Iron Maiden reveal new track ‘Tears of a Clown’ is about Robin Williams
Bruce Dickinson calls it his favourite 'The Book of Souls' song
Bruce Dickinson has revealed that a track on their fervently awaited new album ‘The Book of Souls’ is about the late comedy legend Robin Williams.
Penned by guitarist Adrian Smith and bassist Steve Harris, the poignant song ‘Tears of a Clown’ is the centrepiece of the second ‘The Book of Souls’ disc.
Speaking to the Italian press, Bruce says it’s undoubtedly his standout moment from the album despite the fact he didn’t write it.
"My favourite song is one I didn’t write," Bruce said. "It’s 'Tears of a Clown', which talks about Robin Williams. I ask myself how could he be so depressed when he always seemed to be so happy."
Robin Williams committed suicide in August 2014 after a long history of depression and health problems. If you or someone you know suffers with depression, remember that just talking about it can help SO much. Check our Rock Against Depression page for more info and to hear musicians talking about their experiences.
Recorded at Guillaume Tell Studios, Paris with producer Kevin Shirley, 'The Book of Souls' is released in the UK on 4th September.
Originally scheduled for an earlier release, the album was delayed so that vocalist Bruce Dickinson could recuperate following his successful treatment for a tumour.
As always Eddie The Head graces the Mark Wilkinson designed front cover, this time with some rather fetching tribal paint on his face. It’s also the first album in 20 years to feature the original version of the Iron Maiden logo.
Steve Harris says of the double album: “We approached this album in a different way to how we’ve recorded previously.
“A lot of the songs were actually written while we were there in the studio and we rehearsed and recorded them straight away while they were still fresh, and I think that immediacy really shows in the songs, they have almost a live feel to them, I think.
“I’m very proud of The Book Of Souls, we all are, and we can’t wait for our fans to hear it, and especially to take it out on the road next year!”
The full tracklisting for The Book Of Souls is:
DISC ONE 1. If Eternity Should Fail (Dickinson) 8:28 2. Speed Of Light (Smith/ Dickinson) 5:01 3. The Great Unknown (Smith/ Harris) 6:37 4. The Red And The Black (Harris) 13:33 5. When The River Runs Deep (Smith/ Harris) 5:52 6. The Book Of Souls (Gers/ Harris) 10:27
DISC TWO 7. Death Or Glory (Smith/ Dickinson) 5:13 8. Shadows Of The Valley (Gers/ Harris) 7:32 9. Tears Of A Clown (Smith/ Harris) 4:59 10. The Man Of Sorrows (Murray/ Harris) 6:28 11. Empire Of The Clouds (Dickinson) 18:01
Formats: 2CD deluxe hardbound book limited edition 2CD standard edition Triple heavyweight black vinyl High res audio (24-bit Mastered for ITunes and non-Mastered for iTunes) Standard res audio (16 bit/ 44.1 kHz)