Dickinson began his career in music fronting small pub bands in the 1970s while attending school in Sheffield and university in London. In 1979, he joined British new wave heavy metal band Samson, with whom he gained some popularity under the stage name "Bruce Bruce" and performed on two studio records (Head On and Shock Tactics. He left Samson in 1981 to join Iron Maiden, replacing Paul Di'Anno, and debuted on their 1982 album "The Number of the Beast. During his first tenure in the band, they issued a series of US and UK platinum and gold albums in the 1980s.
Dickinson quit Iron Maiden in 1993 (being replaced by Blaze Bayley) to pursue his solo career, which saw him experiment with a wide variety of heavy metal and rock styles between 1990 and 1998 ( Tattooed Millionaire, Balls to Picasso, Skunkworks, Accident of Birth, and The Chemical Wedding). He rejoined the band in 1999, along with guitarist Adrian Smith, with whom he has released all subsequent studio albums. Since his return to Iron Maiden, he issued one further solo record in 2005, Tyranny of Souls. His younger cousin, Rob Dickinson, is the former lead singer of British alternative rock band Catherine Wheel, while his son, Austin, fronted the metalcore band Rise to Remain.
Outside his career in music, Dickinson is well known for his wide variety of other pursuits. Most notably, he undertook a career as a commercial pilot for Astraeus Airlines, which led to a number of media-reported ventures such as captaining Iron Maiden's converted charter airplane, Ed Force One, during their world tours. Following Astraeus' closure, he created his own aircraft maintenance and pilot training company in 2012, Cardiff Aviation. Dickinson presented his own radio show on BBC Radio 6 Music from 2002 to 2010, and has also hosted television documentaries, authored novels and film scripts, created a successful beer with Robinsons Brewery and competed at fencing internationally.
Although Dickinson never received formal training, he still possesses a wide vocal range which was trademarked by his quasi-operatic tenor. Along with Ronnie James Dio and Rob Halford, Dickinson is one of the pioneers of the operatic vocal style later to be adopted by power metal vocalists and regularly appears near the top in lists of the greatest rock vocalists/front-men of all time. Dickinson says that his style was influenced primarily by Arthur Brown, Peter Hammill (Van der Graaf Generator), Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and Ian Gillan (Deep Purple).
Dickinson's singing varied notably in the 1990s in the recording of albums such as No Prayer for the Dying, Fear of the Dark and his first solo work Tattooed Millionaire, making use of a much more raspy and unpolished sound, befitting their stripped down style. Since returning to Iron Maiden in 1999, his singing style has returned to much like it was in the 1980s, though his voice has lowered with age. According to a report published in the Daily Mirror, Dickinson has an estimated vocal range of 4.25 octaves. His voice led to the nickname "The Air Raid Siren", which Billboard states is "due to the ferocious power of his singing", although Dickinson claims it actually originated from a fan complaint.
In addition to his vocal ability, Dickinson is known for his energetic stage performances, which he delivers consistently despite his age. He considers including the audience "the essence of the Maiden experience" and that his role is to "shrink the venue ... to turn that football stadium into the world's smallest club". To achieve this, Dickinson insists on gaining eye contact with audience members and urges them to join in with the phrase "scream for me" (followed by the concert's location). He is critical of performers who do not connect with their fans, particularly those who "[hide] behind the amps" and use an autocue, remarking that "people pay good money and [they] can't even remember the sodding words".
Discogs with Iron Maiden
The Number of the Beast (1982)
Piece of Mind (1983)
Powerslave (1984)
Somewhere in Time (1986)
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
No Prayer for the Dying (1990)
Fear of the Dark (1992)
Brave New World (2000)
Dance of Death (2003)
A Matter of Life and Death (2006)
The Final Frontier (2010)
The Book of Souls (2015)
Senjutsu (2021)
For the UK guitarist of Little Angels, see Bruce John Dickinson.
Darkside of Aquarius
Bruce Dickinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On wings of plenty in the dark
Poured out his poison
And he blew away his mark
The fascist from the east is coming
Mothers, hide your sons
The second hellrider came
Pipers playing Hell's commands
Poured out his poison
With his promises of promised lands
blackened tongues of lying leaders
Here come the riders
As the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
Here come the riders
As the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
The third hellrider came
Teaching brothers to kill brother man
And the fourth hellrider waits
On an acid trip for an acid world
Wars of old religious fools and superstitious men
Throws some scary Tarot cards and...
