When you think of 80s metal singers, a handful of names immediately come to mind: Ozzy Osbourne (RIP), Rob Halford, Ronnie James Dio, and Bruce Dickinson. These legends have defined the genre with their iconic voices and larger-than-life personas. Among them, Bruce Dickinson stands out as one of the most influential figures in heavy metal history. His powerful vocals and commanding stage presence have been instrumental in Iron Maiden’s enduring popularity, captivating fans across generations.

When Iron Maiden takes a break, Bruce doesn’t rest. Instead, he carves out time to explore his solo career, experimenting with diverse musical styles that go beyond Maiden’s signature sound. His latest release, The Mandrake Project, has taken him on a global tour, and now he’s back in the U.S. for the second leg of his journey. On Friday, August 15th, Bruce kicked off his American tour with a show at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. The venue was packed with fans donning Maiden shirts, ready to witness one of metal’s greatest frontmen in action.

Opening the night was Combustion 96, a supergroup featuring members of Warbringer, Soulfly, Threat Signal, and Carnifex. Their mission was clear: to get the crowd fired up with some heavy metal mayhem. Vocalist Jon Howard brought a gritty, 2000s metal edge to the performance, delivering clean yet aggressive vocals that resonated with the audience.

The band’s triple-guitar attack, featuring Niklas Rubensson, Ben Lechuga, and Neal Tieman, created a wall of sound that was both powerful and dynamic. Each guitarist had their moment to shine, trading solos and leads while the others held down the rhythm. Meanwhile, bassist Chase and drummer Yoyo Bianchi anchored the performance with a thunderous backline that kept the crowd headbanging. Combustion 96 was the perfect warm-up act, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.

Having seen Iron Maiden live a few times, I’ve always been impressed by Bruce Dickinson’s theatricality—costume changes, elaborate stage setups, and larger-than-life performances. Naturally, I was curious to see how his solo show would compare. Bruce’s solo performance strips back the theatrics, putting the focus squarely on the music. But make no mistake: Bruce is still every bit the showman.

From the moment he stepped on stage, Bruce was a whirlwind of energy. He worked every inch of the stage, locking eyes with fans, striking Tai Chi-inspired poses, and delivering a performance that was as visually captivating as it was musically impressive. Even without the elaborate production of a Maiden show, Bruce’s charisma and stage presence were more than enough to hold the audience’s attention.

With the spotlight on the music, Bruce’s incredible vocal talents took center stage. From high-energy tracks like “Chemical Wedding” to the softer, more introspective “Shadow of the Gods,” Bruce’s voice was nothing short of awe-inspiring. His powerful high notes and emotional delivery brought tears of joy to even the most hardened metal fans. It’s no exaggeration to say that Bruce’s voice could part the clouds and make angels weep.

Of course, Bruce wouldn’t be able to deliver such a stellar performance without his talented band. Guitarists Chris Declercq and Philip Naslund, bassist Tanya O’Callaghan, keyboardist Mistheria, and drummer Dave Moreno provided the perfect foundation for Bruce’s vocals. Each band member had their moment to shine, particularly during a cover of The Edgar Winter Group’s “Frankenstein.”

Declercq and Naslund traded blistering solos, O’Callaghan headbanged with her dreads flying, and Mistheria shredded on his keytar. Meanwhile, Bruce alternated between keeping rhythm on a stripped-down drum kit and going wild on the theremin. It was a moment of pure musical joy, and the audience responded with thunderous applause.

Bruce treated fans to a two-hour set that spanned his solo career, featuring songs like “Accident at Birth,” “Abduction,” “Laughing in the Hiding Bush,” “Resurrection Man,” “Rain on the Graves,” “The Alchemist,” “Book of Thel,” and “Road to Hell.” A special highlight was the inclusion of an Iron Maiden deep cut, “Flash of the Blade.” The crowd erupted in excitement, as many were hearing this rare gem live for the first time.

The show concluded with a three-song encore: “Tears of the Dragon,” “Gods of War,” and “Starchildren.” Each song was delivered with the passion and intensity that only Bruce Dickinson can bring, leaving the audience in awe.

Whether performing with Iron Maiden or as a solo artist, Bruce Dickinson proves time and time again why he’s one of the greatest heavy metal frontmen of all time. At 67 years old, he outperforms many younger stars in the scene, delivering a show that is both musically and emotionally powerful.

This was just the first stop on his U.S. tour, which runs through September and October, including a few festival appearances. If you’re a fan of metal—or just great live music—don’t miss your chance to see Bruce Dickinson in action. His voice, energy, and stage presence are unmatched, and once you see him live, you’ll understand why he’s a true legend.