Back in 2015, Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson had a battle with tongue cancer. Fortunately for himself, his family, friends, and fans, he came out on the winning side and the band released The Book of Souls. Being that close to someone who battles cancer and wins is inspiring, and in the case of Iron Maiden it had a positive impact on drummer Nicko McBrain, who decided to sober up after Dickinson's battle, according to The Drummer's Journal.
"It was only after we finished recording that he went to the doctors. When the news came back that he had cancer, I was just concerned for a friend. Plus it made me think about my own situation, my own health. When he got the 'all clear,' I looked at Bruce and thought, 'Here's my mate, he's been through hell, beaten cancer, and none of it was his fault.' And there I was, putting myself through hell too, except I was doing it to myself with drink. So I knew I had to stop. I took a lot of inspiration from Bruce; it made me realize how stupid I was being."
McBrain adds that he want back and watch interviews of himself prior to sobering up and was either astonished at how drunk he was, or just doesn't remember the interview at all.
"I realized that is not good situation to be in. So I haven't had a drink in a while now. I'm not saying I'll never have another but something had to change."
So congratulations and positive thoughts to McBrain! His alcohol has certainly got him into some trouble in the past, so it's good to see that it's behind him.
