Nicko Mcbrain Health Update: What Happened to Nicko Mcbrain?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Aug 03, 2023
Who is Nicko Mcbrain?
Nicko McBrain is a highly accomplished English musician, renowned for his role as the drummer of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden. His nickname "Nicko" is well-known among fans and fellow musicians alike. His musical journey began at a young age, playing in small pub bands from the age of 14 in 1966. After completing school, McBrain supported himself through session work, showcasing his drumming skills and versatility.
He gained valuable experience and exposure by working with various artists, including Streetwalkers in 1975, Pat Travers, and the French political band Trust. In 1982, McBrain received the opportunity of a lifetime when he joined Iron Maiden, stepping in to replace the band's previous drummer, Clive Burr. His timing couldn't have been better, as he made his debut with the band on their fourth studio album, "Piece of Mind," released in 1983.
From that point on, he became an integral part of the band's lineup, and his exceptional drumming skills contributed significantly to Iron Maiden's signature sound. Over the years, McBrain has remained steadfastly dedicated to Iron Maiden, becoming one of the band's most beloved and respected members. He has been part of numerous studio releases, having contributed to a total of fourteen studio albums with the band. As a result, he holds the distinction of being the third-longest serving member in Iron Maiden's illustrious history.
Beyond his work with Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain has established himself as a drumming icon in the world of heavy metal. His powerful and dynamic drumming style, coupled with his warm and friendly personality, has earned him admiration and recognition from fans and fellow musicians worldwide.
With his enduring presence in Iron Maiden and his significant contributions to the metal genre, Nicko McBrain's influence on the music world is indelible. He continues to inspire generations of drummers and remains an essential figure in the legacy of one of the most influential and enduring heavy metal bands of all time.
Nicko Mcbrain Health Update
Nicko McBrain, the drummer of legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, recently shared a health update with his fans. At the beginning of the year, in January, he suffered a stroke, but fortunately, it was categorized as a minor one, referred to as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). However, it left him temporarily paralyzed on the right side of his body, from his shoulder down.
In his letter to fans, McBrain expressed his gratitude for the love and support he received from his wife, Rebecca, and his family. He also acknowledged the crucial role of his doctors, especially Julie, his Occupational Therapist (OT), and his Iron Maiden family in helping him through this challenging time. After undergoing intense therapy for ten weeks, McBrain's condition improved significantly. Though he hasn't fully recovered yet, he shared that he is currently at around 70% of his previous capacity.
The drummer emphasized that he felt it was important to inform his fans about his health condition, though he had been more focused on his rehabilitation and getting back to optimal fitness to fulfill his duties with the band. Despite not being at 100% recovery, McBrain's determination and resilience have allowed him to rejoin his Iron Maiden bandmates for the upcoming tour dates in Western Canada, beginning on Thursday, September 28th.
He is also set to take the stage with Steve Harris, Micheal Kenney, and Janick Gers at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California, on Friday, October 6th. As Iron Maiden's dedicated fans, let us extend our support and well-wishes to Nicko McBrain for his ongoing recovery journey. We are thrilled to see him back on stage and continue to enjoy the music he loves, and we hope for his complete restoration to health.
What Happened to Nicko Mcbrain?
Nicko McBrain, the renowned drummer of Iron Maiden, faced a health scare at the beginning of the year. In January, he suffered a stroke, fortunately categorized as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), which is a minor type of stroke. The stroke resulted in temporary paralysis on his right side, from his shoulder down. Understandably, this left him deeply concerned about the potential impact on his career.
In his letter to fans, McBrain opened up about the seriousness of the health problem he experienced. However, he expressed gratitude for the support and love he received from his wife, Rebecca, and his family during this challenging time. He also acknowledged the essential role played by his medical team, particularly Julie, his Occupational Therapist (OT), and the support from his Iron Maiden family.
Following the stroke, Nicko McBrain embarked on an intensive ten-week therapy program to aid in his recovery. As he focused on his rehabilitation and regaining his strength, he remained determined to get back to peak fitness and resume his responsibilities with the band. Although he has not fully reached 100% recovery, he has made remarkable progress, and at the time of his letter, he reported being somewhere near 70% recovered.
