Hear how ACCURATE Nicko McBrain ACTUALLY is live | Iron Maiden Reaction

[@MetalPilgrim]

If you would like to rock Metal Pilgrim merch at your next Iron Maiden concert and support Ukraine, find some designs here - metalpilgrim.net/merch/

[@DD-ij9ze]

Nico is and always will be the best drummer in metal. Humble amazing and a living legend. Up the irons brothers

[@JustinMcBrainDrums]

I love this comment section. Dad's told me he struggles a bit this time around on tour having turned 70 last month. I keep telling him that everyone I know seeing them says he's slaying it and I'm glad to see you all on here spreading more love. Thanks for this video too man.

[@old-mtl-guy]

Up the Irons forever!!!! Tell your pops he is loved by all of us Maiden fans!

[@godgunzndrumz]

Nicko is absolutely awesome. I play because of him. He is absolutely killing it out there. He is one of the best of all time

[@isaak4416]

If everyone had your dad's charisma and kind heart, the world would be a much better place

[@keithmcclellan4350]

Yea ill try the rib platter with garlic the harlotte sauce. Will Micky be a serving me?

[@YesYouAreAbsolutelyCorrect]

Tell him please to do the double tempo hihat on Run to the Hills solo the way he did it in 2005. It's a little detail but many fans are craving to hear that bit to be played this way. He does it - I'll kiss him. P.S. I'll kiss him anyway cause I love him that much :D

[@marcgrote7540]

If anything, Nicko is vastly underrated, definitely not overrated!

[@user-jn7bq8wh1e]

No e isn't

[@RH-xs8gz]

Agreed

[@toddchenard2332]

But he can't tell time!!!! Lol

[@charliesdrumshed9328]

Can’t agree more very underrated

[@Ratkill9000]

He's the epitome of One Drum Beat to rule them all. He lacks variety in his style. Clive Burr was an Infinitely better drummer, but politics within the band got him booted, unfairly...for a ROADY

[@MKO-USA]

He is unique, unbelievable drummer. As a drummer I'm always looking forward to listen to Nicko's drums in every new Iron Maiden album. There are a few drummers that I can't anticipate, he at the top of the list.

[@PJBonoVox]

When they play live, Nicko's playing almost makes him like an old-style band leader. He'll knowingly move the tempo around to make the song breathe. So few others do that.

[@eldkir]

I actually have the honor of playing with Nicko in TWO bands, Dodgy Enterprise (Bad Company tribute), and Titanium Tart (Iron Maiden tribute). I always have to pinch myself every time I take the stage with this living legend. Like so many have said here he's underrated of anything! He's a true beast behind the drums and his attention to detail is ridiculous! He also happens to be an incredibly generous and fantastic overall human being.

[@marcblum5348]

So the drummer of Iron Maiden plays in an Iron Maiden tribute band?! That's hilarious. :-))

[@eldkir]

@@marcblum5348 and a Bad company tribute band. Look it up. Titanium Tart and Dodgy Enterprise

[@sabianfirst]

Titanium Tart. That sounds like Nicko. What a Wonder. Hopefully getting away from Paiste.

[@TheBradley82]

