Bruce Dickinson to Sing National Anthem at NHL Home Opener
Event Details
IRON MAIDEN’s iconic frontman, Bruce Dickinson, is set to perform the U.S. national anthem at the Los Angeles Kings’ home opener against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, October 7, 2023. The game, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will take place at Crypto.com Arena and marks the first day of the NHL’s regular season. This matchup is part of a triple-header broadcast on ESPN.
Bruce Dickinson’s Announcement
In a video message released on October 3, Dickinson expressed his excitement for the event. He stated, “Bruce Dickinson here. And guess what — on the 5th [of October], I’m at the Wiltern, in Los Angeles, obviously, [performing with my solo band], and on the 7th [of October], yeah, I’m gonna be banging the drum for the L.A. Kings home opener. And I’m also gonna be singing, I believe, the U.S. national anthem as a Brit. But for now, that’s it. I’ll see you on the 7th. I might even see you at the Wiltern theater.”
Previous Performances
National Anthem at NFL Game
Bruce Dickinson previously showcased his vocal prowess by singing the U.S. national anthem on September 14 at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ home opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. A video of this performance is available online for fans to relive the moment.
Revealing His Plans
In an interview with soprano Elizabeth Zharoff, Dickinson first disclosed his intention to sing the anthem at an NFL game, saying, “I’ll let you in to a secret. So, I’ve got to sing the national anthem in Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’ve asked me to do this. I’m going to do it a cappella and stuff, and as long as you start at the right place, you’re good to go.”
His Journey with the Anthem
Bruce’s foray into singing the U.S. national anthem began during his solo concert on September 11 at the House of Blues in Boston. He candidly shared his apprehensions about performing the anthem, joking about avoiding embarrassment from reading the lyrics incorrectly. “I’ve been asked to sing the American national anthem at a Pittsburgh Steelers game. Now, I’ve never done this before in my fucking life,” he said, humorously acknowledging the significance of the date.
Reflections on September 11, 2001
Dickinson has shared his personal experiences from September 11, 2001, describing the surreal atmosphere he encountered in New York City. He recounted witnessing the aftermath of the tragic events and his attempts to contribute by donating blood, which ultimately was not needed due to the circumstances.
The Mandrake Project Live 2025 Tour
Alongside his national anthem performances, Bruce Dickinson is currently on “The Mandrake Project Live 2025” North American tour. This tour features a new backing band, including Dave Moreno (drums), Mistheria (keyboards), and Tanya O’Callaghan (bass), along with new additions Philip Näslund and Chris Declercq. The tour supports his latest solo album, “The Mandrake Project,” released on March 1, 2024, and a reworked version of his classic album, “More Balls To Picasso.”
Conclusion
Bruce Dickinson’s upcoming performance of the U.S. national anthem at the Los Angeles Kings’ home opener promises to be a memorable moment for fans of both hockey and rock music. With his unique blend of showmanship and heartfelt expression, Dickinson continues to bridge the worlds of sports and music, captivating audiences with his powerful voice and rich history. As fans look forward to this exciting event, it’s clear that Dickinson’s passion for performance remains as strong as ever.
FAQs
When will Bruce Dickinson perform the national anthem?
Bruce Dickinson will perform the U.S. national anthem on October 7, 2023, at the Los Angeles Kings’ home opener against the Colorado Avalanche.
Where is the game taking place?
The game will be held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
What other events has Bruce Dickinson performed the national anthem at?
Bruce Dickinson has also sung the national anthem at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ home opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2023.
What is the Mandrake Project Live 2025 tour?
The Mandrake Project Live 2025 tour is Bruce Dickinson’s latest solo tour, supporting his new album “The Mandrake Project,” which was released on March 1, 2024.
