Everyone thinks we all hate each other, but that's not true. I think Iron Maiden is a fantastic band.”
Paul Di'Anno : Hello.
W (NM) : Hello, Mr. Paul Di'Anno.
PD : Oh, hello, how are you?
W (NM) : Hi, this is Nando Machado and Daniel Dystyler from Wikimetal, how are you?
PD : I'm good, man, and you?
W (NM) : Yes, we are very happy, very honored and privileged to be speaking with you. It's a true honor, we've been listening to your music for the last 30 years. So, first of all, welcome to Wikimetal.
W (DD) : Wikimetal is the number one Heavy Metal podcast in Brazil. So we're really excited, it's amazing to have you on our show.
PD : Oh, interesting, because my wife asked me the name of the program; she was trying to hear me from the United States.
W (NM) : You can listen to our program online or download it for free from the website. We interview several other international artists. The interviews are conducted in English, so feel free to listen whenever you like.
PD : I'm not going to yell because I have a 6-month-old son. I'm going to hold my voice.
W (NM) : So, let's begin the interview. Is it true that during the Kiss tour in 1980, when Iron Maiden was invited to open the show, the guys from Kiss were very nice, especially Gene, who helped you with money, etc.?
PD : Yes, he was fantastic, he was really great. The guys really helped us a lot. It was our first European tour, actually. Yes, it was really cool, the guys were fantastic and I think on Steve's birthday they even came up on stage and threw cream pies in our faces. Everyone got dirty, Kiss had to delay the show for an hour to redo their makeup, etc. Because we made quite a mess with them too. Great fun, it was really a fantastic tour.
W (DD) : Paul, this is Daniel. You wrote four memorable songs with Steve Harris on Maiden's early recordings: "Remember Tomorrow," "Sanctuary," "Killers," and "Running Free." Can you tell the listeners a little about the stories behind these songs, especially "Remember Tomorrow"?
PD : Oh! “Remember Tomorrow” is the most famous. My grandfather used to say that. And first of all, my grandfather was diabetic and always had problems, and I was watching him die, it was horrible. And, I don't know why, I always remembered that phrase. It's hard to explain what makes our lyrics come together. It was something like, through pain you gain a clearer future, it's like a mixture of colors, things like that. It's strange, it's something distant when I read it now. I don't know what kinds of drugs I was using at that time, but… it's strange, but it also seems to fit well, you know? But the main thing is that the phrase “remember tomorrow,” even though it's not used in the lyrics, was important to me, it made sense to me. … So, I think this song was a punk song, which we had a long time ago. I had this song even before we joined Iron Maiden, we just finished it. “Running Free,” this one is easy, basically like a youth rebellion. I forgot, what was the other one?
W (DD) : “Killers”. The memorable “Killers”.
PD : Oh, Killers! That was me trying to be clever. I tried to talk about a psychopathic killer. What he does and people's reaction to him. I messed it up a bit, but it worked. When we played that song live for the first time, it was at the Hammersmith Odeon. There were no lyrics, I was still working on them, but Steve wanted to play the instrumental version. So we played it live and I made up the words. He kept the video recording and the words were completely different from what went on the album. I just made them up along the way. People must have thought it was pretty stupid.
I never did it to be famous, I just wanted to do it for the sake of singing. I don't want to be a rock and roll star, I'm happy playing music.”
W (NM) : When you were singing with Maiden, did you think those two albums would have such a lasting impact on rock?
PD : No, not at all. Back then we were just happy that we had the opportunity to record, basically playing live. I was lucky, I basically prefer that music is always recorded live because it's fantastic. No, we never thought about that, we were just happy to play the music. And it's amazing when people from famous bands come up to you, like Metallica and Pantera: “Man, these are some of the best albums ever.” I think, “Wow.” I'm very, very happy that they like that kind of thing, but for me, I never did it to be famous, I just wanted to do it for the sake of singing, you know? I don't want to be a rock 'n' roll star, to be honest, I'm happy playing and doing my thing, just getting home and being a “dad” again. Things like that, you know, that are important to me. But it's still fun.