I first met Nicko at a drum clinic he did on the 8th of October 1995, in a small theater at The University of Cape Town, the night before the first chance (of four times, some people only get once or never, but come on, it's Maiden, everyone deserves more...) I ever got to see Maiden on the 9th, at The Good Hope Center in Cape Town, on The X Factour. There were only around 30 of us and he blew all of us away with his sheer volume, enthusiasm, and immense skill (He's what would be called a busy drummer by normal standards, although still holding back a LOT in Maiden, a good drummer does what the music calls for, so he plays somewhere between pop and death metal, lol). He asked the audience if there were any children so he could know not to swear and being 11 days away from my 13th birthday and the youngest person there (everyone else my age where I lived was in to Techno, I said it then and I'll say it now, 'YUCK'), I was too embaressed to put up my hand, but he noticed me very quickly after that and said 'why didn't you put up your hand?!! Now I can't swear! P-Off! He laughed it off saying he was only joking and asked me if I was a drummer and I explained how I was trying to learn and had built a drumset out of coffee tins as I couldn't buy my own drums. He asked me if I had any cymbals, at least, and I explained that I had flattened coffee tins with a mallet to at least have something to hit and he laughed and said to everybody, "He made his own cymbals?!! Hahaha!!!" He then invited me up to play on his drumkit in front of everybody, and I'll never forget, note for note, the extremely amateur beat I played or how at the end of my 'solo', I missed the crash cymbal (the one above the 13" rack tom, other Nicko kit fans will know what I'm talking about) because it was so high up and I was so small. After that he gave me his spare Paiste Rude 2002 17" Crash/Ride, which is the ONE cymbal that NEVER changes on his cymbal setup, which I still have to this day (which he autographed at the signing at the end of the show), including the 'Shaw Sticks'(He now uses Vic Firth, last time I checked) signature sticks he gave me (with 'Nicko (BOOMER) McBrain' in the Maiden font), one stick from the intro drum solo he played at the beginning of the drum clinic with the cymbal chew dents at the back of the stick (he plays back end of his left hand left, for more beef out of his snare, then front/tip end for his right hand for more 'ting' of the cymbals, he threw the other one into the balcony at the end of the first solo and said he hoped he didn't hit anyone, lol) and the other from my 'solo' on his kit. Both equally special, being the one he played that night, and the other I rather embarresingly played that night, lol. After giving me the cymbal, he said, "now that's my spare, if I break it on tour, I'm coming after ya to take it back!", hahaha. Got my Paiste mini-drumsticks key-ring, Paiste shirt and X-Factor CD signed (Was already a huge Maiden fan for years from a young age, BTW, this was just the first South African Maiden visit) by Nicko with some more classic Nicko banter. Then in 2005 in London, had tickets to see Maiden at The Hammersmith Apollo on the 2nd of September for the Iron Maiden/Killers/NOTB/Piece of Mind 'Early Days' tour, and happened to see Nicko walking into my favourite pub on Holloway Rd, The Big Red, on the bus on my way to band practice from work. The band included my brother who was with me in 1995 at the drum clinic, and I told him, OMG, I just saw Nicko walking into The Big Red. We quickly caught the bus there and I was awestruck, again, so my brother got his attention and said, hey Nicko, do you remember him? Nicko said yes, last time I saw him, he was 'this tall', remembering me from South Africa, unbelievably, (his drum tech at the time, Steve Gadd, not to be confused with the drumming legend of the same name, filmed the 1995 clinic for Nicko, although I looked quite different over ten years and Nicko must have had hundreds of those kind of tour videos,) he just thought it was another city, Johannesburg and not Cape Town, but amazingly remembered the country. I can tell you, just from playing many amateur shows all over one city, how hard it to remember all the people you meet just doing that. We chatted for a few minutes and he treated us like we were old friends. My hands down, biggest child-hood hero and one of the nicest people I've ever met, not just one of the nicest celebrities (I met Steve Harris three times, he was also awesome, but Nicko's just unbelievably cool, lol), but one of the nicest PEOPLE I've ever met. Long live Nicko and the beat/beast. LEGEND.

[@frankcarusi6357]

That’s awesome! I’ve always loved his timbre.

[@johan1840]

Great wonderful story!

[@ZbigniewBorowski]

what a story

[@magnusmowat8024]

That is fantastic

[@Satoshi_Nakamoto_258]

His drum tuning and jazzy approach to metal drumming is unique. And still kicks ass at 70, definitely one of the greatest! Up the irons !

[@honeybadger713]

Wow , when you hear the isolated drums there’s stuff in there I didn’t realize that was there. I love a lot of his ghost notes on the snare his hand work is awesome.

[@jamesbrady6676]

Totally agree, I’m a drummer and I still hear something new every time I listen to their songs.

[@phillytheflyerable]

listen to sea of madness isolated

[@skiddymark]

and him verbalizing!

[@joshuaharvey8046]

Modern Drummer: I can play “caught somewhere in time” on drums. I have to use double kick though. Nicko: Hold my beer.

[@MrPowerslave1971]

Important is not playing; ımportant is can you give the same test such as crashs usage Ritm senscevity, Musical harmony, etc. He is not only playing also he has been created by him.

[@ghastlynavigator]

Nicko is an absolute legend and I think he is a master playing live. So much energy and he always looks like he is loving every song every time he plays it and that makes me happy. UP THE IRONS 🤘

[@tonymontana3467]

Nicko is one of the best drummers I've ever heard. When he plays he makes it look effortless. An outstanding drummer with the timing to be able to play with the likes of Steve, Dave and Adrian. He's amazing! Period end of story! UP THE IRONS! Michigan USA

[@RetroMusicTube]

I love Nicko and Clive too. Different styles, but great both.

[@NunoGuitarsSilva]

Nicko is one of the best drummers ever, and at 70 he is still amazing. As we all can hear, pretty accurate and rich performance. Cheers from Portugal and save Ukraine!

[@thesentinel5523]

Whenever Nicko plays Clive Burr era maiden songs, he definitely puts his own spin on songs like "Hallowed" with additional ride hits and fills. He isn't focusing on what clive actually played on the albums which most fans ignore but some actually don't like. There are those Maiden fans who do say Clive was the best drummer they've ever had.

[@brucedickinson12]

i prefer clive but hey ho

[@short.8969]

in fairness, some say thundersticks was their best, not all people are with it in the head

[@thesentinel5523]

@@short.8969 Thundersticks?

[@stevored1989]

@@short.8969 Thunderstick? Isn't he the one that Steve Harris says he played two gigs at the same time his first and his last!