Here come the riders
As the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
Here come the riders
As the revolution's stepping into time
The Darkside of Aquarius
Has robbed us of our souls and minds
Here come the riders
As the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
From the starlit sky on a silver sea
A lonely silver surfer comes to push the wheel for me
A lonely silver surfer comes to push the wheel for me
Gotta move, gotta move
Gotta move that wheel right 'round
Gotta move, gotta move
Gotta move that wheel right 'round
Gotta move, gotta move
Gotta move that wheel around
Gotta push the wheel of dharma around
Push the wheel of dharma around
Push the wheel of dharma around
Push the wheel right 'round, right now (yeah)
I've gotta move the wheel of Dharma
Gotta move the wheel of dharma, I've
Gotta move the wheel of dharma, oh
Move that wheel right around
Gotta move the wheel of dharma
Gotta move the wheel of dharma now
The song "Darkside of Aquarius" by Bruce Dickinson is a commentary on the destructive nature of humanity and its effect on the world. The lyrics describe the arrival of four "hellriders," representing different destructive forces in history. The first is a fascist, the second a conqueror promising lands, the third teaches brothers to kill each other, and the fourth is on an "acid trip" in an "acid world". The chorus warns that the "wheel of Dharma" is running out of time, implying that humanity's actions are leading to its own destruction. The "Darkside of Aquarius" is also mentioned, indicating that something is amiss in the astrological sign of Aquarius, with its ideals of progress and humanitarianism.
The song suggests that humanity has lost its way, with "lying leaders" and "religious fools" leading the charge towards destruction. The silver surfer mentioned in the final stanza may represent a spiritual guide or a symbol of hope, pushing the "wheel of Dharma" to help humanity find its way again. The repeated refrain to move the wheel of Dharma suggests that it is up to individuals to take action and bring about change.
Line by Line Meaning
The first hellrider came
On wings of plenty in the dark
Poured out his poison
And he blew away his mark
The fascist from the east is coming
Mothers, hide your sons
The first evil force arrives on earth with ease, spreading destruction wherever he goes, and causing terror and despair in the hearts of people. He is fueled by his egotistical and fascist beliefs, which will only lead to more destruction and violence.
The second hellrider came
From the flaming seas and molten sands
Pipers playing Hell's commands
Poured out his poison
With his promises of promised lands
blackened tongues of lying leaders
The second evil force approaches with confidence and power, controlling and manipulating people through the use of fear and promises of prosperity. His words are filled with deceit and lies, leading to eventual ruin and destruction.
Here come the riders
As the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
Here come the riders
As the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
The arrival of these evil forces is a clear indication that the balance between good and evil is being threatened. The wheel of Dharma, or the cosmic law and order, is fading and becoming less effective in controlling the forces of destruction and chaos.
The third hellrider came
Teaching brothers to kill brother man
And the fourth hellrider waits
On an acid trip for an acid world
Wars of old religious fools and superstitious men
Throws some scary Tarot cards and...
The third and fourth evil forces arrive, one teaching discord and hate amongst siblings, and the other being lost in a world of drugs and illusions, spreading their own version of chaos and destruction in the world. They thrive on manipulating the masses by exploiting their deep-seated religious and superstitious beliefs.
Here come the riders
As the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
Here come the riders
As the revolution's stepping into time
The Darkside of Aquarius
Has robbed us of our souls and minds
Here come the riders
As the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
The author describes the dire state of the world as these evil forces continue to spread their poison, trapping people's minds and souls into their grasp. The revolution spoken of is not one of positivity and real change, but a reflection of the approaching storm of chaos and destruction.
From the starlit sky on a silver sea
A lonely silver surfer comes to push the wheel for me
A lonely silver surfer comes to push the wheel for me
In the midst of the approaching chaos, a mysterious figure appears to offer guidance and help in preserving the balance of the world. They come from a place of peace and enlightenment and are willing to take on the task of restoring balance to the world.
Gotta move, gotta move
Gotta move that wheel right 'round
Gotta move, gotta move
Gotta move that wheel right 'round
Gotta move, gotta move
Gotta move that wheel around
The author urges the need to take action in restoring the balance of the world. The wheel of Dharma must be moved and as many people as possible must work to push it forward.
Gotta push the wheel of dharma around
Push the wheel of dharma around
Push the wheel of dharma around
Push the wheel right 'round, right now (yeah)
Continuing the theme of action, the author encourages people to keep pushing forward and never give up the fight for peace and enlightenment. It's a message of hope that despite the current state of the world, there is always the possibility for positive change.
