Somewhere In Time

Paul Di'Anno and Blaze Bayley share a unique common ground; both recorded two studio albums with Iron Maiden, albeit in vastly different circumstances. The former fronted the British metal legends on their classic first two records (1980's Iron Maiden and 1981's Killers), being at the forefront of their rapid ascent in the late-'70s/early-'80s. He was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, to legions of fans the definitive Maiden vocalist. When The Air Raid Siren departed in 1993 following a decade of dizzying success, Bayley stepped in. Unfortunately this coincided with a lull in their drawing power, although founder/bassist/linchpin Steve Harris reveals in Mick Wall's authorised biography that the first Bayley-fronted record, 1995's The X Factor, is one of his favourites. After poorly received follow-up Virtual XI and its troubled tour, Dickinson returned in 1999. Maiden has since experienced significant career resurgence, again playing to packed arenas and headlining major festivals.

Both ex-singers are asked if they envisioned them making such a triumphant return at the turn of the millennium.

“I don't really listen to 'em, of course I hear 'em here and there, but really can't say,” Di'Anno comments. “I think they never left the top. Maybe in ticket sales, but I dunno, everything comes and goes, they never really left. They're just in that icon stage now – legendary. Good on 'em.” 

“Yes, I haven't had much time to listen to the albums but I never doubted that they would return,” Bayley responds. “(I attribute it to) their hardcore fanbase – they have supported Maiden over many years and are very loyal. There's also the great songwriting of Steve Harris of course.”

Bayley's tenure coincided with a general downturn in metal's popularity. Metallica and Pantera flourished, but otherwise grunge and nu-metal superseded the more traditional styles.

“I didn't really care,” he emphasises. “If there are ten fans or 10,000, I still try to give the best performance possible. I knew it wasn't my fault so there was nothing I could do about it, apart from giving the best show. It was a great time for me.”

The question is posed as to whether Bayley felt the Maiden releases he appeared on were unfairly treated by fans and critics, or if he was made a scapegoat for their lesser performance.

“I don't know,” he mulls. “They were very different to what the fans were used to, so I did expect them to be more critical. I am very proud of these albums and having the chance to work with Steve. It was a difficult time for fans because their favourite singer had left the band, so I understand why they were not happy. I try to go see them when they are touring in the UK, but it's difficult because I am also on tour a lot of the times. I stay in touch with Steve and mixed some of the songs from my new album The King of Metal in his studio.”

While Bayley has always spoken with fondness about the metal icons, during The History of Iron Maiden Part 1: The Early Days DVD, Di'Anno discusses his tenure with much endearment and admiration for their ongoing drive. However, he has also criticised the current incarnation, blasting recent recordings and reportedly comparing Harris to Hitler for his (allegedly) tyrannical grip over the band.

“Mate, everyone takes want they want from what I say, usually the bloody wrong way too,” Di'Anno ponders. “Of course I have very deep affection from my times in Maiden; it was the time of (my) life until the end, when it wasn't something I loved anymore. But it was becoming huge; it was a real hard decision to quit, or be kicked out, depends who you talk to,” he laughs. “I have nothing but praise for Maiden, they have done a bloody good job, but if any bad stuff people may understand me saying is misunderstood… Yeah, it's not my cup of tea, good on 'em, but not my kind of music, that's why I left in the first place.”

Regardless of views on their later creative direction, the pair will celebrate the Maiden legacy during their upcoming Australian run. This will mark Di'Anno's third solo tour of these shores, but Bayley's first. They will play individual sets solely comprised of Maiden material, before doing a few songs together at the conclusion.

“Wait and see, maybe (we'll do) The Number Of The Beast or The Trooper,” Di'Anno jokes. “Nah, we'll close the set each night with something special.”

Di'Anno name-checks Sanctuary (“On an energy level, I always thought it was a bloody good punk song”) and Remember Tomorrow (“I dedicate that to [former drummer] Clive Burr”) as his favourite Maiden songs to perform live. Bayley lists The Clansman (“It is in my set almost all the time and the fans seem to really love it”) as his track of choice.

Despite their historic connection, the pair has only recently formed a kinship while touring together on-and-off during the past year.

“I knew who he was of course, but we weren't close friends before,” Bayley explains. “These last few weeks I have got to know him better and I find him a very funny man. He is a good performer and I think it works well to do these shows. We have being doing shows in Eastern Europe and it has gone really well. I would say a big thank you to all the fans in Australia for supporting me, even though I haven't been able to come over with my solo projects yet. I am hoping that next year, I will be able to come again and perform my own songs.”

Although Bayley also has an acoustic EP as well as further shows with Di'Anno and pre-Maiden outfit Wolfsbane in the pipeline, Di'Anno's career has a different outlook. He recently announced plans to semi-retire from playing live in 2013.

“I tell you mate, I've been doing this for a bloody long time. I play up to 300 shows a year all over this place, and I'm getting to that time where touring may have to take a backseat. I'll still be recording I reckon, and maybe the odd show, but this constant touring I think I'm done with. I'm not being (put) into a home just yet,” he laughs. “(I'd like to be remembered) for just giving it all I could, not taking any shit, and staying true to my guns whatever the result.”

The tour is also Di'Anno's first visit to Australia since serving several months' prison time after being convicted of benefit fraud last year.

“I've had a bloody blast (Down Under) the last couple times,” he laughs. “My good buddies Killrazer have always been up to the mark as a band and treated me well. I love it down there. My best memory was going to see my mate Bon Scott in Perth, leaving him some Stone's ginger wine, couple of ciggies and then goin' for fish'n'chips.”