[@ryananthony4840]

@@thesentinel5523 Thunderstick was the drummer in 1977, he's actually a good drummer and great guy, I think he just didn't mesh.... you can check out his music, his band is called Thunderstick..... also, he was the drummer of Sampson when Bruce was in there before Maiden, and Clive was in there before he joined Maiden lol

[@philsswweightlossdiary2944]

Nicko is my all time favourite drummer and I absolutely love that he’s never used a double pedal (one song aside).

[@timbastiaanse7909]

In wich song did he use double pedal? Never knew :o

[@user-gu3ie]

@@timbastiaanse7909 volgens mij is het enige nummer waarbij hij dubbels gebruikt heeft Face in the Sand ... Edit: hij zei het ook al in de video zelf

[@timbastiaanse7909]

@@user-gu3ie Thank! ah even in de video gemist!

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

one of the absolute best there is. I was an early IM fan and loved Clive Burr (RIP) and couldn't understand why he was replaced. But Nicko is the man :-)

[@cbr9914]

nicko is from the jazz school. he's infinitely better live, and an absolute monster. everyone moans about his sloppy tempo, but i guarantee you he's just following harris, or it all falls apart. i absolutely idolize steve harris, but let's be honest here....his right hand just is NOT what it used to be. seriously...listen those ghost notes and double strokes nicko throws everywhere

[@Guds777]

If you had to do the same exact thing over and over last 30-40 years, wouldn't you want to add a little extra flair to it...

[@luky757]

Are you listening to Harris's bass line i think not or you would not say he has slowed obvious your listening to Nicko because he is still as good as he ever was .

[@briangregus5225]

I’ve listened to isolated track of Steve Harris, older stuff. He’s all over the place but it’s a bit like horseshoes and hand grenades, close enough. He repeats a lot, beats the gallop to death but I still love the music he makes. Up the Irons! I think the thing that threw me about this video is we have an isolated track but the video author throws in he doesn’t play. Wait, what?

[@michaeldeloach838]

Harris plays bass kind of like John Entwhistle, more of a lead instrument rather than a rhythm instrument. Thats what makes him so great. As a drummer, I love playing with bassists like that. It's more of a challenge but when you lock in with them the results are more tasty and fun.

[@camcar1001]

He is actually doing more rather than less live. I saw them last night and he has his kit set up so ergonomically and mic'd up so well he doesn't use much energy. This tour has over 60 dates. Dude is a machine at 70. And after each set he comes out and throws out drum heads and sticks to the crowd. He seems like a great guy. Him and Steve Harris are in the pocket always.

[@nigelyorkshiremanwadeley6263]

Coming from a jazz background, he is seriously one of the best. Beautiful playing style, he does so much with so little effort and stress, he's a joy to watch.

[@Masterlessmusic]

I've heard people talk about his playing before being dismissive and to be honest it's never from drummers. It's always guitar players who have no clue 😂 He's a phenomenal drummer who's skill and understanding of meter goes far beyond rock/metal chops. He's one of those guys who can still pull and drag the notes how he sees fit in a way that compliments the music. His drum sound is a very natural one as well so nowhere to hide on that and his footwork is astounding frankly. He's incredibly relaxed and fluid with his technique and his use of colouration with his symbol work is incredibly tasteful. I think he's a fantastic drummer and a cracking character. Long may he continue!

[@tylercady3985]

As a guitarist, listening to the isolated tracks hurts my head. There is so much going on in the drums that I can't follow it, and it's incredible

[@Masterlessmusic]

@@tylercady3985 😂

[@artursandwich1974]

He is that good. He may not be as fast as some, but he is imaginative, sensitive to the mood, very precise, knows when and where to hit and how hard. And he really enjoys music not just drumming. Makes a part of the band not just of rhythm section.

[@MicrophonicFool]

He has been solid in every single way. Never have the drums been a weak aspect of any Maiden song.

[@Samantas5855]

Virtual XI

[@scottblankenship650]

@@Samantas5855 ok, I got to give you that friend. But that was also Maiden’s weakest album in my opinion.

[@seanlepki9121]

Nicko is top class , and so are you man you make these videos just as much passion even with the current situation, much love from England 🤟

[@Golemofstone]

I remember waiting outside "Andy's Records" in 1990 for the "First ten years" EP's and finding Nikos little skits to be an added bonus "What hooo said the thing!!" Great drummer

[@mb-gr9li]

Andy's Records 😁👍. I got an autographed copy of Killers from Andy's Records. Maiden done a record signing there. I was at school and couldn't go. 😣

[@chrisgist3090]

Nicko has always been & will always be 1 of the best drummers ever period!

[@guitarguru.3572]

Maiden is one of those bands where every member is exceptional at what they do. It’s going to be a sad day for heavy metal when they retire. They are truly one of the last of the titans of the genre.

[@olastokken7670]

Nicko is great and accurate. To compare him and Clive, as some seems to do, is really just pointless. Clive had a different, more groovy swing rock style ala Ian Paice, Nicko is an octopus who is all over the place, but still holds the beat brilliant. Both of them are/was amazing drummers😎🤘

[@dmitryowens]

Clive reminded me of a metal version of John Bonham.

