Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson has expressed his 'utmost respect' for the military, describing it as a 'really good place to be' during a visit to RAF Odiham in Hampshire ahead of Armed Forces Day.
The honorary RAF Group Captain took time off from the band's world tour on Friday to meet with members of the military community, including currently serving personnel, veterans, cadets, and service families.
Visit to RAF Odiham
Dickinson, who is also a commercial airline pilot and aviation entrepreneur, spoke to the Press Association at the base. 'I'm here because I love to learn about the military and I just admire what these guys do,' he said.
He added: 'I have the utmost respect because I had a career for 17 years as a commercial pilot flying airliners, and in actual fact, I flew the RAF regiment on one occasion back to RAF Wittering.'
The rock star praised the personnel's expertise, stating: 'The people here today have just displayed such an easy, casual, relaxed grasp of the fundamentals. That means that when somebody can explain something that is very complex in very simple ways that even a rock star like me can understand, it means that they are at the top of their game.'
Armed Forces Day Celebrations
The visit preceded the national Armed Forces Day event on Saturday in Aldershot, which Dickinson will attend alongside Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis. The event features a military parade, flypasts, and educational opportunities.
Dickinson encouraged public participation, noting: 'People can meet people in all the walks and trades, and just basically get a feel that the military is actually a really good place to be.' He highlighted that there are over 200 events nationwide, calling it 'one big day a year' that 'should really be celebrated.'
Dickinson's Aviation Background
Dickinson previously piloted Iron Maiden's customised jumbo jet, Ed Force One, during the band's 2015 The Book Of Souls World Tour, carrying the band, stage production, and equipment across 35 countries.
Formed in east London in 1975, Iron Maiden has sold over 100 million records worldwide, according to the Official Charts Company. The band has achieved five number one albums in the UK, including Fear Of The Dark, The Book Of Souls, The Final Frontier, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, and The Number Of The Beast. Their 2021 album Senjutsu reached number two in the UK charts.
The heavy metal band kicked off their 2026 Run For Your Lives tour in May and will continue to perform globally, with stops in Lisbon, Toronto, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, and Auckland.
