protomattr reviewed What does this button do? by Bruce Dickinson
Review of 'What does this button do?' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Every Maiden fan knows Bruce is metal's Renaissance man, having mastered fencing, flying airliners, doing TV and radio shows, writing novels, etc., all while fronting maybe the biggest band of their genre. But all that accomplishment is meaningless without its proper context.
Upon reflection after closing this often humorous, often dead serious autobiography (spoiler alert, he gets cancer), I believe the context has much to do with retaining the best essence of childhood. The title, repeated throughout as a recurring theme, gives some hint. It is genuine, child-like curiosity, that drives Bruce to try new things and take big chances, all without getting cynical or jaded. As he reflects on his life so far, he says,
"I have often been asked, 'Would you have changed anything?' The answer is a simple no. A different and better question is, 'Have you made any mistakes?' And the answer to that one is …
Every Maiden fan knows Bruce is metal's Renaissance man, having mastered fencing, flying airliners, doing TV and radio shows, writing novels, etc., all while fronting maybe the biggest band of their genre. But all that accomplishment is meaningless without its proper context.
Upon reflection after closing this often humorous, often dead serious autobiography (spoiler alert, he gets cancer), I believe the context has much to do with retaining the best essence of childhood. The title, repeated throughout as a recurring theme, gives some hint. It is genuine, child-like curiosity, that drives Bruce to try new things and take big chances, all without getting cynical or jaded. As he reflects on his life so far, he says,
"I have often been asked, 'Would you have changed anything?' The answer is a simple no. A different and better question is, 'Have you made any mistakes?' And the answer to that one is easy - loads of them.'"
This naturally connects with a second recurring theme: "Nothing in childhood is ever wasted." Contrast that with Maiden's classic Wasted Years. His childhood, difficult as it was with humble beginnings, absent parents, beatings at boarding school, etc., made him who he was and he accepted that.
Along these lines, Bruce's early experiences of "sex, drugs and rock 'n roll" set him on a straight course, quickly realizing that such debauchery was an error. He had grander visions, but I think he needed to see what those buttons did. And boy does he have some good stories.
As an amateur pilot myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the liberal treatment of his flying adventures. It's difficult to judge whether he considers himself a singer who flies or a pilot who sings. Or maybe not. I'm guessing he would say it's a stupid question.
At one point he mentions his age, about the same as mine, and by that time he had already quit Maiden, made several solo albums, returned to Maiden, and become an airline pilot. I'm not jealous, but this struck me. Previously I would say I merely admired Bruce. Now, I might be tempted to call him a role model as I strive to work "What Does This Button Do?" into my life.