[@Krappman]

Agreed, both are (were in the case of Clive) great drummers. However, I prefer Clive's playing style. To me Maiden lost a ton of energy and drive with Nicko's more technical abilities.

[@howieduwit2551]

This guy is always a pleasure to watch in interviews. How energy is contagious! I remember when Piece of Mind came out! It completely turned the metal world up side down! ❤️

[@johnablamsky5242]

thank you for doing this, he is my all time favorite influence since I started playing

[@wheel326]

I love his battle cries when he does fills and buildups to other parts of the song.

[@firestorm755]

I think it's more about that Nicko just fits in his slot in the band. They still compliment each other to get that rich sound. It doesn't matter if he's the best or not. That's his place in the band and without his skill and comedy in interviews they would be poorer for it. Long live Nicko, your the man!

[@andyroo3022]

Last time the band played Book of Souls amongst other songs in Sydney I was there. Awesome concert. Nicko was a demon on the drums.

[@cradd00]

Nicko is great! I’m not a drummer, but I couldn’t imagine anyone else drumming for Maiden!

[@stevehanson2398]

If Nicko McBrain wasn't at the top of his game, Steve Harris wouldn't have him in the band, it's as simple as that. Nicko always cracks me up, he's hilarious. He does a great Tommy Cooper impersonation🤣 Like most rock and metal musicians, they started off playing blues and folk music, which gives them all a great, solid foundation across genres. Peace from the UK and Up the Irons!!!

[@stevehanson2398]

@Zhang ShiYing He's earned his place in the band too. There's so much unjustified hate towards Janick but he's a great guitarist. I think Maiden's success and reputation prove that Steve Harris knows what he's doing with his band

[@stevehanson2398]

@Zhang ShiYing I'm an Iron Maiden fan and I have been since 1980. Steve Harris runs his band how he wants and he is notoriously difficult to please. If he decides that the band is better with Janick in, then it's good enough for me. Apparently, you think you know better. You would get rid of Janick and replace Nicko. What is the name of your band? I'll look out for them🤣🤣

[@arborinfelix]

In one of his interviews he said something like that he doesn't want to be known as the drummer of Iron Maiden, but the handsome one from Iron Maiden. From that interview on, in my eyes Niko is and will be always the handsome one from Iron Maiden :)

[@PosiFwd]

EW

[@decmacleod3126]

I saw Maiden in Glasgow last year, they were phenomenal, an one of my favourite moments was when Nicko appeared from behind his kit to come to the front of the stage, he’s been my drumming hero forever, and to finally get to see and hear him and the boys do what they do was indescribable and quite emotional, I hope they tour here again so I can take my little girl as she loves maiden too! 🤘🏻

[@Val_Halla777]

So Awesome. Thanks for this! Reminds me how I turned my younger brother on to Iron Maiden (and to Metal in general.) From Canada, we were back visiting home country of Sweden summer of 2000. I learned that Maiden was playing Stockholm in a few days after arriving. (Brave New World tour with Bruce’s return ) and immediately got tickets for both of us. They played in a cool old brick outdoor soccer stadium. After the courage from several beers during opening acts..When Maiden came on we managed to sneak through fence, down to the floor and squeezed through the crowd making it to front of stage. Was still light out. Here’s where the magic happened…(we’re both drummers) and while we couldn’t see Nikki of course behind his drums…every note he played was felt so strong throughout our whole bodies. Bass drum especially. The show overall was so amazing, was like a religious experience…it got better and better as sky darkened..Hallowed, encores etc. They finished with Fear of the Dark, which the crowd continued chanting in unison as we emptied the stadium. My brother’s been a huge Maiden fan ever since…and although I’ve seen them nearly ten times live myself…That show is truly one of my very best memories/musical experiences. Here’s to Yellow and Blue my friend! 🇸🇪 🇺🇦 Up the Irons! 🤘🏼😆🤘🏼🔥

[@citizenVader]

He's really that good.. have heard him play a 15 minute solo, and he did not disappoint

[@TheCookster64]

Nicko McBrain taught me everything I know about drums. He just didn't know it until I met him. Amazing drummer and that is an understatement. And keep in mind folks he's now 70 years old. I've been in four different Iron Maiden tributes and I know the physical requirements of playing this stuff live.

[@michaeldeloach838]

I can agree with you there. I was recently in a Foo Fighters tribute and in my younger days it would be no problem but at 50 and relatively out of shape I could barely make it through one show. I couldn't imagine playing a full Maiden show at 70. People don't understand how athletic and in shape you have to be to play drums on that level.

[@TheCookster64]

@@michaeldeloach838 Really the best way to overcome this is playing for long periods of time consistently. Unfortunately that's not easy for me to do so I'm in an Alice in Chains tribute now. Much easier physically.

