Blaze Bayley on Iron Maiden & Lynyrd Skynyrd's Street Survivors

In recent interviews and retrospectives, two pillars of rock and metal history have surfaced with new stories to tell. Former Iron Maiden frontman Blaze Bayley has opened up about his health, musical legacy, and potential future plans, while classic rock deep-dives have revisited the troubled production behind Lynyrd Skynyrd’s final 1970s record.

Speaking with Metal Hammer, Blaze Bayley addressed his ongoing career as an independent artist and his openness to working with Iron Maiden again. Reflecting on his time fronting the band, Bayley noted that Bruce Dickinson and Paul Di’Anno hadn’t seen Iron Maiden as a fan. Bayley also discussed the origins of songs like "Born As A Stranger" and "A Ghost In The Machine" from his 2000 solo album Silicon Messiah, explaining that they were originally written for Brave New World after reading Robert Heinlein’s novel Stranger In A Strange Land.

Blaze Bayley on Health and Touring

Bayley addressed his health following a heart attack and seven years of complete sobriety. "Touring is unhealthy, and that’s even without booze and drugs, because there is erratic sleep and long travels sitting in a van," Bayley said. Having quit drinking on June 19, seven years prior, following a battle with depression, he urged anyone struggling with similar issues to try quitting for six months.

When asked about touring the United States, the independent artist admitted logistical hurdles make Canada an easier destination for now. On the musical front, Bayley revealed that The X Factor outtake "Justice Of The Peace" could return to his setlists during an upcoming October tour after being successfully revived during an anniversary run.

Looking Back at Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Street Survivors

In other classic rock news, retrospectives have re-examined the stormy creation of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1977 album Street Survivors. Released just three days before the tragic plane crash that followed, the album was plagued by premonitions and severe turmoil.

Singer Ronnie Van Zant admitted to a "creepy feeling things were going against us" following a series of near-fatal car crashes involving guitarist Gary Rossington, as well as similar accidents involving guitarist Allen Collins and keyboard player Billy Powell. Those harrowing incidents inspired Van Zant to pen "That Smell," serving as a stern warning against excess within the band.

Despite the bad omens and a rocky recording process split between Miami’s Criteria Studios and Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, Street Survivors showcased the addition of guitarist Steve Gaines. Gaines heavily contributed to tracks like "You Got That Right" and the jazz-blues workout "I Know A Little," cementing the record as a high-water mark for the band.