W (DD) : That's great, and those are really the important things in life. And since you're talking about the old days… is it true that back when the Maiden members had to sleep in a van when you were traveling around, and it could get extremely cold, and since you had, let's say, a way with women, you could usually persuade the girl to let the whole band sleep at her house? Any memories from that time?
PD : You're going to get me in trouble now, aren't you?
W (DD) : Sorry, sorry!
PD : Thanks, man!
W (NM) : That was 30 years ago, man.
PD : We had this awful thing called the “Green Goddess,” it was an army fire truck. We converted it, so there were three beds upstairs, two downstairs, and two more on the side for the roadies, plus the equipment. We travelled all over England in that thing, it was amazing. It was very cold sometimes, and we had a great time there, back in the day. Now, all that happened was, many, many years ago, we were recording an Iron Maiden demo… Oh my god, they’re going to kill me for this! We recorded at Spaceward, Cambridge, and went to a pub; we were going to mix the next day. And we had nowhere to stay, we didn’t have money for a hotel or anything like that. So we met some nurses from a hospital, and they lived in the hospital lodgings, and I hit it off. So the girl thought, “Okay, great, then I’ll go with him.” But she didn’t know I was taking the rest of the band and the roadies with me.
W (NM) : That's great.
PD : She wasn't very happy about that.
W (NM) : We have a classic question on our show, one we ask all our interviewees. Imagine you're listening to a radio station or maybe your iPod on shuffle and a song comes on, one that makes you lose your mind. What song would that be, because we can play it on our show?
PD : What makes me lose my mind? Oh, there are many. The first song that really hit me like a hammer when I first heard it, it was so different, so original, it was by the Ramones: “Blitzkrieg Bop”.
W (NM) : Okay, this is the first time we've heard Ramones on our show. "Blitzkrieg Bop".
PD : That's it!
WM (DD): Paul, I think I read somewhere that during Iron Maiden's last summer tour, "Back in Time," about two years ago, when they were here in Brazil, they tried to contact you to perhaps join them on stage. Is that true? If so, can we expect to witness that someday?
PD : Oh, sure, that would be fun. It was Bruce who tried to contact me, actually, it was very kind of him. He was asking people who know me, my best friend lives in São Paulo, Alex. I have so many friends there, I spent a lot of time in Brazil. They played there and were asking about me, but unfortunately I was on tour in Germany, so I couldn't do anything. But yeah, maybe someday we'll do something. Everyone thinks we all hate each other, but that's not true. I think Iron Maiden is a fantastic band. I just get a little tired sometimes, because I didn't tour the whole world back then with Maiden. And then I went out and some of the fans wanted to hear me sing Iron Maiden, which I did. And now we're having to put so much into the set that sometimes I get tired. It's understandable, really. But I haven't recorded anything in a long time either. I'm having a lot of fun on the road, I can't bother recording right now. But someday we'll do it.
I'm not the most fantastic singer in the world, but I give 100% and that's what matters
W (NM) : So, you've found a very creative way to do world tours. How many bands do you have around the world at the moment?
PD : How many bands?
W (NM) : Yes, you have local bands in several countries, right?
PD : Yes, that's the best way, because I'm not recording anything at the moment. Let's be honest, with producers it creates a different atmosphere. Unless you're Metallica, Iron Maiden, etc. They go on tour and we don't see them for three or four years. And I like to play, so we do that, we have different bands. We got the idea from Chuck Berry, he had many members from different bands and I thought: "Wow, this could work!". And we started, my agent and I arranged it and it seems to work. We have a band in Mexico, a band in Spain, one in Australia, one in Italy, which is my oldest band. They are an Iron Maiden cover band and they are very good. They play my stuff too. We have a Norwegian band. The band in Sweden doesn't exist anymore. And I only have one band in Brazil now, Scelerata. They are good friends of mine, we became close. It's a shame, we had to go to Grêmio, but it's okay.
W (DD) : And since you mentioned Scelerata, we played one of their songs in our last episode. How did you guys meet?