[@michaeldeloach838]

@@TheCookster64 yeah of course, in my younger days I played all the time. For a period, when I was living in Tampa, I played essentially full time. 4 or 5 nights a week. Back then stamina was not a problem. Then I took a very long hiatus from playing at all. About 7 years. The Foo tribute was my first foray back into playing again lol. Talk about biting off more than I could chew. I also didn't realize that age and weight gain had also caught up to me. At this point I'm essentially starting all over again. I don't recommend long hiatuses lol

[@antho6449]

I saw them in paris last sunday is drum sound was so powerful on intro of senjutsu that was incredible. Very good video 🤟🤟🤟

[@troywilkinson160]

To answer the question -yes, he is that great. Clive was great too, in fact my preference. Both are great.

[@Garage_Hammer13]

The mark of any great musician is to make what the do look effortless, an Nicko can do this with ease. Truly one of the most under appreciated drummers alive today. He’s an absolute beast. The thing that I love about him too is his unstoppable personality. There is never any dull moments when you hear him interviewed or speak. The ‘Listen With Nicko’ stints on the B Sides of the singles were comedy gold.

[@aldenhebden8920]

I love your upbeat attitude and manner in every one of your videos i've seen so far, even when ya are talking about things that you don't like or don't make sense to you. what a wonderful attitude towards life you show. Up the Irons my musical friend

[@astrobuddsy6230]

Before I was a Maiden fan I happen to be at a music fair at Olympia London. I sat down to a exhibition on the Zildjian stand I think it was and it was Nico doing the demo. I was blown away by the tough looking chap. Absolutely amazing. I love Maiden more now than ever. Much respect to all those guys.

[@poil27]

for me Nicko is up there with Neil Peart as the great of the great drumers . I like the way he include loads of hihat it gives deepness to the songs.

[@bobabooey4537]

lol

[@fernandopereira1976]

Nicko is great, but Neil was a god

[@chilly6470]

I actually hate the way Nicko incorporates his hihats. He always leaves them closed which kinda ruins the flow in a lot of songs.

[@NigelOdinson]

When isolated it's like a jazz/blues/r'n'b metal drumming.... amazing!

[@-gevert-]

Man, he's 70 years old and still kickin'! I've been to their show recently and they'll never cease to amaze me, the performance was top notch, and Nicko did a brilliant job, never heard him miss a beat.

[@SethWorsham]

He and Brian Downey from Thin Lizzy are the most musical drummers in any genre of rock...hugely underrated! Jon Bonham was great, but he gets too much praise if you ask me...

[@michaeldean7220]

Great call. My path to Maiden worship was through Lizzy, and whilst the twin guitars grabbed the headline Downey's work is so under appreciated.

[@TransDrummer1312]

Go listen to Achilles’ Last Stand. It’s like if Led Zeppelin wrote an Iron Maiden song.

[@warrengauthier4699]

Thin Lizzy? Da fuq? Guitars sure, drums um no.

[@kent-oveprestberg3578]

I must fill in the blanks.... Akane Hirose, drummer of Band-Maid, are the most musical hard rock drummer in the world imho.

[@warrengauthier4699]

@@kent-oveprestberg3578 : Who...what band?

[@Frankamentise]

Nicko’s an amazing drummer, and he’s a unique drummer with his own style. Perfect combination.

[@rhythman69uk]

That Clive Burr is still mentioned so much below and in other posts, shows what a long shadow he cast. To me, he brought bounce to a song; they really bowl along. As a drummer of nearly 40 years myself, I hope I have some insight here, but Clive could interpret a song. Other drummers just play their part, and play the drums, they don't contribute to the feel of the song because drums deal in pitch, not melody. You cannot hold a note on the kit, other than with the hi-hat. Hit a drum, the sound is soon gone. And this may explain why so few drummers play other instruments. I don''t, I can only play the drums. Also, few drummers write lyrics. But Clive did contribue here. He co-wrote, certainly Total Eclipse, from my memory bank. Even the great Neil Peart of whom I'm a huge fan (and he wrote the songs!), STILL sounded more like he was doing a solo over the song. So this is the reason why some of us miss Clive. He was much loved beyond anything I think he knew and much missed by fans though we still love Nicko. It is testament to Clive, that even absent for 40 years and was only on the first 3 albums, he is never far from people's thoughts, based upon what he brought to those early songs. I personally miss him and prefer his style of drumming and his approach inspired me to take up the drums and to take lessons. Whilst Nicko is great, I often wonder if he would have inspired me to become a drummer. Only on 'Where Eagles Dare' do I feel that Nicko really interpreted the song, making the hi hats sound like machine guns from 2:15 through to 2:45 in that song. (Listening to the 2015 remaster as I type this). It could have been sampled machine gun fire, but I rememeber printed on the gatefold of my cassette insert from 1983 was proudly stated 'no synthesisers or ulterior motives'. I think. So that would suggest its Nicko playing the hi-hats which was then overlayed into it during the mix? What do other fans think here? But what always bothered me was that Nicko seemed either unwilling, or unable to emulate Clive's drum parts, live. I wasn't sure which, until I read an interview with Nicko perhaps in 'Rhythm' magazine, which explained why. To his credit, Nicko is always very honest, and said that Steve kept complaining that night after night he'd screw up a certain part of the drumming in a Clive song, and that in the end Steve relented and said, 'Oh play it your way then'. It wasn't deliberate therefore and only became Nicko's interpretation because he couldn't quite follow what Clive was doing. Had Nicko been able to read drum charts and had Clive's input been transcribed by someone (or himself) for him to read, he would soon have mastered it I'm sure. But doing it by feel and interpretation and by ear as so many drummers have to, means you're likely to not hear or feel something precisely if you can't sit and watch the person doing it. I know that Nicko could not read drum charts when I spoke to him in the late eighties but I think said he was working on it. But would Iron Maiden still be a going concern without Nicko's sense of humour? He brings to the band far more than just his drumming. The other thing is, how on earth is he STILL doing it at 70? I remember catching one of his sticks, Hammersmith Odeon, October 1984 on the World Slavery Tour. It looked like a dog had been chewing it as you can see from the photo above this. He said he got through 3 pairs of sticks on a long song, just snapping them! You try doing that! So to still be playing drums (loud, fast, and in time) when in most rock bands its the drummer that goes first due to the demands of the job and style of music and having been a smoker (surely quit now?) that is what I find astounding! Long may they all be with us : )

