Bruce Dickinson Says Keith Richards Isn’t On Top Form Every Night

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson recently spoke to the Daily Stars’ Wired column and stated that even though Keith Richards isn’t on his best performance every night of the shows, his shows didn’t upset any Rolling Stones fans.

Although he is now 78 years old, Keith Richards still has the energy to perform with The Rolling Stones. The guitarist has been suffering from osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that affects fingers and causes deformation. However, he still argues that this doesn’t affect his guitar playing.

On the other hand, Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson is also eager to play with the band despite being 63 years old — he claimed that retirement means giving up. According to the singer, there is still a lot of music to be done, and one shouldn’t end their career if they are still capable of making music.

Dickinson currently continues making music with Iron Maiden and as a solo musician. According to his collaborator Ray Z Ramirez, he is working on a new solo record. Moreover, Iron Maiden recently took to the stage at the Download Festival as headliners and made it clear that they still have the spirit to rock the stages.

Speaking to the Daily Stars’ Wired column, Dickinson stated that he would want Iron Maiden to continue with a temporary replacement if he wouldn’t be able to sing more than four songs during a show. He then argued that Keith Richards has arthritis and is not on top form during shows, but other guitarists support him, which satisfies his fans.

As reported by Classic Rock, Bruce Dickinson told the Daily Stars’ Wired column the following:

“If tomorrow I don’t feel able to sing more than four songs a night, I’d like the guys to continue, and I should be able to choose my replacement. I would stick my head in from time to time, and the other singer would do the rest.

When you look at Keith Richards, who has arthritis, he’s not on top form every night, but he’s supported by other guitarists. It’s The Rolling Stones. I don’t think it upsets anyone. In any case, everything I’ve said isn’t going to happen.”

According to Bruce Dickinson, Keith Richards isn’t on his best performance now but has other guitarists to support him. So, Dickinson thinks that if this doesn’t upset anyone, then the Maiden fans wouldn’t see any issue with it. However, the singer still believes that such a thing won’t happen soon.