Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain Admits He’s Unable To Play Band’s 1986 Classic Track After “Touch and Go” Health Battle

While playing with several bands throughout his early years in music, most fans know Nicko McBrain as the drummer for the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Gaining a spot in the group in the 1980s, the musician appeared to find his home, playing with the band for decades. But that all changed in January 2023 when McBrain suffered a stroke at his home in Boca Raton. While regaining his health, the musician watched his life drastically change as his journey to recovery was a long road. Although finding his way back to music, McBrain recently discussed the support he received from Iron Maiden. 

Back on the stage at Piper’s Pub in Pompano Beach, Florida, McBrain veered away from the setlist as he discussed his health struggles with the crowd. He said, “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 [transient ischemic attack] 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.”

McBrain added, “When we were rehearsing last year for The Future Past Tour, we were doing “Caught Somewhere In Time” to open. Now 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****** can’t do it.”

[RELATED: Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain Opens Up About Stroke and Fears of Never Playing Again]

Nicko McBrain “85 To 90 Percent Back”

With McBrain losing his ability to play music, the musician received some special help. “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, and 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.”

As for Iron Maiden, McBrain praised them for never letting his recovery stand in the way of his talent and love for the group. “My band, bless their hearts, Steve Harris and the rest of the guys turn around and say, ‘If you can’t do something in a song, we just won’t do that song.’”

Although back on the stage, McBrain noted how he still has a way to go.  “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 — this is the last thing to strengthen up.”

(Ray Tang/Shutterstock)