[@CoffeeMatt10]

1:20 that’s a single bass pedal and he’s playing 16th note triplets at at least 170bpm in his 50s. Given what he can do with one, if you give him a second bass drum/pedal it would be unfair to the rest of the drumming world 😂 That interview with Al Murray, he said Kevin Shirley had to use some studio magic because when they looked at the waveform on the bass drums, there was a pattern of one high wave and one not as high… it was the difference in the power of his right leg compared to his left leg… Shirley raised the volume on Nicko’s left leg to match the right.

[@punksnotdead4766]

I caught his wrist sweat band on their Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter gig at Ingliston, Edinburgh. Still have it. My Dad’s cousin Bill Barclay was on tour with them for decades

[@Kabong7256]

He's fantastic! He has a very unique style and he fit right in after Clive's departure. He's one of my favorite's.

[@hellion605]

as a pro drummer myself for 30+ years, I can tell that Nicko’s is awesome on drums in live situation, he plays with same attitude and approach both live and studio, same natural and free “breathing” and spirit Slava Ukraini!!! greetings from Lithuania

[@INFPinSA]

Funniest and truly nicest guy in metal. He’s been my idol since 1986. I’ve always known his technique and chops on point. Very awesome to see a well put together video on him, that was a lot of editing!! Cheers mate!

[@spanishpeaches2930]

Simply a great band with a great drummer. Nuff said.

[@johnnyconners7766]

Nicko NAILS IT !!! EVERY TIME !!!

[@PhillKaggitz]

We are talking about a dude that developed his own technique to play “double pedals” with one pedal because using double pedals is to “complicated”. 10/10 would see live.

[@oz_medias]

His swing style adds so much to the progressive rock Maiden had styles as their own. His gallop compliments Ateve perfectly.

[@craigmorgan6010]

He’s incredibly underrated. The way his fast single bass drum follows the galloping bass line and the super tight momentous propelling groove he provides, whilst simultaneously adding copious amounts of improvisational fills that add further drama and excitement to the music without impairing its flow, is really astonishing. Now a lot of the above may not be noticed per- say by many non drummers. However if they were to listen to live footage of Maiden prior to Nicko joining and then live footage after he joined, one suspects most people could hear and concur a vast improvement in Maidens performance and overall sound snd feel. Which are Improvements that are down to many of the ‘not noticed’ things mentioned in the above paragraph.

[@epasternak4206]

Both Nicko and Clive are the absolute best. Nicko in my opinion never let us kids down, when Clive left the transition to me was seamless. I've always wanted to meet all the guys just once to say thank you in person. UP THE IRONS !

[@BillHartLankykats]

Saw (and met Nicko) at Manchester Area for the first time not long ago. I watched mesmerised as he played his masterclass set for 2 hours solid, and he never missed a single riff or beat during that time. Astonishing!

[@FourHorsemen-k2y]

Iron Maiden have always maintained a high quality in every aspect of their music and I would never expect anything else❗️Up The Iron's

[@curtarmmar]

Nicko was always impressive to listen to, but once you hear him isolated you can really hear the dynamic, expression and nuance he puts into every note

[@johngonzalez6460]

Nicko as a drummer ? Fantastic,,,Doesnt copy anyone,,Tight,,,Great Drum fills,,Cool Sound,,,great kit,,,One of the best in the bizz.

[@mrpositronia]

This video shows why Nicko is highly regarded in the drumming world. He's got the chops and is a very musical drummer.