PD : I think they contacted my agent, because I think I was in Brazil touring with the Rockfellas. And they got my agent's contact information, and we met with a guy, we talked, and everything worked out. They're really fantastic guys, so we had a lot of fun on the road. And, you know, there are never any arguments, which is very rare.
W (DD) : Yes, that's right. I saw you guys play on the last tour, last year, and it was amazing.
PD : Yes, they're a great band. And they're making a new album right now, which will be ready soon. I think I'll do a track with them. Sorry, I have a cold. It's strange, I couldn't record this time. My friends and I have a studio here in Salisbury. My engineer went on vacation for two weeks, so I couldn't record, but maybe we can record when I get back to Brazil. They're really a fantastic band.
W (NM) : I think it's also a way to help these local artists, because you draw attention to these bands, I suppose, everywhere you play together.
PD : Ah, I don't think about it that way, but it's well thought out. I have to have a band that I trust, that I want to play with. And they have to be good musicians, which they are. When you put the whole band together, the worst part of the whole package is probably me. I'm not the most fantastic singer in the world, but I give 100% and that's what matters. If there's a high note I can't reach, frankly I don't sing. No, I really try, but it's the musicians, they're brilliant, so they help me. No, I help them, so it's very good.
W (NM) : So, since you're talking about Brazil…you lived in São Paulo for a while, didn't you? Is it true that your former bandmates had a Brazilian nickname for you?
PD : Which one of them, there were several? Which one was that, wasn't it Afro-Pancho? There were a few, I don't know what names they call me, I hope good names.
W (NM) : And you lived in São Paulo, is that true?
PD : Yes, I used to go quite often. And I can't wait to go back, because as soon as I arrive I'm flying to Porto Alegre for a rehearsal and then we have a show. Then we go to São Paulo and we have four days off, so I'm going to settle in because my best friend and his wife just had a baby and I have to sign the papers to be the godfather, etc. And, you know, see Corinthians, which will be fantastic.
W (NM) : They lost yesterday, did you know?
PD : I know, but they won the other day.
"I was practically a recluse for the last six months, to rest a bit. I spent almost eight years straight on the road, I reached my limit."
W (NM) : What do you know about Brazilian Heavy Metal?
PD : You know what? Except for my tour buddies, obviously we've known these guys for a long time. Krisiun, Ratos de Porão, things like that. I listen to mostly punk music, everyone knows that. I see some bands, but I try not to go out too much… I'm kind of a recluse, because I'm still writing songs, even though I haven't recorded anything yet. So I try not to go see other bands, in case I accidentally steal an idea. I want to do original things, because I can't do it any other way. I listen to a band, I go home, I start writing and I say, “Wow, this sounds familiar.” I don't know, did I steal? “God, I copied someone else,” I can't do that. I've been keeping a low profile. I've been away for about six months and haven't done anything besides fishing and walking the dog. I did some studio work for a film production company, but I don't go out to see bands, even in England or the United States or anywhere else, if I'm on tour, so I haven't been very into any heavy metal bands recently. Because, as I said, I'm a recluse, I don't go anywhere. I get so tired when I finish a tour that to make me go out and see a band… Oh, God, I just can't. It's really a shame.
W (DD) : Paul, since you mentioned you're still writing, it's time we listened to another song. Could you choose a song you're very proud to have written, so we can listen to it on the show now?
PD : One of my songs?
W (DD) : Yes.
PD : I'm thinking of one from the album "Di'Anno". There are a few others on it that I really love, but I still love this one and we still put it on the setlist, "Mad Man in the Attic".
W (DD) : "Mad Man in the Attic." Can you announce the song?
PD : I'll try, but not in Portuguese.
W (DD) : No problem.
PD : Okay, are you ready?
W (NM) : Yes.
PD : Hi, this is Paul Di'Anno and you're listening to 'Mad Man in the Attic'.
W (NM) : So, you've done a lot of things after Maiden, like Battlezone and Killers. What has been the highlight of your solo career so far?
