Anyone who's been fortunate enough to witness an Iron Maiden show during the Bruce Dickinson eras knows that the mischievous frontman loves any opportunity to a) dress up and b) mess about a bit. Currently, the metal legends are blazing a trail across Europe courtesy of their epic Future Past tour, boasting a dazzling production and the chance for Maiden fans to indulge both in 2021's critically acclaimed Senjutsu and some rare cuts taken from 1986 favourite Somewhere In Time.
One of said rare cuts is anthemic fan favourite Alexander The Great, getting played live for the very first time on this tour, and it was during that song at a show in Prague earlier this month that Dickinson's penchant for tomfoolery resulted in a funny exchange with his partner in crime and Maiden bassist/band leader, Steve Harris.
During the song's lengthy, swaying instrumental midsection, Dickinson was clearly delighted to find that an eager fan from the crowd had chucked a fancy dress helmet onto the stage, perhaps a little overexcited by all the ancient militaristic themes. In footage since posted on social media, the singer can be seen proudly wearing the item as he struts around on stage - before a cheeky idea seems to pop into his head.
Creeping up behind Steve Harris, who's clearly busy thundering through his basslines and in no mood to play, Dickinson plants the helmet on him, laughing his head off as Harris ducks down, rips the helmet back off and chucks it back across the stage, picking up where he left off while barely missing a beat.
A resigned Dickinson then turns to the crowd and begins pulling some hilariously, over the top grumpy faces to the fans in front of him. We imagine he won't be trying that one again.
Watch the delightfully silly moment below. Maiden's Future Past Tour continues this summer.
Iron Maiden Future Past tour dates Europe 2023
May 30: Prague O2 Arena, Czech Republic
May 31: Prague O2 Arena, Czech Republic
Jun 03: Tampere Nokia Arena, Finland
Jun 04: Tampere Nokia Arena, Finland
Jun 07: Bergen Koengen, Norway
Jun 09: Solvesborg Sweden Rock Festival, Sweden
Jun 11: Leipzig Quarterback Immobilien Arena, Germany
Jun 13: Krakow Tauron Arena, Poland
Jun 14: Krakow Tauron Arena, Poland
Jun 17: Clisson Hellfest, France
Jun 19: Zurich Hallenstadion, Switzerland
Jun 21: Hannover Zag Arena, Germany
Jun 24: Dublin 3 Arena, Ireland
Jun 26: Glasgow OVO Hydro, UK
Jun 28: Leeds, First Direct Arena, UK
Jun 30: Manchester AO Arena, UK
Jul 03: Nottingham Motorpoint Arena, UK
Jul 04: Birmingham Utilita Arena, UK
Jul 07: London O2 Arena, UK
Jul 08: London O2 Arena, UK
Jul 11: Amsterdam Ziggo Dome, Holland
Jul 13: Antwerp Sportpaleis, Belgium
Jul 15: Milan, The Return of The Gods Festival, Italy
Jul 18: Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain
Jul 20: Estadio Enrique Roca, Murcia, Spain
Jul 22: Bizkaia Arena Bec! Bilbao, Spain
Jul 25 Dortmund Westfalenhalle, Germany
Jul 26 Dortmund Westfalenhalle, Germany
Jul 29: Frankfurt,Festhalle, Germany
Jul 31: Munich Olympiahalle, Germany
Aug 01: Munich Olympiahalle, Germany
Aug 02: Wacken Open Air, Germany
