Nicko McBrain: Open to Recording with Iron Maiden

Nicko McBrain says he'd be "delighted" to record with Iron Maiden again, and his autobiography Hello Boys And Girls is due October 22. The statement comes from a drummer who stepped away from the band's touring cycle at the end of 2024 but remains their official drummer.

What he said — and what it means

McBrain, 74, told Metal Hammer that he would be open to contributing to a future Iron Maiden album, provided the material was less physically demanding. He specifically cited the anthemic singles Stranger In A Strange Land and Wasted Years from 1986's Somewhere In Time as the kind of songs he'd happily take on.

If Iron Maiden went into the studio, I’d be delighted to get back on with them.

His willingness to record — even after withdrawing from live duties — matters because it leaves the door open for studio projects that can include original members without the rigours of touring. Fans who want McBrain's touch on a new record should be prepared for more straightforward, groove-led parts rather than marathon drum showcases.

Health and hindsight

McBrain retired from touring after Iron Maiden's 18-month Future Past run concluded in December 2024. He suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) in January 2023 that continues to limit his movement; he missed a cataract operation because the TIA occurred the same day. Onstage duties have been handled by Simon Dawson, but McBrain remained involved where he could.

He has spoken about reduced feeling in his hand during the Future Past concerts — roughly "70 percent" — and having to adapt drum parts such as the intro fill to "The Trooper." Band leader Steve Harris has been publicly supportive throughout his recovery. In 2024, singer Bruce Dickinson described McBrain's return to the road as heroic.

Books, covers and the wider picture

McBrain's autobiography Hello Boys And Girls, published by Harper NonFiction, promises behind-the-scenes stories from his decades with one of Britain's biggest metal bands. He is also touring the US with his Maiden cover band Titanium Tart. Meanwhile Iron Maiden continue their 50th-anniversary Run For Your Lives tour in the US and will reissue their first nine albums in a vinyl box set on December 11.

For music fans, the takeaway is simple: McBrain's studio future remains open, but any return will likely favour songs that suit his current range — and his memoir will fill in the story of how he got there.