BREAKING: Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson ste…read more.
In 1994, during a brief hiatus from Iron Maiden, legendary frontman Bruce Dickinson stepped into new creative territory with the release of his second solo album, Balls To Picasso. Now, over three decades later, Dickinson has returned to the record with a fresh vision—revamping and remixing the project to reflect how far both he and his music have evolved.
Originally released after Dickinson left Iron Maiden in the early ’90s (he would rejoin in 1999), Balls To Picasso marked a turning point in his solo career. Known for its striking graffiti-style cover and named in homage to cubist pioneer Pablo Picasso, the album was anything but frivolous. It cemented Dickinson’s status as a formidable solo artist. The album’s initial release featured standout tracks such as “Tears Of The Dragon,” “Shoot All The Clowns,” and the epic “Laughing In The Hiding Bush,” which was once considered for the album’s title.
Recorded with guitarist Roy Z and his band Tribe Of Gypsies, the album underwent several versions before settling on the final tracklist, produced by Shay Baby. Now, Dickinson has returned to Balls To Picasso with a reimagined mix, spurred by his ongoing work converting his solo catalog into Dolby Atmos.
“While mixing all my catalogue into Dolby Atmos I had a nagging desire to revisit and reinvent the record,” Dickinson said. “So putting more balls into Balls… was a labour of love.”
The updated version features a series of notable enhancements. Guitarist Philip Naslund brings new energy with heavier riffs, while Adassi Addasi adds rich layers to “Tears Of The Dragon.” Brazilian composer Antonio Teoli contributes stunning orchestral arrangements and even includes indigenous Amazonian instruments, which he recorded while living in the region, on the revamped “Gods Of War.”
In a unique twist, the fan-favorite “Shoot All The Clowns” now includes a horn section performed by students from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. The entire album has been freshly mixed by Brendan Duffey, who recently worked on Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project, with original producer Shay Baby also offering guidance.
This revitalized edition of Balls To Picasso not only showcases Dickinson’s artistic growth but also introduces a modern sonic dimension to a classic album—bridging the gap between past and present for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
