Bruce Dickinson and Paul Di’Anno meet for the first time

Due to a scheduling coincidence, Iron Maiden singers Bruce Dickinson and Paul Di’Anno met for the very first time last night (July 13).

The moment took place in Zagreb, Croatia, where the current frontman played a show in support of the solo album The Mandrake ProjectDi’Anno was at the same venue to promote his upcoming debut album with his new band Warhorse.

Below you can see a short video clip of the chat between the two.

READ MORE: The best song from every Iron Maiden album

Di’Anno, 66, joined Maiden in 1978 when the band was not yet formed. He fronted Steve Harris’ group during the recording of The Soundhouse Tapes – the demo that landed them a contract – then for their self-titled debut album in 1980 and Murderer in 1981. He was sacked after a clash with Harris and manager Rod Smallwood, but said in 2020 that he did not resent them for the change.

Dickinson, 65, became lead singer in time to present the band’s breakthrough album The number of the beastand remained in that position for the entire era considered their classic era until he quit in 1993. He returned six years later and has remained in that position ever since.

In the 45-second film, the rock icons discuss their physical health. Wheelchair-bound Di’Anno explains how much exercise he can still do and how it’s affecting his mental health as he awaits knee surgery. He admits, “I won’t be getting back on the Harley any time soon,” before telling Dickinson, “All right, I guess I’ll have to fly then, old pal!”

What Paul Di’Anno thought about the reunion with Steve Harris

Di’Anno reunited with Harris in 2022 – also in Di’Anno’s hometown of Zagreb – meeting for the first time since the split. A month later, the singer’s team announced that Maiden had agreed to cover the costs of the necessary surgery, ending a fan fundraising campaign.

“It was great because first I met Steve’s sister Linda, who I hadn’t seen in about 30 years,” Di’Anno said after the meeting. “And then Steve was great, and then Rod – that actually saved my whole year. It was fantastic.”

Warhorse’s 10-track debut album is out July 19 via BraveWords Records. The band recently released a video for lead track “Here Comes the Night,” available below.

Watch the first meeting of Bruce Dickinson and Paul Di’Anno

Watch Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse perform “Here Comes the Night”