Liza-Lou Campy caught up with Bruce Dickinson to discuss the long-awaited return of hard rock band Little Angels, their unexpected wave of sold-out shows, and the creative spark driving new music.
It’s been years since Little Angels were properly on the road. With shows selling out, how does that feel?
It’s been really unexpected. We haven’t been out for 14 years, and even before that there were big gaps, so you don’t really know what to expect, and neither do the promoters. To see shows selling out and others nearly there is amazing. We’ve added dates, even got over to Ireland, and the fact people are still playing the music now is incredible. We’re all pinching ourselves a bit.
How are you approaching getting the band back together?
We’re quite spread out. I’m up in Shetland, others are touring or working, so we rehearse and plan online a lot. But because we’ve all done this so much, we know we’ll slot back in easily. What’s exciting is the new material. When the chemistry’s right, ideas just don’t stop. We’re pulling together riffs, titles, half-finished songs – it’s about getting in a room and seeing what fits. We want to make a proper record, the way we used to – on tape, in a good studio – because it just sounds different.
Does it feel like being in a band again?
Completely. Everyone’s pulling in the same direction and there’s real chemistry. It actually feels more like the first album than later on; back then it was just about doing what we loved. Now, without label pressure, it’s the same again. At this stage in life, to have people still want to hear the band is amazing.
Why does now feel like the right time?
There’s no big strategy. It just feels right, and everyone feels it at the same time. The same goes for new music. If it feels right, we do it. That’s the only rule.
You’ve spent years in music education. How does this experience reflect what you teach?
It reinforces it. We always tell students they need a portfolio career now, multiple income streams. That’s just the reality. But what’s changing is people valuing authenticity more, especially with AI around. Recording on tape, playing for real – you can’t fake it. I think there’s a growing appreciation for that. People want something human.
Do you think nostalgia plays a role in this reunion?
Absolutely. We want to remind people how great those days were – the spirit of places like the Marquee in the late ‘80s. But it’s not just nostalgia. This feels like something ongoing, not just a greatest hits run. It’s like coming full circle – Little Angels started with getting out of a small town, and now it’s about coming home again, musically and personally.
What does “rock ‘n’ roll” mean to you now?
It’s a way of being. It’s about living life on your own terms. I know people outside music who are more rock ‘n’ roll than some musicians. For me, whether it’s running a college or being in a band, it’s about integrity – serving the music and not compromising on quality.
What can fans expect from the upcoming shows?
It’s more ambitious than before. We’re not just playing the hits; it’s about building a show, telling a story. There’ll be more production, more depth, maybe even a bit of that late ‘80s theatricality. If we can do it, we will. It should feel like a proper rock ‘n’ roll show again.
And what’s next? Any new music?
That’s the plan. We’ll start recording soon and see what we come up with. If we’re happy with it, maybe we’ll release something before the tour. Longer term, an album next year would be great, but only if the songs are right.
Little Angels head to 02 City Hall, Newcastle this November. Tickets, priced at £47.35 in advance, are available at academymusicgroup.com.
