Kit Walkthrough: Nicko McBrain (Legacy Of The Beast SQ²)

Legendary Iron Maiden sticksman Nicko McBrain gave us a tour of his brand-new SQ² "LEGACY OF THE BEAST" tour kit, going through all the bits and pieces, and playing the kit for you.
The kit comes with custom Iron Maiden artwork - based on the production design of the Legacy Of The Beast tour and consists of: 6x8, 8x8, 10x10, 12x12, 13x13, 14x14, 15x15, 16x16 tom toms, a 18x18 floor tom, 24x18 bass drum (all shells Medium Beech), and a 14x6.5 snare drum. Black Chrome hardware all around.

[@Gloveberg1]

I seriously don't think I've ever heard a single report or interview where anyone said a negative thing about Nicko. Just seems like a great guy.

[@SonnyGTA]

Gloveberg he lives near my boss! He had a mutual friend get him to sign a pic for me. I love it and hung it in my office. I wish I could actually meet him though!!

[@christophermcginnis4260]

There was the one time where he hit a guy with his car (at very low speed) because the guy wouldn't let him into the venue they were playing at due to not knowing who Nicko was.

[@tomwisniewski8988]

"Mission From 'Arry" was the only time on record I believe.

[@tallthinkev]

Yep, brought me beer!

[@robertb.4202]

Christopher McGinnis, yep, and during that tour back in 2003, Bruce introduced him to the crowd as “Madman Nicko McBrain.” 😂 I saw them in Pittsburgh back in ‘03. Awesome show!

[@MrBraffZachlin]

i love how he seems to be a fan of his own band lol. he is always paying homage to eddie. it's pretty cool

[@kennethsmith8968]

@George Kamil I guess you could call bruce Dickenson and Adrian smith hired guns also as neither of them are original.

[@smokesletsgo2374]

They also wear their own T-shirts on stage, at least Dave and Janick do

[@randywissler9923]

@Fred Tedason I think after almost 40 years with the band, you can shed the "hired gun" status!!

[@mariathetrooper]

That's absolutely amazing. He is so dedicated to Maiden and enjoys every moment with the guys. I think that's one of the reasons why they are such a phenomenal band.

[@quorthonsinferno5119]

That's the most important aspect of making music

[@RolandDeschain1]

As Tommy Lee said about Nicko after watching him play: "The man is a f***king octopus..."

[@grillo7196]

Sacred R yeah, Nicko is the man!

[@randywissler9923]

@Sacred R but in Tommy's defense, he's still better than Lars!! 😂😂😂

[@attractedtothemetallikemag9385]

No Danny carey tho

[@stephengould4768]

Such respect for Nicko! Humble, funny and a great drummer! God bless you, Nicko!!!!

[@mindcrime2010]

One of the nicest and most genuine rock musician you’ll ever come across...

[@renee-kingsdaughter5584]

He really is!! My hubby and I had the pleasure of meeting him and the band twice in Dallas, Tx. He was super nice and very talkative and very funny!! He and Janick started drawing on my tour program....lol....

[@netyaroze1663]

Unless you give him a parking ticket...

[@GizziMoD]

I lived next door to him for 8 years.... hes a complete bastard!

[@666dynomax]

Whole band is.... respectful... and respected

[@GizziMoD]

@@NB-1 it was only a joke lol as in how noisy it would be lving next door to him XD

[@folkfingerstylefreddy2154]

As Nicko is getting older, he’s looking more like Eddie!

[@David-on9uy]

I love Nicko, he is one of my inspirations that I use for learning to play drums (I suck but I try). Having said that, thumbs up on the comment. I think if Nicko did read this, he would smile and agree. :-)

[@YAS6931]

@@cornbread_face22 let the haters Writes bullshit....i personnaly don t care anymore

[@docteur6667]

@@americanusterminus5632 They have NOT sold 200 million records. maybe close to 100.

[@americanusterminus5632]

@@docteur6667 134 million sold but if you include each free downloaded album copy from the internet which my broke ass has done plenty of times the number rises to 200million copies of their albums in the hands of fans

[@americanusterminus5632]

@@cornbread_face22 thank you my friend you are right and now i owe two people an apology and i owe you a thank you for reminding me about being good to others so THANK YOU

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

I’ve been an Iron Maiden fan since the early years. Nicko it’s not just a great drummer… But he is a GENTLEMAN to boot. Amazing personality, and knows how to treat his fans. Just an all-around down to earth great guy! BEAUTIFUL DRUM KIT! Long live Iron Maiden!

[@randyporter3491]

Nicko has been called "a great drummer", just like so many others. But, Nicko frequently gets higher praise and a bigger complement, he's labeled "A good man". A few like Nicko, Neil etc earn that, and that's as good as it gets !

[@erikbrantly4015]

"Tip o the hat to the governor. " (God) ... Nicko is the man. What a great guy.

[@bryanauer]

had no idea he was a Christian! So cool!

[@AustinPetDetective]

@@bryanauer Playing the mark of the beast 666 i doubt it ?.

[@BeardedDanishViking]

@@AustinPetDetective He's a born-again Christian, yes.

[@wdrumz]

@@bryanauer Same!

