his disappointment. “I have been pushing my voice through a viral infection for the past few shows. I was hoping that the two days after the Dutch shows would have been enough vocal rest, but the Budapest show was a real struggle,” he said. He praised the audiences for their support but stressed his responsibility to the tour and his instrument. “With a very heavy heart, I have had to make the decision to cancel tomorrow’s show in Bucharest. It was not the outcome I hoped for.”
Dickinson’s solo tour, his first in over 20 years, officially kicked off on April 15 at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California, following two warm-up shows at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood. His current backing band includes Dave Moreno on drums, Mistheria on keyboards, Tanya O’Callaghan on bass, Swedish guitarist Philip Näslund, and Swiss guitarist Chris Declercq. Notably absent from the lineup is Roy “Z” Ramirez, Dickinson’s longtime guitarist and collaborator.
The tour has been a significant event for fans, marking Dickinson’s return to solo performances after a long hiatus. His last solo performance before this tour was in August 2002 at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. The tour has seen Dickinson and his band delivering powerful performances, despite the challenges posed by the viral infection.
Dickinson’s commitment to his craft and his fans is evident in his approach to handling the illness. “I know how to look after my voice, but when you get sick, it’s another thing entirely,” he said. His decision to cancel the Bucharest show, though difficult, was made with the best interests of his health and the tour in mind.
Fans in Romania were understandably disappointed, but many expressed their support and understanding. Dickinson’s transparency about his condition and the steps he took to recover have been appreciated by his audience. As he continues his tour, fans are hopeful that he will remain in good health and continue to deliver the high-energy performances he is known for.
The Bucharest concert cancellation serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on performers and the importance of health in maintaining a successful tour. Dickinson’s experience underscores the challenges artists face and the difficult decisions they must sometimes make to ensure their well-being and the quality of their performances.