PD : Well, Battlezone and Killers are practically the same band, we just had contractual problems with the record label. So we left and then became Killers. Just with the addition of Cliff Evans, etc. In both bands we had great exposure and many albums. We went from east to west, west to east, across the country and on the road for practically two years straight. I was living in Los Angeles, so it didn't bother me that much. But, yeah, those were the two best. I don't know, when we did the "Nomad" album it was fantastic, because the band was brilliant. And, as you know, some of the guys went to Angra. Yeah, it was really cool, they were good guys and I don't see them much anymore. I think the first Battlezone album and the Killers' "Murders" album were pretty cool. And we're talking about doing another Killers album, maybe next year. We haven't played together for almost ten years, we're thinking about doing one, we're in negotiations at the moment. So, we'll see what happens, but I'd like to do another solo album. I just can't find the time, time is very difficult for me, as I've been away for six months now, just trying to rest. Everyone knows I have a really bad knee and now I'm waiting for surgery, which they keep saying "no" to because of touring. And it's getting so bad I won't be able to walk anymore. I need to do some things just to be able to keep touring. I don't know, we'll release an album somehow, either from The Killers or my solo career, hopefully next year, if I'm not dead.
W (NM) : We hope so too.
I don't want to be a role model for anyone, because I've made so many stupid mistakes
W (DD) : We're looking forward to it. Also, speaking of bands you formed in the past, after leaving Maiden, you were part of the band Gogmagog, with Pete Willis, Def Leppard, Neil Murray, Clive Burr and Jannick Gers, what was that like?
PD : Oh, that was awful, absolutely terrible.
W (DD) : Why?
PD : A guy, he's a businessman here in England…and it's a bit strange, because he went to prison for pedophilia. He was quite a famous pop star in the 60s, as a TV presenter. And he had the idea of forming a supergroup. This supergroup was originally: David Coverdale on vocals, Cozy Powell on drums, John Entwistle from The Who on bass, and a few other people I don't remember. In the end, they lost interest, so he called me and Clive and Pete. And then we had Jannick Gers, who also played guitar, which was a bit strange. And Neil Murray from Withesnake on bass. And we recorded songs they wrote, and they were awful songs. And the guy would say, "If you want to sign this supergroup, it's going to cost you something like 14 million pounds," and I'd say, "What the hell are you talking about?" And they wouldn't let us write any songs, and we would have written much better ones. But they wanted total control and I was thinking, “My God, kill me now, I don’t want to do this anymore.” So I left, Clive left, and Jannick joined Iron Maiden, which was great for him. So that all fell apart, but he wanted to make this huge album, a super production. Did you hear that? It must have been my mom. All this was happening and we didn’t manage it in the end, it was awful. If a 7-year-old had written that, then it would be fine. It was truly terrible.
W (DD) : This is how you learn sometimes, by making some mistakes, right?
PD : Hm, I don't know, I make a lot of mistakes. I'm the king of mistakes.
W (NM) : Do you still speak with Clive Burr and do you know anything about his health at this time?
PD : Not at the moment, my agent tried to contact him. I've been practically a recluse for the last six months, for my own health, to rest a bit. I've been on the road for almost eight years straight, so I've reached my limit. I had to take a break, spend some time in Miami with my family, spend some time in England. I can't talk to Clive unless his girlfriend is here, because he can't answer the phone by himself. So we'll know in a few days or a few weeks and I'll tell you what I know when I'm in São Paulo.
W (NM) : Excellent, man. We're really looking forward to meeting you, if possible. I've met you once before; my brother was playing in one of your local bands and we met at his house. I don't know if you remember him, Felipe Machado?
PD : Of course.
W (NM) : We had a few beers, so I hope we can have a few more beers again.
PD : Oh, we can meet again at Felipe's house!
W (NM) : Yes, ok.
PD : Let's see. But there's a problem, I can find them, but I won't drink, because I've stopped.
W (NM) : I don't know if you remember, but you broke his desk.
