Iron Maiden singer boards nuclear sub

Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson spent last weekend in a nuclear submarine, after being invited by the vessel's captain.

Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson spent last weekend in a nuclear submarine.

The 'Fear of the Dark' singer boarded HMS Victorious - stationed at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh in Scotland - for three nights after receiving a special invitation from the captain, to come and sample life on board.

One of the submariners told the Helensburgh Advertiser the unexpected visit was "surreal".

The source said: "When I heard that somebody called Bruce Dickinson was coming on board, I thought it was maybe a civilian contractor or someone who went by that nickname.

"It was a bit surreal - it's not every day you bump into an international rock star on a nuclear submarine!"

Bruce - who is a qualified pilot, and flies the heavy metal group around the world in a private jet when they tours - has long been a submarine fan and last made a visit to a British naval base in 2003, after striking up a friendship with Leading Operator Mechanic Richard Banks, who is also a part time luthier who made a custom guitar for the band's guitarist Dave Murray.

A military spokesperson confirmed Bruce's visit had taken place.