Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson performed the American national anthem a cappella at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ home opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday (September 14). The heavy metal legend called the experience “a huge honour” on Instagram, with the vocalist receiving chants of “U.S.A!” from the crowd. The British singer’s unexpected role in an iconic American tradition sparked mixed reactions on social media, highlighting the novelty of a U.K. musician singing the anthem at an NFL game. Dickinson is currently on the North American leg of his Mandrake Project solo tour, which concludes at the Wiltern in Los Angeles on October 5. Meanwhile, Iron Maiden is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025, accompanied by a forthcoming documentary directed by Malcolm Venville that explores the band’s legacy, featuring interviews with famous fans like Javier Bardem and Lars Ulrich, alongside insight from key members of the metal band, including the final interview with original vocalist Paul Di’Anno, who died last year. (Rolling Stone)
