British heavy metal vocalist Steve Grimmett has told Classic Rock magazine that he nearly joined not one, not two… but three legendary bands. Grimmett, who made his name with GRIM REAPER, ONSLAUGHT and LIONSHEART, said, "When Bruce Dickinson left IRON MAIDEN, I sent them a demo. But never heard anything back from them, and then heard that Blaze Bayley had the job. But a while afterwards, their manager Rod Smallwood told me that I'd made the top five on their short list."

The singer also went for the JUDAS PRIEST gig as the replacement for Rob Halford. "I did get a letter back, thanking me for my interest, but they didn't feel I was quite right for them."

Finally, he was actually being lined up by BLACK SABBATH.

"Drummer Bobby Rondinelli called and asked if I'd like to join the band. I was committed to doing the second LIONSHEART album ('Pride In Tact'), but told him that, if they could wait, then I'd love to do it. But by the time I was ready, the original lineup was back together, so that was out of the window."