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Drumming News
In January 2023, Nicko McBrain, the longtime drummer of Iron Maiden, experienced a stroke that led to partial paralysis. This stroke, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), significantly impacted his drumming abilities, requiring an intense recovery process. Despite the challenging circumstances, McBrain has been making strides, though he admits he can’t play some songs exactly as they appear on the records.
At a recent concert for his side project, Titanium Tart, McBrain discussed his health issues openly. He shared with the audience, as reported by Blabbermouth.net: “I’ve gotta be honest with you, it was a touch and go last year for me, because, as you probably know… If you don’t, TIA strokes aren’t fun. Some people get really bad reactions to ’em, like [they become] paralyzed, they can’t speak, they can’t walk and do whatnot. I couldn’t play — I was paralyzed on the right side.”
He continued, praising the occupational therapy he received at Boca Raton Regional Hospital: “Fortunately, the Boca Raton Regional Hospital had this incredible OT [occupational therapy] section, and there’s a girl called Julie Blum that looked after me. In three months, she had me playing again. And it ain’t the old Nicko, it’s not the old one by a long shot, but at least it’s part of me.”
McBrain elaborated on the limitations caused by his stroke, particularly affecting his performance of “Caught Somewhere in Time” from Iron Maiden’s 1986 album. He explained: “There’s a middle section, it’s all snare drum on the record. I can’t play it. As you probably noticed, those of you nerds that are in the audience that go, ‘He didn’t do the drum fill.’ Well, that’s why, ’cause I f#*king can’t do it.”
Despite his struggle, McBrain has found creative solutions with his bandmates. He recounted a conversation with Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris: “I said, ‘Okay, I’ve got an idea. If I do the double on the snare,’ and I played it for him. He went, ‘No. Have you got anything else?’ I went, ‘Yeah I’ll play it on the cymbal.’ ‘No. You got anything else?’ ‘That’s me spent, mate.’ So he turned around and thought, ‘Why don’t you play it straight?’”
McBrain admitted that this simple adjustment was a stroke of genius: “I went, ‘You’re a f*#king genius, Harry.’ And so we rehearsed it from thereon in, and we play it straight.”
Reflecting on his recovery, McBrain shared that he initially doubted his ability to return to drumming: “I did honestly think that was it. Now I’m laying in bed, trying to move my hand, at least my fingers or something, encourage my body to, ‘Come on, you can do this. You can do this.’”
He praised the support from his bandmates and fans, noting: “Through all this period of time I was in touch with Steve, obviously all the guys, and they were all very, very encouraging, and none more so than Steve.”
Despite the setbacks, McBrain is gradually regaining strength and adapting his drumming. He estimated being about 85 to 90 percent recovered but acknowledged ongoing challenges with finger dexterity. Nevertheless, his resilience and the support from his Iron Maiden family have been crucial to his recovery.
For those interested in witnessing McBrain’s recovery in action, Iron Maiden’s tour continues with dates across Australia, Japan, and the United States through October. McBrain’s journey is a testament to his determination and the unwavering support of his band and fans.
Fall 2024 Dates:
Sep. 1 – Perth, Australia @ RAC Arena
Sep. 4 – Adelaide, Australia @ Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Sep. 6 – Melbourne, Australia @ Rod Laver Arena
Sep. 10 – Brisbane, Australia @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Sep. 12 – Sydney, Australia @ Qudos Bank Arena
Sep. 16 – Auckland, New Zealand @ Spark Arena
Sep. 22 – Aichi, Japan @ Sky Hall Toyota
Sep. 24 – Osaka, Japan @ Osaka-Jo Hall
Sep. 26 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Garden Theater
Sep. 28 – Kanagawa, Japan @ Pia Arena MM
Oct. 4 – San Diego, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Oct. 5 – Las Vegas, NV @ Michelob ULTRA Arena
Oct. 8 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
Oct. 12 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival
Oct. 14 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center
Oct. 16 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
Oct. 18 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center
Oct. 19 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
Oct. 22 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
Oct. 24 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena
Oct. 26 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
Oct. 27 – Quebec, QC @ Videotron Centre
Oct. 30 – Montreal , QC @ Centre Bell
Nov. 1 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
Nov. 2 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
Nov. 6 – Worcester, MA @ DCU Center
Nov. 8 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Nov. 9 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
Nov. 12 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
Nov. 13 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
Nov. 16 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
Nov. 17 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center (formerly AT&T Center)
Nov. 20 – Mexico City, México @ Estadio GNP Seguros
Nov. 24 – Bogotá, Colombia @ Estadio El Campín
Nov. 27 & 28 – Santiago, Chile @ Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos
Dec. 1 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó
Dec. 2 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Movistar Arena
Dec. 6 & 7 – São Paulo, Brazil @ Allianz Parque
