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What Does This Button Do?

By: Bruce Dickinson
Narrated by: Bruce Dickinson
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Publisher's summary

A long-awaited memoir from the larger-than-life, multifaceted lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, one of the most successful, influential and enduring rock bands ever.

Pioneers of Britain's nascent Rock & Metal scene back in the late 1970s, Iron Maiden smashed its way to the top, thanks in no small part to the high-octane performances, operatic singing style, and stage presence of its second but twice-longest-serving lead singer, Bruce Dickinson. As Iron Maiden's front man - first from 1981 to 1993, and then from 1999 to the present - Dickinson has been, and remains, a man of legend.

But OTT frontman is just one of the many hats Bruce wears. In addition to being one of the world's most storied and well-respected singers and songwriters, he is an airline captain, aviation entrepreneur, motivational speaker, beer brewer, novelist, radio presenter, and film scriptwriter. He has also competed as a world-class level fencer. Often credited as a genuine polymath, Bruce, in his own words (and handwritten script in the first instance!), sets forth many personal observations guaranteed to inspire curious souls and hard-core fans alike.

Dickinson turns his unbridled creativity, passion, and anarchic humour to reveal some fascinating stories from his life, including his 30 years with Maiden, his solo career, his childhood within the eccentric British school system, his early bands, fatherhood and family, and his recent battle with cancer.

Bold, honest, intelligent and very funny, What Does This Button Do? is an up-close look inside the life, heart, and mind of one of the most unique and interesting men in the world - a true icon of rock.

©2017 Bruce Dickinson (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers
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Critic reviews

‘A chatty and anecdote-filled autobiography… There is much fun to be had, such as trying to put a certain part of his anatomy in the ear of the singer in rival band Quiet Riot (clue:not his finger) Sunday Times Books of the Year

‘The entertaining chronicle of a spotty anorak who escaped his grey existence into the absurd drama of life as Iron Maiden’s frontman’ Daily Telegraph Books of the Year

‘What Does This Button Do? is a genuinely fascinating and funny look back at Dickinson’s life. From his early days growing up in the Nottinghamshire mining town of Worksop (where he was raised by his grandparents until the age of six) to his roller-coaster 40-year music career, it paints a candid picture of a life well lived.’ Classic Rock Magazine

‘If you only read one book this year, it absolutely must be Bruce Dickinson’s new autobiography, What Does This Button Do? … The book is every bit as entertaining and bursting with energy as you might expect.’ Metal Hammer

‘Whether you are a Maiden fanatic, an aviation enthusiast, a fencing aficionado or none or even all of the above, you will most definitely get something from this extremely well written and entertaining book, such is the calibre of the man, his philosophies and the level of his accomplishments.’ Metaltalk

What listeners say about What Does This Button Do?

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a great listen

what an interesting intelligent talented guy. I would love to hear all the rest of his story. like submarine trips for example... 😉

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What does this button do? - Let’s find out!!

Mr Dickinson surprised me with this book. Not only is he a talented singer and songwriter but he seems to have a hundred of little talents hidden. I loved his voice and way of presenting his book and I loved the way he told his story. I understand and appreciate he decided to leave out his love life and family. I see it as respecting their privacy and his life is interesting enough without.
As a extra for me having been a pilot for small planes, I loved the view on aviation from a fellow metal head :)

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Simply brilliant!

Informative, entertaining and brilliantly amusing. One of the best autobiography’s I have had the pleasure of listening to.

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Amazing

I loved the story of Mr. Dickinson and, even though first in doubt whether I should go exactly for the audio version, I don't regret it. Now, that I've finished the book, I already miss the voice of a new friend.

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good

Enjoyed every minute of this. An inspiration. Very well written and read. I thought some of the musings ("theatre of the mind") strayed into the Partridgesque, but that may have been my fault as listened to this right after finishing 'Nomad.'

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A really captivating book

A really captivating book with an outstanding history and reading performance.
On top of that the author and reader is one of the biggest legends of the music industry.

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Absolutely hilarious

An amazing tale, full of hilarious anecdotes (but also its fair share of drama), all impeccably performed and told by Bruce himself.

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Pure Quality

Absolutely brilliant and massively comical. Bruce has seen and done it all! A definite recommendation.

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Dissapointed....

Leaving out all of the personal stuff from family and close friends made this book feel aloof. What is the point of a personal memoir if the really important and learning stuff of life is gone. I think family deserves at least a footnote of space.

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