Stage fright or fear of public speaking isn't something that only happens to ordinary people. Even someone with decades of experience and an impressive vocal range like Bruce Dickinson gets nervous before putting himself in front of a large audience.
During an Talk Is Jericho podcast , hosted by Chris Jericho of Fozzy Iron Maiden vocalist admitted that he still gets butterflies in his stomach before going on stage, especially at the start of a tour.
“After you’ve done six or seven shows, you get used to the routine, so you kind of already know what’s going to happen,” the musician says. “But the biggest fear, especially for a singer, is that you’re going to go on stage, open your mouth, and a bunch of garbage comes out, or absolutely nothing. And that’s irrational, but it’s valid.”
Dickinson also revealed that he discovered a way to make himself feel more secure before shows. “I keep a copy of the song lyrics backstage. I never look at them, but I would be terrified if I knew they weren’t there. After a few shows and I feel more relaxed, I leave them in my suitcase,” he says.
Currently, Bruce Dickinson has also been doing solo tours where he tells stories and talks openly with the audience, which, according to him, is even more stressful. “In a one-man show it’s different because it’s just you. And if you stop, everything stops,” he reflects. “If I forget the lyrics [singing with Iron Maiden], the band keeps going.”
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