PD : Aaaaaaaah. I saw him briefly last year, he went to Beijing, I remember.
W (NM) : Yes, that's true.
PD : He went there to do some news, that's cool. I'll be with you guys in two weeks or so.
W (NM) : Cool, man. Since you're so humble, saying you don't consider yourself a great singer, we don't…
W (DD) : We disagree.
W (NM) : We disagree. How does it feel to be, in my opinion, one of the most important influences on all 80s thrash headbangers in America?
PD : Thank you. Oh, that's so cool! Like I said, I'm very grateful, very happy to be able to go out into the world and play my music. That's the most important thing. I don't want to be a role model for anyone, because I made so many stupid mistakes, etc. I did, I don't do them as much anymore, which is good. So, I wouldn't want to be a role model for anyone. It's cool when people say, "Oh man, he's a big influence on us and stuff." It's difficult, I'm so normal. I have a band and I play my music, I drink some beers with my friends, I watch football. Besides touring, I'm going to meet some friends when I'm in Brazil again. The most important thing to do, I want to go see Corinthians, that's the most important thing. I'm going to see a few games before I leave.
W (DD) : We have a third co-host on our show and he's a big Corinthians fan, so he'll be happy to hear you say that.
W (NM) : I'm sure he'll give you some Corinthians souvenir, so be prepared for that.
PD : I have several, I'm also a member of Gaviões da Fiel anyway. I have to hang out with the guys and visit them when I'm there. And bring some bottles of Jack Daniels and flowers for the secretaries. So, I'll do that as soon as I get to São Paulo, I'll see those guys. It's going to be amazing, I haven't seen the new team yet, I'm really looking forward to it.
The most important thing to do is go see Corinthians play, that's the most important thing.”
W (DD) : What is your favorite football team in England?
PD : West Ham.
W (DD) : Ah, very good.
PD : West Ham United, unfortunately, relegation. But all of that compared to Corinthians, doesn't matter.
W (DD) : Paul, what can you tell us about the project you had in the past, "The Original Iron Men"?
PD : This was something that got out of control, I had nothing to do with any of this stuff. This is… wait a second, a minute, I'm just going to get rid of something. You're on speakerphone now. This was something my agent arranged a long time ago. I wasn't very happy about it, and obviously I didn't make any money, as usual. And after all that happened, this Iron Men thing, there were some tracks of mine with Dennis Stratton. I wasn't happy, because he was the Iron Maiden guy I didn't get along with particularly well. He didn't get along with Steve either, I think because Steve fired him, but I don't know why I did it. But there you have it, he wasn't very happy about it. And people think we were in the same studio, but no, I wouldn't do that. It was all arranged by my agent, he put the tracks together afterwards. I must say I wasn't very happy about it, to be honest.
W (NM) : Okay, so we're almost finished with the interview. First of all, I want to thank you a million times for your time, it was truly an honor. You're a really cool guy and it was great talking to you, really great, we really enjoyed it a lot.
PD : Anytime, no problem.
W (NM) : Just leave a message for all your Brazilian fans and invite them to the shows in Brazil, please.
PD : Yes. Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome in your wonderful country. I love you all very much, you all know that, because I always come back. I hope to see you all at the shows. If you can't make it and I can meet you somewhere else, I certainly will. I love you all and see you soon. Thank you very much.
W (DD) : Thank you very much, Mr. Paul Di'Anno, it was truly an honor. I'm really touched here because…
PD : Don't start crying, or you'll make me cry too.
W (DD) : I remember listening to those two records repeatedly, so it was truly a pleasure and an honor to speak with you.
PD : Good to talk to you too, man. Listen, I'll meet you guys when I'm there, okay?
W (NM) : Yes, absolutely, man, 100%.
PS : When you see your brother, send him my regards too.
W (NM) : I'll go, man. I'll make sure he comes to the show and also meet him backstage, okay?
PD : Excellent, fantastic. Okay, guys, see you soon! Take care.
W (DD) : Thank you very much.
W (NM) : Bye, bye
PD : Thank you, "goodbye", bye!