[@bdeithrick]

Great to see your back home , man! 💕

[@pressa1]

Legend. Unic style and time which never has been a battle with a metronome. Awesome gentleman with awesome drum kit and superb to hear him back in Sonor with latest years after so long time. Visited the factor my self in Germany and it is something every drummer should do once in a lifetime. Nice that you commented Justin McBrain. Greetings to your father, he`s still rocking like hell and the reason why I play drums. Made my path and sold albums in 50 countrys with my band because Iron Maiden as a role model and played all the drum tracks along in the 80` s. Fan forever. These videos with these clic titles kind of pointless, I have to say. Up the Irons!

[@bjornedling4142]

Nicko is a stellar drummer, one of the true greats. He and another amazing drummer, Vinny Appice, are two of my absolute favourite heavy metal drummers of all time. They don't even need two bass drums, they play absolutely brilliant just using one!❤

[@MrSatyre1]

I used to see Maiden regularly back in the 80s and 90s, but it wasn't until Somewhere in Time that Nicko blessed us with a drum solo. Maybe he did it regularly at other shows or venues, but that was the first (and last) time I got to see him break out in a solo. It was magnificent.

[@aaronwhite1929]

Just saw Maiden play earlier tonight in Salt Lake City for their Legacy of the Beast tour. Camera angles on the big screen of Nikko… he looks about as zen as a Buddhist monk back there just cranking away. I’m a very amateur drummer and I’ve always been in awe of Nikko. His jazz-like undertones in the midst of heavy metal drumming ring in my ears every time I hear him play. And at 70 years old… holy sh*t… absolutely unbelievable what he can still do.

[@isleiff]

I will see them this Wednesday and check his quality directly 😁

[@stevecollett8225]

Nicko is THE BEST ROCK METAL DRUMMER EVER! He ages like fine wine, and his positive attitude goes a long way playing and writing songs. God bless Nicko and I pray we keep hearing his unbelievable drumming for years to come. Like Bruce, when Nicko was added to the Maiden lineup it sent them to a whole new stratosphere of perfection. UP THE IRONS 🤘🏼

[@allendean9807]

I think Maiden have been lucky to have had amazing drummers. Burr and McBrain are legendary.

[@peterkos1034]

Not only is nicko one of the best drummers he's also a great down to earth bloke. Met him many years ago and a real gentleman. Spoke to me and my mates at the time at Melbourne airport the next day, night after the gig in 1992 (fear of the dark tour) Amongst other drummers being an inspiration, he's been the biggest in terms of not only drumming but other facets of life. A can do attitude.

[@christschinwon]

Nicko is a terrific drummer and so humble he'd never put himself up there with Bonham, Peart, Paice but he is just that way. He's as good in his own way. Clive Burr left big heavy boots to fill and no self respecting band would ever want a clone. Nicko helped move them into new territory and helped changed rock drumming forever. He's my biggest motivator for taking up the sticks. My biggest issue in life is that I haven't met him. I'm going to my first snooker world championships at the Crucible next year. Here's hoping for that chance!

[@isaak4416]

"The man is a fuckin' octopus!!!!" Tommy Lee, when he stood back stage and watched Nicko's entire set during a gig. Clive Burr was a powerful insane drummer but Nicko is in a league of his own. And the longevity has to account for something as well. He's been running on Top Gear for 40 bloody years!

[@biorythmicshifter]

One of the few drummers that can play at such a high level at that age, he’s actually gotten better with time…

[@1000poundsguitar]

I saw Nicko play at Rock and Roll Ribs with Dave Spitz in bass. Nicko shreds, makes Fantastic ribs and throws a massive party in December here in south Florida.

[@kennyfinger8306]

Underrated!! Much better than most people realize!

[@ytr3488]

Let's face the facts kid If it wasn't for the fact he was an iron maiden, You would have a different opinion

[@kennyfinger8306]

@@ytr3488 first of all, I’m not a kid. Second, you have no idea if that’s true or not, and what’s the value in even saying it? Just to tear down my opinion? Buzz off.

[@MrPowerslave1971]

Only underrated from Trashers whom can not undestand that ritm is not only tremolo with kicks.

[@MrPowerslave1971]

@@ytr3488 can be asked this question Except Steve. So Burce can not be exist Adrian may not exist . Even These Guys not exist Iron Maiden may not Exist. (Can only be can Clive Burr but even they playing style similarity (not Same) he could not give Raime of the Ancient Mariner, Powerslave etc tastes such as Nicko)

[@roybell8470]

No he's great. I've loved him from the start. Maybe I'm a little bias since Piece of Mind tour was my first live concert experience from Maiden/ Fastway/Saxon. What a great introduction to English Heavy Metal. 2nd invasion lol.

[@ellamcclanahan9811]

All those bands were so good saxon and fastway so good that was a great bill

[@martyjiunta]

My first metal concert too. 10 bucks at AZ Veteran's Memorial Coliseum.

[@roybell8470]

@@martyjiunta sure miss those prices lol

[@Stefan-]

Absolutely wonderful drummer with great personality, swing and groove to his playing.

[@pistolsscaramanga3437]

Nicko is the drummer I model most of my drumming after! Awesome player.

