Bruce Dickinson’s Epic Return: The Mandrake Project and More Balls To Picasso Redefine Rock and Storytelling

In an electrifying conversation with AMFM Magazine, Bruce Dickinson, the legendary frontman of Iron Maiden, shared his boundless enthusiasm for his latest solo ventures: the Mandrake Project: Year One comic series, his reimagined 1994 album More Balls To Picasso, and his first North American solo tour in nearly 30 years. From Dallas to Rocklahoma, Dickinson is set to bring his high-energy performances and storytelling prowess to fans across the continent, starting August 22, 2025, at the House of Blues in Anaheim.

The Mandrake Project: A Vision in Music and Comics

Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project is a multi-dimensional triumph, blending his seventh solo album, released in 2024, with a companion comic series that has captivated fans. Published by Z2, The Mandrake Project: Year One—set for release on August 5, 2025—collects the first four issues of the comic, a prologue previously exclusive to the “Afterglow of Ragnarok” vinyl, and exclusive content like interviews and essays. Housed in a lavish 12”x12” Deluxe Edition slipcase with a rotating Mandrake dial, foil cards, and a cast metal medallion, the book even incorporates soil from William Blake’s grave, mixed into the ink—a nod to the poet’s influence on Dickinson’s work.

“I honestly have to pinch myself to believe that Volume 1 of The Mandrake Project is upon us,” Dickinson shared. “I sometimes get the feeling that I am not fully in control of the story, and that some other entity is squeezing the blood out of my subconscious and turning it into ink on the page.” Inspired by comics like Watchmen, Dickinson collaborated with Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter and award-winning writer Tony Lee to craft a 12-episode saga, with volumes two and three to follow, culminating in a 550-page graphic novel.

As a patron of the William Blake Cottage Trust, Dickinson’s connection to Blake’s legacy runs deep. “William Blake has given me so much over the years, and I want to repay the debt by helping to restore the Cottage,” he said, emphasizing the cultural significance of preserving Blake’s home.

More Balls To Picasso: A Reimagined Classic

In 1994, during a hiatus from Iron Maiden, Dickinson released his second solo album, Balls To Picasso, a bold step that solidified his solo career. Now, with More Balls To Picasso, Dickinson revisits the album with a heavier, more ambitious sound, fulfilling his original vision. “While mixing all my catalogue into Dolby Atmos, I had a nagging desire to revisit and reinvent the record,” he explained. “So putting more balls into ‘Balls…’ was a labour of love.”

Produced with collaborator Brendan Duffey, who also worked on The Mandrake Project, the album features beefed-up guitar riffs by Philip Naslund, orchestral arrangements by Antonio Teoli, and indigenous Amazonian instruments in “Gods of War.” The reimagined tracks, including live favorites like “Tears of the Dragon” and “Shoot All the Clowns,” are joined by two previously unreleased live-in-the-studio recordings. Available as a splatter vinyl double album and tri-panel digisleeve CD, More Balls To Picasso is a roaring testament to Dickinson’s unrelenting creativity. Fans can listen to the first single, “Gods of War,” and preorder at brucedickinson.lnk.to/moreballstopicassoPR.

A High-Energy Solo Tour

Dickinson’s North American solo tour, kicking off August 22, 2025, marks his first extensive solo run in the U.S. since 1997. With stops in Houston, Dallas, and festivals like Rocklahoma and Louder Than Life, the tour promises a dynamic setlist drawing from More Balls To Picasso, The Mandrake Project, Chemical Wedding, Skunkworks, and Tyranny of Souls. “The band is incredible,” Dickinson enthused, describing his lineup of two guitarists, an “eccentric Italian keyboard player,” and a rhythm section that delivers “ceremonies and kodo drums and all manner of weird percussion.” Fans can expect surprises, including an Iron Maiden rarity never performed live, written by Dickinson himself.

The band’s flexibility allows for spontaneous setlist changes. “If you come see us in Houston, you might not see the same set that we do in Dallas,” he teased. “We could go in the dressing room and go, ‘Should we learn a song tonight that we haven’t played, like, ever?’” This raw, live energy—100% real with no backing tracks—ensures every show is a unique experience.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

For young musicians dreaming of following in his footsteps, Dickinson’s advice is clear: “Do what you love. Don’t do what you think people want to hear, because nobody will respect you for that.” Integrity and authenticity are at the core of his artistry, whether he’s performing, writing comics, or penning novels. “If you can look back on your career and say, ‘I really loved what I did,’ and people respected your honesty and integrity, that’s all you’ve got as an artist,” he said.

Maintaining his iconic voice requires discipline. “Be nice to your body,” he advised. “Sleep, rest, and don’t go yelling at football matches the day before a show.” His powerful vocals, driven by “lungs and diaphragms that make a loud enough wind,” continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

A Storyteller at Heart

At the core of Dickinson’s work is storytelling. “When I’m in the song, I’m telling the story of that song. I’m acting it out in my head,” he shared. This narrative thread runs through his music, comics, and even his autobiography, always offering a light at the end of the tunnel, “even if it’s an oncoming train.” The Mandrake Project comic, born from a decade-long vision, exemplifies this, weaving epic tales that resonate with metal’s dramatic flair.

Fans can dive into The Mandrake Project: Year One by preordering at Z2comics.com/BruceDickinson and catch Dickinson live on tour (tickets at ticketmaster). Don’t miss the chance to experience More Balls To Picasso and the storytelling magic of a rock legend who continues to push boundaries and inspire.

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