In an exclusive interview with Metal Global, former IRON MAIDEN frontman Blaze Bayley opened up about his remarkable recovery journey following a life-threatening heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery two and a half years ago.

The 62-year-old rocker, known for leading MAIDEN during the mid-90s, reflected on the shocking moment he realized something was seriously wrong with his health. "Heart disease can sneak up on you. You think you're just out of breath, and the next thing you know, you're having a heart attack. It's surreal!" he shared.

Blaze detailed his experience at the hospital, where he anticipated surgery after doctors discovered his heart showed abnormal characteristics. "I was lucky. They told me my recovery went well, and with my new ‘plumbing,’ I actually feel more energetic than I did before!" he exclaimed.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing for Blaze. The singer admitted, "The hardest thing for me has been maintaining my diet—keeping the weight off is a real challenge! I lost 30 pounds just by eating right, but bad habits have crept back in. It’s so much tougher to give up snacks than booze!" He revealed that while he used to struggle with alcohol, stopping eating junk food has proven to be an even bigger battle.

Bayley also vented his frustration about the food industry, suggesting large corporations contribute to the obesity epidemic. "They can sue me if they want because it’s true! The healthiest times in the UK were during World War II when rations meant less food variety. Bread made in factories? That’s a villain in our diets!"

Reflecting on his past, Blaze remembers a particularly frightening incident leading up to his heart attack. "Imagine being just ten minutes away from death! I was fortunate to have paramedics at my door in two minutes; otherwise, I might not be here today. It’s terrifying to think about!"

Since his recovery, Blaze has continued to pursue his passion for music, releasing albums under his own name and with his band WOLFSBANE. His latest studio album, "Circle Of Stone," was released in February 2024.

In a heartfelt message to his fans, Blaze expressed gratitude for their support post-surgery. "I received cards and letters from fans all over the world. It’s incredibly humbling to know my music has made such a difference in people's lives," he said.

As he looks forward, Blaze emphasizes the importance of proactive health checks and staying active, cautioning others to learn from his near brush with death. "Get your cholesterol and triglycerides checked. It's vital to stay active!" he urged.

Despite the struggles, Blaze is determined to continue sharing his music and messages of resilience with the world. His journey serves as a powerful reminder to respect one's health and prioritize well-being.