Dickinson in music therapy visit

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson today visited music charity Nordoff Robbins’ London centre to celebrate Music Therapy Week.

It’s one of his first public appearances since being given the all-clear from cancer in May – and the first since Maiden confirmed the launch of 16th album The Book Of Souls last week.

Dickinson met some of those helped by the charity and spoke to staff who provide care and attention – and even found time to jam a few acoustic guitar chords with some delighted children.

Music Therapy Week seeks to raise awareness of how Nordoff Robbins’ programme can assist children with autism, adults with learning difficulties and people with neurological disorders. The organisation is committed to transforming people’s lives through music - “whatever their age or background.”

Nordoff Robbins is one of three charities supported by TeamRock’s Heavy Metal Truants, who completed their third annual cycle ride from London to Donington for the Download festival – raising tens of thousands of pounds to date.

Maiden will receive a Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef award on July 3 for their “outstanding contribution to UK music.”

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.