[@davidhelmedrummer2004]

I saw iron maiden on the last show of their legacy tour and it was amazing. I love nickos style because he stays true to thesomgs but also gets creative with fills and other things. 10/10 drummer

[@richardsutton4828]

Great drummer with his own unique style. And he is still doing it a t a high level in his 70's. Rock on Nicko!!!

[@ChuckJansenII]

Was that live recording where "Mission from 'Arry" happened? The only problem with Nicko as a drummer is we can't see him. Drum cams can be amazing. Playing barefoot allows Nicko to be faster on the bass pedal than anyone else, so he almost doesn't need a double bass. He is all that and more.

[@CoffeeMatt10]

There was a couple of incidents early on, one was where he came in too early on Flight Of Icarus, another was the infamous “Mission From ‘Arry” 😂 But that was on the World Piece tour in 1983, not the World Slavery tour 84/85 when they recorded Live After Death. One story I do remember from the World Slavery tour was one show in a very hot venue during the interlude section of Rime, Nicko ran off stage and jumped in a pool outside to cool down. He had to run back when the interlude finished, and because he plays barefoot and his feet were wet, his foot was slipping on the bass pedal. Never a dull moment with Nicko, and we love him all the more for it.

[@ChuckJansenII]

@@CoffeeMatt10 Excellent Nicko stories

[@bacongl]

Nicko is actually underrated for sure. Dude is a beast. My drummer has been obsessed with him since the 90s. Maiden and Dio lol. I have had to sit through more live shows than I would like to have and I have to say, Nicko is killer live and never disappoints. I also love his kits.

[@bigdaddy812]

Underrated is more like it. This guy is the definition of "iconic". My only complaint is that his drum set and toms are set up so high that you can't really see him playing in a live show. The Live After Death video had great shots of him playing and thanks to the internet, now I get to see him up close. As a drummer, he is right there with Peart and Bonham as the main reason I loved drums as a young teenager and til this day play drums.

[@eikbike]

What a fantastic drummer! A favorite of mine and what a killer drum sound he has!!

[@richpeltier9519]

The guy has been ADDING drum parts to make the songs HARDER to play over the years, cause he doesn't wanna get bored. Him, Ian Paice and Leonard Hayes (Y&T) are pound for pound the best single kick drummers in Hard Rock history. Rich the Ancient Metal Beast

[@doomprogger6345]

Talking about single kick drummers, don´t forget Vinnie Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio)!

[@MaddogJones]

Ah yes, the summer of 1983 a young 13 year old Maddog collected his newspaper route money and headed to the record store and bought Piece of Mind by Iron Maiden (never having heard of Iron Maiden or heavy metal) solely because of the album art. I got home and slapped that record on my turn table and Where Eagles Dare was the very first metal song I had ever heard. I was blown away! Nicko McBrain was an instant hero to me (except I wish he wasn't a single bass snob). I had to learn that song, I had to play drums. It took me a year of saving from my paper route to buy my first, second hand kit. I had no idea where to start. There was no internet, no KZbin and living on a military base in New Brunswick, Canada you couldn't just go to the local mall and buy a video. So I listened to that song and tried to match the drums Nicko hit to the drums on my kit. Needless to say I wore out that album and two cassettes teaching myself how to play that song and eventually the whole record. 36 years later, I still play drums (and bass), I still love Iron Maiden and I still love heavy metal!!!

[@rajarsheedasgupta5812]

He is the God for Drummers. Learnt lots from him from his vdos. Thanks Nicko thanks a lot mate.

[@kenmcnutt2]

Nicko McBrain is a beast on drums. I've been lucky enough to see Iron Maiden twice (once all the way back in 1987). He is currently 70 years old.

[@smallfaucet]

Let look at how he sets up his kit too........it's an unusual set up but works for him very well. You normally can't even see him back there because his toms are so high. LOVE this guys work and IM too.

[@MNskins11]

Nicko is one of a kind. And its magnified by the fact that he’s a perfect fit for Maiden’s style.

[@subliminalstyrene811]

I went to the 1986 'Somewhere on Tour' at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, best concert I ever heard. Up the Irons !

[@Mr1fingersalute]

Nicko is an amazing drummer! Positively one of the best and imo highly under rated! Just an awesome human being as well and incredibly humble for being as talented and successful as he is

[@deadnightwarrior1976]

As an amateur drummer, I love both Clive for his wild style and Nicko for his "musical" technique (and his insanely fast and accurate right foot, of course). While I don't usually mind Nicko playing Clive's parts in his own style, there's one particular song on which I believe Clive is unbeatable and that's "Running Free". Maybe due to it being THE song that made me wanna play drums, I think nobody will ever nail that beat like Clive did. That being said, Nicko is a drumming master and icon without a doubt!

[@craigrheberling]

he was explosive even back when he was with pat travers- the "putting it straight" lp PERFECT groove!

[@mrtechyesyes6745]

Just saw them in Arnhem, his playing was absolutely incredible!