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  • What Does This Button Do?

  • An Autobiography
  • Written by: Bruce Dickinson
  • Narrated by: Bruce Dickinson
  • Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (134 ratings)

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What Does This Button Do?

Written 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 and 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 front man 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, his memoir 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 Limited

What listeners say about What Does This Button Do?

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    5 out of 5 stars

GET THIS BOOK!

I don’t usually leave reviews. There usually isn’t anything that gets me inspired enough to take up my energy to do it. However! This book. First, yes I am an Iron Maiden fan. I have been for years. I’ve always heard snippets of the man, the myth, the legend, known as Bruce Dickinson, but I felt he was more private than other “rockstars”. This book was tasteful, no drama filled nonsense in this one.. just who he is, where he comes from, and what it took to get there. He’s an inspiring individual and I found myself wanting to work at my own personal goals and to lose the “poor me” attitude that Bruce doesn’t seems to have. I can’t say enough positive words about this book. It’s rare for me to get sad when a book is complete, but I just wanted to keep hearing stories right from the man himself. Get..this...book!

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2 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

This button do talk a lot about Rod Smallwood!

I am very disappointed with this book.
Does talk a lot about Rod Smallwood and roadies.
Very few stories about Iron Maiden and his relationship with Steve Harris.
He didn't even explain why he left Iron Maiden.
There was some funny parts and Bruce gave an incredible performance.
There was no revelations only facts and stories.
This was not a sex, drug & rock n' roll book at all.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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UP THE IRONS

Well written. Excellent job of narration, an actual adventure that kept me busy listening. I will definitely listen to this again.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

What a great read. So well written with the English humour that so few can do.

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Great Read!

Loved this audiobook. Dickinson tells such a great story of his life, aviation,and Iron Maiden!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Bruce Dickinson's Heartfelt Journey

(regarding his cancer) Twelve months? That was too long. I would be bored by then.

'T'll beat that,' I declared.

-

I picked up What Does This Button Do? in a Bruce fueled Iron Maiden obsession I got from seeing them live for the first time in October 2022. I was expecting more Iron Maiden in this book than we got, but in the end it wasn't about that. It's a story of Bruce and his journey to becoming the biggest singer in the world, but also an author, a pilot, a screenwriter, a fencer, a beer brewer, and a few other things I'm probably missing. Bruce, if anything, is a man who likes to learn and does not like to be bored. His passion for everything he does is vividly expressed within the pages of his book. He wrote this with as much enthisuasm as he has on stage during a Maiden show. His compassion for others around him is admirable, most shown in the chapter about his time in Serajevo and scattered throughout the book through his journeys around the world.
I picked up the paperback of this book, and then learned that Bruce, in typical "what does this button do?" fashion, also narrarates it himself on audible. If there is any way to experience this, it is with the audiobook. I especially enjoyed reading along with my copy of his book and flipping to the included photos, many of which he references in the book.

Bruce Dickinson is a man pure of heart and an eagerness to learn, and I loved joining him through his book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good story but I didn't like the narration

If you are a huge Iron Maiden you will love this book. I found that Bruce tried hard to be theatrical in his narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Had me laughing out loud

As a fan of Iron Maiden for most of my life I was interested in Bruce's book. With Bruce's accent, sarcasm and vocabulary it kept me glued to the next chapter...lol

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So well done!

I can't be sure, but I believe anyone would appreciate this book. I'm a huge rock and Iron Maiden fan so naturally enjoyed this. Bruce is so multi-faceted though, I think everybody can appreciate the story. And what a job at narration! He's so good.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Larger than life, into real perspective.

I only ever thought of Bruce as the "front man". It is humbling to hear the "B side", and turn a childhood hero of mine, into more of a real person. Chapter 36 - 10:26.... Must be tea time ol' chap! See you in Oct 2022, Toronto!

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