What Is Bruce Dickinson’s Net Worth
Bruce Dickinson, the multifaceted English musician, airline pilot, and broadcaster, has amassed a considerable fortune over his career. As of today, his net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. This wealth is a result of his successful music career, particularly his long tenure as the lead singer of Iron Maiden, alongside other ventures like his aviation business and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Early Career and Rise to Fame with Iron Maiden
Born Paul Bruce Dickinson on August 7, 1958, in Workshop, Nottinghamshire, England, his early life was marked by attending private schools, where he developed an interest in hard rock music, gravitating towards bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. He started playing bongo drums and singing during his time at boarding school. Dickinson’s formal education included attending King Edward VII School in Sheffield in 1976 after returning home, which led to him joining his first band. He also joined the Territorial Army for six months before applying to study history at Queen Mary College in London.
Dickinson’s professional music career began in 1979 when he joined Samson. Dissatisfied with the band’s lifestyle, he sought an opportunity to move on. In 1981, he auditioned for Iron Maiden and quickly secured a place in the band due to his impressive vocal abilities and the band’s professional approach. Dickinson’s debut album with Iron Maiden, “The Number of the Beast,” was released in 1982 and featured hits like “Run to the Hills,” selling millions of copies worldwide. The album quickly rose to the top of various charts, cementing the band’s place in the heavy metal scene. In 1983, they followed up with “Piece of Mind,” featuring hits like “Flight of Icarus” and “The Trooper,” further solidifying their success. “Powerslave” then helped cement their place as one of the world’s top metal bands.
Throughout the 1980s, Iron Maiden consistently achieved platinum and gold album sales with Dickinson as their lead singer. Albums like “Powerslave” (1984) and “Somewhere in Time” (1986) sold millions of copies and generated substantial revenue through record sales and world tours. The exact sales figures and royalties from these albums contribute significantly to Dickinson’s overall net worth.
Solo Career and Continued Success with Iron Maiden (1990s-Present)
In 1993, Dickinson left Iron Maiden to pursue a solo career, exploring different musical styles. While his solo albums received critical acclaim, they did not achieve the same commercial success as his work with Iron Maiden. In 1999, Dickinson rejoined Iron Maiden, marking a significant reunion for the band and its fans. Since his return, Iron Maiden has released five studio albums, each contributing to the band’s continued success and Dickinson’s income. The album “Brave New World” (2000) marked the band’s comeback and sold over a million copies worldwide. The album charted in numerous countries, helping Dickinson gain more income. He also continued to pursue his solo career during this period, releasing the album “Tyranny of Souls” in 2005.
During the 2000s and 2010s, Iron Maiden embarked on several highly successful world tours, grossing millions of dollars in ticket sales. These tours included “The Final Frontier World Tour” (2010-2011) and “The Book of Souls World Tour” (2016-2017), which saw the band performing in arenas and stadiums worldwide. For example, “The Book of Souls World Tour” generated over $68 million in revenue, with Dickinson receiving a substantial portion of this income as the lead singer.
Dickinson has released several solo albums, including “Accident of Birth” (1997) and “The Chemical Wedding” (1998). While specific sales figures for these albums are not readily available, they have contributed to his overall music earnings. The album “Tyranny of Souls” (2005) remains a fan favorite and contributed to his income through sales and royalties.
Aviation Ventures: Astraeus Airlines and Cardiff Aviation
Beyond his music career, Bruce Dickinson is a licensed pilot and has been actively involved in the aviation industry. He once flew Boeing 757s for Astraeus Airlines, a charter airline that ceased operations in 2011. After Astraeus Airlines went out of business, Dickinson started his own aircraft maintenance and pilot training company called Cardiff Aviation Ltd in 2012. The company aimed to create jobs and provide aviation services, contributing to the local economy in Wales. The specific financial details of Cardiff Aviation Ltd are not publicly disclosed, but the company’s success has added to Dickinson’s overall net worth.
Dickinson piloted “Ed Force One,” Iron Maiden’s converted charter airplane, during their world tours. This Boeing 757 was specially customized for the band and their crew, enabling them to travel to various tour destinations worldwide. The cost of operating and maintaining “Ed Force One” would have been substantial, but it also served as a marketing tool for the band and Dickinson’s aviation ventures.
Other Ventures and Media Appearances
Dickinson’s entrepreneurial ventures extend to the brewing industry. Iron Maiden collaborated with a Stockport brewery to create “Trooper,” a brand of bottled ale. Since its launch in 2013, “Trooper” has sold over 2.5 million pints in 40 different countries. The beer has been a commercial success, generating significant revenue for both Iron Maiden and the brewery. Dickinson has expressed his desire to develop more beers in the future, indicating further involvement in the brewing industry.
During the 2000s, Dickinson hosted his own radio show, showcasing his knowledge and passion for music. While the specific earnings from his radio show are not publicly available, it provided him with additional income and exposure.
Dickinson’s diverse talents extend to fencing. He was once ranked in the top seven of all British fencers and even started his own fencing equipment company called “Duellist.” While the specific financial details of “Duellist” are not readily available, it reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and involvement in various business ventures.
Dickinson has written several books, including “The Adventures of Lord Iffy Boatrace.” While specific sales figures for his books are not publicly available, they have contributed to his overall income and recognition as an author.