BREAKING: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain Pa…read more.
For generations of Iron Maiden fans, Nicko McBrain’s drumming has been just as essential as Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals or Steve Harris’s thunderous bass. Now 72, the veteran drummer has anchored the band since 1982, driving classics like The Trooper and Aces High with his trademark swing. And in his own words, nobody else can fill that role.
In a recent chat, McBrain spoke about the younger drummer who has been stepping in to lend support on tour. Flashing his trademark grin, he offered a characteristically cheeky take.
“He’s a baby. He’s got a little tiny drum set,” McBrain joked. “But nobody can replace me in Iron Maiden.”
The comment may have been playful, but it hinted at something deeper: McBrain’s place in Iron Maiden isn’t only about technical precision. It’s about chemistry, personality, and four decades of shared experience. To him, being in the band is more than a gig it’s a lifetime bond.
McBrain noted that while the younger drummer brings energy and talent, the essence of Iron Maiden has always rested on the unshakable connection among its core members. “It’s not just about playing songs,” he explained. “It’s about living them. And that comes from years of being shoulder to shoulder with the band every night.”
His words carry extra resonance given his health struggles in recent years. In 2023, McBrain suffered a stroke that briefly left him unable to play. With grit and rehabilitation, he made his way back to the stage, showing both his resilience and his dedication. The addition of another drummer was partly a safeguard, ensuring the tour could keep rolling but McBrain made it clear that he remains firmly in control.
Rather than seeing the new player as a rival, McBrain treats him more like a younger brother teasing with humor while offering guidance. Fans have noticed, too, with many commenting online that McBrain’s banter is as much part of the show as his drumming. “Nicko is Maiden’s heartbeat,” one fan wrote. “He’s not just the drummer, he’s their spirit.”
Iron Maiden, now entering its fifth decade as a touring juggernaut, continues to sell out arenas and stadiums across the globe. Inevitably, questions about the future linger. But McBrain’s stance is clear: he has no intention of stepping aside.
“I’ll play as long as I can,” he said. “And when I sit down at the kit that’s Iron Maiden. End of story.”
For loyal fans, those words are a comfort. McBrain’s thunder has carried Maiden across generations, and while change may eventually come, that moment isn’t here yet. For now, the band presses on with Nicko at the helm, cracking jokes, pounding the drums, and reminding everyone that some roles are simply irreplaceable.