Despite not being completely back to his former self, McBrain is optimistic and grateful for the improvements he has seen week by week. He felt it was important to update his fans about his health condition, even though he had been primarily focused on his recovery and preparing for the upcoming Iron Maiden shows.
Now, with the unwavering support of his loved ones and the Iron Maiden family, Nicko McBrain is ready to hit the stage again. He will be joining the rest of the band for three tour dates in Western Canada, beginning on Thursday, September 28th. Additionally, he will be performing at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California on Friday, October 6th, alongside his bandmates Steve Harris, Micheal Kenney, and Janick Gers. Furthermore, Iron Maiden is set to deliver an electrifying performance in Wacken, Germany on Friday, August 4th.
Fans around the world are thrilled to witness McBrain's triumphant return and continue to offer their support and well-wishes for his ongoing recovery journey. His resilience and determination serve as an inspiration, and we all eagerly await the magic he will create behind the drum kit once more.
Nicko Mcbrain Early Life
Nicko McBrain was born in Hackney, London, and his passion for drums ignited at a young age when he watched Joe Morello's captivating performance with The Dave Brubeck Quartet on television. At just ten years old, he began experimenting with makeshift drums, using pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils. This progressed to drumming on the gas cooker with knives, accidentally chipping off the paintwork, much to his parents' dismay.
At around eleven or twelve years old, McBrain's father finally purchased his first drum kit, which consisted of a snare drum, a tom-tom, a cymbal, two drumsticks, and a pair of brushes. From then on, he immersed himself in music, playing covers of popular songs by bands like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles with school bands. By the age of 14, he was already performing at pubs and weddings, showcasing his musical talent.
During his school years, McBrain had a fight at school that resulted in his nose being broken, which ultimately gave him his distinctive flat features. Despite this, he decided against undergoing surgery to repair his nose, embracing it as part of his identity.
Upon his parents' request, he pursued a degree in engineering at Southgate Technical College. However, he continued to pursue his passion for drumming by taking on session work to pay his rent. The experience gained from these sessions honed his drumming skills and versatility, leading him towards greater opportunities in the music industry.
Nicko McBrain's early years of experimentation and dedication to drumming set the foundation for his illustrious career as the drummer of Iron Maiden. His journey from playing with kitchen utensils to becoming a legendary figure in heavy metal music is a testament to his talent, determination, and passion for the art of drumming.
Nicko Mcbrain Marital Life
Nicko McBrain is married to Rebecca McBrain, formerly known as Rebecca Dempsey. Together, they share a loving and enduring relationship. They have been each other's pillars of support through various life experiences, including Nicko's health scare, as mentioned in his letter to fans. The couple has two sons. Their eldest son, Nicholas, was born in 1983. Nicholas likely grew up witnessing his father's incredible musical journey with Iron Maiden and the global fame that came with it.
Being raised in a musical household, he may have been influenced by his father's passion for drumming. Their second son, Justin, was born in 1992. Like his elder brother, Justin probably had the opportunity to grow up surrounded by music and the rock 'n' roll world due to his father's iconic status in Iron Maiden. Nicko and Rebecca have shared many cherished family moments together, and their love and support for each other have been instrumental in helping Nicko navigate through life's challenges.
The family resides in Boca Raton, Florida, enjoying the pleasant climate and lifestyle of the region. Despite the demands of a busy music career, it's evident that Nicko values his family life and finds comfort and joy in being surrounded by his wife and children.
As a devoted husband and father, Nicko McBrain has undoubtedly found a sense of balance between his passion for music and his commitment to his family. His dedication to both his art and his loved ones has made him not only an exceptional musician but also a role model for maintaining a fulfilling family life amidst the demands of a successful music career.
Nicko Mcbrain Health Update - FAQs
Nicko McBrain suffered a stroke in January, which left him temporarily paralyzed on his right side.
The stroke was classified as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), which is a minor type of stroke.
As of the health update, Nicko reported being somewhere near 70% recovered. He has made significant progress after 10 weeks of intense therapy.
Yes, he expressed concern about the potential impact on his music career, but with the support from his family, doctors, and the Iron Maiden family, he managed to bounce back.
Yes, despite not being at 100% recovery, Nicko McBrain will join the rest of the band on tour for three dates in Western Canada and also perform at the Power Trip festival in California. His resilience and determination are helping him return to the stage with the band.