“They’re the same tracks, but the feel is completely transformed,” says Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, unveiling More Balls To Picasso—a revamped, heavier, and fully remixed and remastered edition of his 1994 solo record Balls To Picasso.
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“Adding extra punch to Balls… was truly a passion project,” Bruce Dickinson shares, as he prepares to launch the reissue of his second solo album.
Bruce Dickinson to Drop Revamped Edition of Balls to Picasso
Iron Maiden’s iconic vocalist Bruce Dickinson is set to release an upgraded and expanded version of his second solo album, originally released in 1994. Titled More Balls To Picasso, the refreshed edition is slated for release on July 25.
Described by Dickinson as a “reimagining” of the original Balls To Picasso, the updated album delivers a bolder sonic experience. The 1994 version had reached number 21 on the UK charts and followed his 1990 debut Tattooed Millionaire. The album’s title and original cover art referenced the cubist artist Picasso, known for his abstract interpretations of form, with spherical objects often depicted as geometric shapes—symbolized by graffiti on bathroom tiles in the original artwork.
Speaking on Instagram, Dickinson explained the transformation: “You’ll recognize the songs, but the energy will feel completely new. Thanks to advances in production, the sound is now sharper and more electric. We’ve layered in elements that weren’t there before—modern, hard-hitting rhythm guitars that make the whole thing sound heavier and more dynamic. Nothing’s been stripped out; solos remain untouched—but the overall impact is way closer to what it should have been back in ’94.”
Reflecting on the process, Dickinson added, “I absolutely love this version of the record.”
In a formal announcement about the album’s re-release, Bruce Dickinson explained that the idea to overhaul Balls to Picasso took root during the process of remixing his solo catalog in Dolby Atmos.
“I couldn’t shake the urge to revisit and reshape the record,” he said. “So, breathing new life into Balls… became a true passion project.”
The updated version features enhanced guitar work led by Swedish virtuoso Philip Näslund, while Adassi Addasi contributes fresh sonic depth to Tears of the Dragon. Brazilian composer Antonio Teoli not only crafted lush orchestral arrangements but also added authentic Amazonian instruments—captured during his time living in the region—for the track Gods of War.
The new rendition of Shoot All the Clowns is bolstered by a vibrant horn section performed by musicians from Berklee College of Music. The entire record has been newly mixed by Brendan Duffey, known for his work on The Mandrake Project, with creative guidance from Shay Baby, the original producer behind the album.