Nicko McBrain is one of the most world renowned drummers in not only heavy metal, but the world. He’s been bashing skins since 1966 and has been the thunder behind Iron Maiden since 1982.
Watching him play leaves you with your jaw hanging. I mean, for the members of Iron Maiden being in their 60’s and 70’s, they are all impressive on stage. Bruce Dickinson still runs around like a child that’s been given too many Red Bulls. His energy will exhaust you. But Nicko, who is 71, is just beyond words when you see him play.
On August 3rd, Nicko issued a stunning statement thru the band’s social media that he suffered a stroke that left him with paralysis. The stroke was in January and it’s been kept quiet all this time, which in the time of social media and instant access to everything, is quiet the feat.
McBrain suffered the stroke which left him paralyzed on his right side from the shoulder down. That certainly sounds detrimental and career ending for any musician, but not Nicko.
McBrain revealed that thru intense occupational therapy, he is around 70% recovered.
“After 10 weeks of intense therapy it was almost time to start rehearsals for our tour. I feel it’s important to let you know about this now instead of earlier as I was mainly concerned with doing my job and concentrating on getting back to 100% fitness. I’m not there yet but by the grace of God I’m getting better and stronger as the weeks go by. Thank you all for a most wonderful and magical tour so far, you have all been so amazing. Well that’s it from me. God bless you all, stay safe and well and I look forward to seeing you all somewhere in time.”
What’s even more miraculous, while the stroke was considered a minor one, he’s been on tour with Iron Maiden in Europe, which date just wrapped up on August 4th.
The band’s manager said
“The rest of the band and l think that what Nicko has been able to achieve since his stroke shows incredible belief and willpower and we are all very proud of him. We honestly did not know if he would be able to play a whole show until band rehearsals started in May and there was just so much support for him from the band and then genuine relief for all when we saw he was going to be able to do it! Nicko being Nicko he did not want to make a fuss and cause any distraction to the tour at the time but, now that he is sure he will soon get there, he thought you fans should know straight from him rather than by any rumours!”
So, even at 70%, the dude, at age 71, was still out there kicking ass every single night. Nothing short of amazing. They should be heading out later in the fall for the U.S. dates of the “Future Past” tour. If you get the chance to see the, I highly recommend it.