I've gotta move the wheel of Dharma
Gotta move the wheel of dharma, I've
Gotta move the wheel of dharma, oh
Move that wheel right around
Gotta move the wheel of dharma
Gotta move the wheel of dharma now
The author once again reiterates the importance of action, stating that it's up to each individual to take up the task and work towards restoring balance to the world. The wheel of Dharma must be kept moving, and it's a call to never give up on this goal, no matter how difficult the fight may be.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRUCE DICKINSON, EDDIE MIGUEL CASSILAS, ROGER RAMIREZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Flœ eddy
The first hellrider came, on wings of plenty in the dark
Poured out his poison and he blew away his mark
The fascist from the east is coming, mothers hide your sons
The second hellrider came, from flaming seas and molten sands
Pipers playing Hell's commands
Poured out his poison, with his promises of promised lands
Blackened toungues of lying leaders
Here come the riders as the wheel of dharmas running out of time
Here come the riders as the wheel of dharmas running out of time
The third hellrider came, teaching brothers to kill brother men
And the fourth hellrider waits, on an acid trip for an acid world
Wars of old religious fools and superstitious men
Throw some scary Tarot cards and...
Here come the riders as the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
Here come the riders as the revolution's stepping into line
The dark side of Aquarius has robbed us of our souls and minds
Here come the riders as the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
From the starlit sky, on the silver sea
A lonely silver surfer, comes to push the wheel for me
A lonely silver surfer, comes to push the wheel for me
Gotta move, gotta move, gotta move that wheel right 'round
Gotta move, gotta move, gotta move that wheel right 'round
Gotta move, gotta move, gotta move that wheel around
Gotta push the wheel of Dharma round
Push the wheel of Dharma round
Push the wheel of Dharma round
Push the wheel right round, right now yeah
I've gotta move the wheel of Dharma, gotta move the wheel of Dharma
Gotta move the wheel of Dharma, move that wheel right around
Gotta move the wheel of Dharma, gotta move the wheel of Dharma now
Daniel San
My favorite song from Bruce Dickinson's solo career. Pure and absolute masterpiece!
Bardle Doo
100% agree
Does it Matter
Everyone perfers Bruce with maiden. Even lost most his fans going solo. Personally I like it equally to maiden but received no radio play so went mostly unheard. Who wants to buy a album you ain't heard? Especially this genre because hit or miss has been the way it's been with most metal bands.
Except Judas priest.
Flavio Kersting
Essa música me lembra o meu segundo grau ,quando conversas sérias eram travadas sobre quem era melhor, se o Iron ou a banda do Bruce !!
Muhammad Noor Rohani
Bruce Dickinson is the worlds best heavy metal Lead Vocalist in United Kingdom & the worlds.
Britannicus
A classic. All the better for being less than 7 mins long - no fat or filler in this epic.
Vip Celebrity Virgin Hair Luxury Collection
Absolutely brilliant!!
Bardle Doo
This song is too good!
Flœ eddy
The first hellrider came, on wings of plenty in the dark
Poured out his poison and he blew away his mark
The fascist from the east is coming, mothers hide your sons
The second hellrider came, from flaming seas and molten sands
Pipers playing Hell's commands
Poured out his poison, with his promises of promised lands
Blackened toungues of lying leaders
Here come the riders as the wheel of dharmas running out of time
Here come the riders as the wheel of dharmas running out of time
The third hellrider came, teaching brothers to kill brother men
And the fourth hellrider waits, on an acid trip for an acid world
Wars of old religious fools and superstitious men
Throw some scary Tarot cards and...
Here come the riders as the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
Here come the riders as the revolution's stepping into line
The dark side of Aquarius has robbed us of our souls and minds
Here come the riders as the wheel of Dharma's running out of time
From the starlit sky, on the silver sea
A lonely silver surfer, comes to push the wheel for me
A lonely silver surfer, comes to push the wheel for me
Gotta move, gotta move, gotta move that wheel right 'round
Gotta move, gotta move, gotta move that wheel right 'round
Gotta move, gotta move, gotta move that wheel around
Gotta push the wheel of Dharma round
Push the wheel of Dharma round
Push the wheel of Dharma round
Push the wheel right round, right now yeah
I've gotta move the wheel of Dharma, gotta move the wheel of Dharma
Gotta move the wheel of Dharma, move that wheel right around
Gotta move the wheel of Dharma, gotta move the wheel of Dharma now
Adham Ghaly
What a Crazy Badass riff!!!