Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain sadly suffered a stroke back in January. In a statement on the band's website at the time, McBrain revealed it was a minor transient ischemic attack (TIA) that left part of his right side paralyzed. McBrain feared his career with Iron Maiden was over, though the band's 2023 shows clearly prove he's more than capable of getting behind the kit.
In a new interview Sirus XM's Trunk Nation Power Trip Special, McBrain revealed he's mostly back to his old drumming strength, though he's had to modify some of his drum fills to accommodate his situation.
"[I'm] doing good," said McBrain as transcribed by Blabbermouth. "I'm still probably… I'd say I'm 85 to 90 percent back to strength, but I still have a little less dexterity with speed in my fingers. My fingers are the ones that… [they're] the last thing to strengthen up. But I had to change certain drum fills. Some fills that everybody knows me for on certain songs, I've had to improvise those at rehearsals to be able to actually play the songs.
"So now I'm starting to actually be able to kind of embrace it a bit more. And I can't do that live. I have to wait until we start doing some rehearsals again or whatever it is. But I'm definitely getting stronger. And I've had great support from [Iron Maiden manager] Rod [Smallwood], the band, and all of the fans out there. They've been absolutely — they've shown me so much love, it's amazing."
McBrain will continue to kick ass at drums with Iron Maiden in September 2024 when they tour Australia with Killswitch Engage. Get those dates below and get your tickets here.
9/1 RAC Arena – Perth, Aus
9/4 Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Adelaide, Aus
9/6 Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, Aus
9/10 Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Brisbane, Aus
9/12 Qudos Bank Arena – Sydney, Aus
9/16 Spark Arena – Auckland, NZ
