Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has openly discussed his health issues and how they have affected his drumming career. In January 2023, McBrain had a stroke at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, which resulted in partial paralysis. Thanks to swift treatment by specialists at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and dedicated rehabilitation, McBrain has made significant strides in his recovery.
During a recent show with his Titanium Tart project at Piper’s Pub in Pompano Beach, Florida, McBrain shared his journey with the audience. He stated, “Last year I had my highs and lows… I mightn’t play – my right side was paralyzed. Fortunately, Boca Raton Regional Hospital has an amazing occupational therapy department. Julie Blum took care of me, and within three months, she had me back behind the drum kit.”
Despite his advancements, McBrain acknowledges that he is unable to play some Iron Maiden tracks exactly as they were originally recorded, particularly Caught Somewhere In Time. He elaborated, “When we were rehearsing last year for the Future Past Tour, we attempted to play Caught Somewhere In Time as an opener. There’s a section in the middle where it’s just the snare drum on the studio version. I can no longer perform it. As you may have noticed, people have said, ‘He doesn’t do the drum roll anymore.’ Well, that’s the reason – because I can’t execute it anymore…”
Additionally, McBrain mentioned that his bandmate, bassist Steve Harris, supported him in adapting to these changes, even rearranging certain sections.
Video of Nicko McBrain’s speech:
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Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has recently opened up regarding his health struggles and the impact they have had on his drumming career. In January 2023, McBrain suffered a stroke at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, which left him partially paralyzed. Thanks to the swift and expert care he received from the specialists at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, as well as his own diligent rehabilitation efforts, McBrain has made significant strides in his recovery.
During a recent performance with his Titanium Tart project at Piper’s Pub in Pompano Beach, Florida, McBrain took a moment to address the crowd and share some insights into his journey. Reflecting on the challenges he faced, McBrain revealed, “Last year I had my ups and downs… I mightn’t play – I was paralyzed on my right side. Luckily, Boca Raton Regional Hospital has an incredible occupational therapy unit. A woman named Julie Blum took care of me and within three months she had me playing once more.”
Despite his progress, McBrain acknowledges that there are some Iron Maiden songs that he can no longer play exactly as they were originally recorded, citing Caught Somewhere In Time as a particularly challenging example. He explained, “When we rehearsed last year for the Future Past Tour, we played Caught Somewhere In Time as an opener. There’s a middle part where it’s just the snare drum on the studio version. I can’t play it anymore. As you’ve probably noticed, people say, ‘He doesn’t play the drum roll anymore.’ Well, that’s why, because I can’t do it anymore…” McBrain credited his bandmate, bassist Steve Harris, for helping him make adjustments and rearrange certain parts to accommodate his abilities.
While McBrain’s recovery journey has been marked by challenges, his determination and the support of his medical team have enabled him to continue pursuing his passion for music. The video of his speech at the concert provides a glimpse into his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Iron Maiden fans have been inspired by McBrain’s courage and perseverance in overcoming his health setbacks. His story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help and support when facing challenges.
As McBrain continues to navigate his recovery, he remains committed to his craft and looks forward to sharing his music with fans around the world. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of music.
