10 Best Solo Albums From Former Rock Band Members

Bruce Dickinson was not the original lead singer for Iron Maiden, but he is by far the most famous one associated with the British metal legends.

Ever since he came aboard for their seminal album The Number of the Beast, the band have never looked back, releasing a string of powerful records and achieving fame the world over.

That's why a lot of heads were turned when, in 1993, Big Bruce said he wanted out.

Dickinson had already released one solo album whilst he was still in Maiden, which should have been a sign that things were not going well, but his best effort on his own came five years after he and the group went their separate ways.

The Chemical Wedding, which drew inspiration from a number of historical figures, including English poet William Blake, was praised for its creativity and for Dickinson's soulful and energetic presence. This was in stark contrast to how he'd been towards the end of his Maiden days, when he sounded like he'd rather be anywhere else.

Bruce clearly thought that he'd peaked as a solo artist here as, just one year later, he re-joined Maiden and has stayed there ever since.