Iron Maiden’s ‘Tears Of A Clown’ From Latest Album ‘The Book Of Souls’ Dedicated To Robin Williams

English heavy metal band Iron Maiden are releasing their 16th studio album, The Book of Souls, next month. There have been talks about the different songs included in the album, and Iron Maiden’s lead vocalist, Bruce Dickinson, revealed his favorite track from the album, entitled “Tears of a Clown,” which is not to be mistaken with the Smokey Robinson & the Miracles song of the same title.

In an interview with Corriere, Dickinson said that the song is dedicated to the late Robin Williams.

“My favorite song is one I didn’t write. It’s ‘Tears of a Clown,’ which talks about Robin Williams. I ask myself how could he be so depressed when he always seemed to be so happy.”

Comedian Robin Williams committed suicide on August 11, 2014 at the age of 63. His death shocked the world, as Williams, known for his antics and sense of humor, always appeared to be happy. After his death, it was revealed that the actor suffered from severe depression and had also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Iron Maiden dedicate new song to Robin Williams: http://t.co/4bS6FXiWN0 pic.twitter.com/npQpak7Spo

— Consequence of Sound (@coslive) August 24, 2015

Iron Maiden’s The Book of Souls is their first studio double album, which is also their longest one to date, with a playtime of 92 minutes. The Iron Maiden album was announced in 2013, and it was supposed to be released early this year. However, due to Dickinson’s cancer treatments, the release of the record was moved to a later date.

Dickinson is now in the clear after radiotherapy and nine months of chemotherapy. The Book of Souls release date was set to make sure that Dickinson can join the promotion of the album.

Iron Maiden are excited about their new album, as they said it isn’t the same as how they recorded their previous albums. Steve Harris, the band’s bassist and occasional songwriter talked to Rolling Stone.

“We approached this album in a different way to how we’ve recorded previously. A lot of the songs were actually written while we were there in the studio and we rehearsed and recorded them straight away while they were still fresh, and I think that immediately really shows in the songs. They have almost a live feel to them.”

Iron Maiden have already released a video for one of the tracks included in the album, entitled “Speed of Light,” as Blabbermouth has reported. The unique video is a tribute to four decades of gaming, as director Llexi Leon explains.

“It seemed a perfect fit–40 years of metal explored alongside four decades of video games.”

You can hear Iron Maiden’s “Tears of a Clown” and the 10 other songs included in The Book of Souls when it hits shelves on September 4.

[Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images]