India's After Hours spoke to IRON MAIDEN just prior to their Desert Rock Festival appearance on March 9th in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A few excerpts from the chat follows:

We start off with the secret behind them sticking around for almost 30 years, to which Steve Harris (bass) replies, “We love each other little too much.” He adds that they get inspiration for their songs through movies, places they travel to and people they meet. Ask them about Bruce Dickinson (lead vocalist) and Nico McBrian’s (drummer) love for flying, and Bruce says, “Everything has to come down. They still haven’t found a plane which stays up forever.” He jokes that that’s the only way his wife can get him to wear sensible trousers.

Next in the firing line is Nico McBrain. So what does he find easier – drumming or flying? Nico gently says, “Both are temperamental. I actually talk to the drum kit and at times have even talked to planes when flying alone.”

And any specific reasons behind touring India and getting Eddie along? Bruce (Dickinson - vocals) jokes, “We wish to cast Eddie in a Bollywood movie.”

Iron Maiden is known for their unique sound which they have maintained since the time they burst onto the metal scene. Guitarist Dave Murray says that it’s important for a band to have their own sound and a fan should be able to recognise a band through their songs. They even express their love for bands like AC/DC and PEARL JAM for sticking to their music and not committing commercial suicide.

Currently, the band is all set to rock at the Desert Rock Festival. So what does the band feel about playing in the Middle East, a region more known for oil than the metal scene? Bruce explains, “We are musicians, not politicians. We are here for our fans and really looking forward to our upcoming gigs.”

Iron Maiden play Bangalore’s Palace on Saturday, March 17th.

(Thanks Maidennorway.com)