[@zagorith14]

@@AustinPetDetective Well, he said he was so I would say yes.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

You know how you know a drum part is great? When the drummer plays it solo and a non drummer instantly knows what song it is. 😀

[@eriklarson9137]

Like the intro to back in black, am I right???

[@shitmultiverse1404]

Every Tool song ever

[@SarimFaruque]

Painkiller

[@metalhed2022]

Nicko is a legend, a great drummer and a great man.

[@markmazzella5222]

This dude always has a smile on his face

[@Timotolas]

Amazing kit for an amazing drummer and a huge influence on Metal community 🙌🙌🙌

[@MikiMaiden]

Amen!

[@Wow-gd3vc]

Tf? That’s one of the most shitty and unconventional setups ever.

[@Opuskrokus]

@@acbulgin2 It's Clive Edwards drumming there.

[@glennhuskey2559]

@@Wow-gd3vc This comment coming from someone that can't come close to playing any set of drums anywhere close to the talented and awesome person that is known by one name......NICKO!!!

[@spsanders69]

@@Wow-gd3vc Yeah you are an authority on drum setups? GTFOH. That was one of the most shitty and unconventional comments ever.

[@davidmarkbaker6746]

A great drummer and even better human being. Thank you for being so inspirational. Hats off to you.

[@racerfrey]

Wow!!! Never seen such a beautiful drum set. God bless you Nicko

[@teezwilliams22]

I came up in hardcore hip hop of the east coast of USA but I been taking a liking to rock groups lately from the sheer appreciation I have for the dedication to their craft, and everything I’ve watched and read about Iron Maiden, this guy nicko seems like the coolest most down to earth dude!!! And like tommy Lee said one time while watching him drum from behind him, “he’s so good he’s like a fuckin octopus “ lol salute nicko ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

[@stangzilla331]

What a Gentleman you are good sir👍🏻 love his playing and his attitude

[@itgoez211]

Tuning is incredible. Wish I could tune that well...impeccable. Beautiful kit, amazing drums, amazing drummer.

[@andyham6094]

itgoez211 I was just about to type that. The tuning is just perfect pitch interval between each tom.

[@itgoez211]

Andy Ham and ZERO overtones

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

It's not that hard. Of course starting off with a higher quality drum set makes it easier, but it's not a hard skill to learn by any stretch.

[@BeardedDanishViking]

A digital drumdial will make tuning a cakewalk :)

[@Drsimioindahouse]

It has todo a lot with the mic equalization! But sounds amazing anyway

[@gordonvolkert2304]

Born again, good for you Nicko! What an awesome sounding kit!!

[@HaXaW5150]

We often think of the 70's & 80's producing some of the greatest guitar players and tend to forget it produced some of the greatest drummers. This man being one of them. Awesome drums Awesome drummer.

[@littleteethkeith]

I always like listening to Nicko. He seems like such a nice person. That drum set is absolutely beautiful.

[@hamrepair3815]

Nicko seems to be a really nice down to earth guy, very nice video. God bless him.

[@michaelandcolinspop]

Ham Repair He sure does. Besides all of the great KZbin videos of Nicko being Nicko, he (and the whole band, really) struck me as just good people when I watched the “Flight 666” documentary, from how they talked to how they treated people, both their tour staff and their fans. There are a lot of pop artists that could learn a thing or ten from Iron Maiden about how to be famous the right way. I’d gladly welcome any one of them as a neighbor. And since we started talking about drummers, I’d put Gene Hoglan on that list too.

[@PatoLoco1833]

If you guys ever make it to south florida...check out his restaurant Rock n' Roll Ribs. He's been known to stop by from time-to-time and socialize with the patrons. Great guy!

[@45prowler]

One of the world's best drummers hands down! I also love the fact that he is proud to talk about his faith! Nicko, you are true artist and a gentleman!

[@carlgray523]

Hes not a christian playing devil music

[@yunarukami14]

@@carlgray523 ...

[@allenchamberlain1963]

@@carlgray523 How is it devils music?

[@Hellwyck]

@@carlgray523 You're not intelligent when you make wild assumptions. Metal is not "the devil's music" if you understand the lyrics and the way it's written. Take away the bullshit and it's art.

[@carlgray523]

@@Hellwyck dude get a fucking life that was 5 fucking months ago. Damn! Obsess much!

[@valdesigns1346]

The artwork on that thing is beautiful. Amazing. 👍 and sounds FANTASTIC.

[@lonjanis6001]

He seems like such a genuine down to Earth guy

[@mopfactr1]

How can u not love this guy

[@michaelb.42112]

Nikko is always the most chill, happiest drummer, ever !!!

[@steveknapp5815]

Its good to know that even the pro's still chop the sticks from time to time.

[@BlackieNuff]

A little "Where Eagles Dare" to take out the video! NICE!!!

[@drummersrockdotshop6539]

Totally Agree, Nicko is Definitely one of the Best Hands Down

[@spsanders69]

God Bless You Nicko! Such an amazing drummer and person! See you in less than two weeks!

[@BenjaminZarndt]

I got to take apart his drum set at the thinly park date of the legacy of the beast tour...his drum tech was the nicest guy ever and the whole iron maiden crew was amazing to work with

[@aportman58]

Drum tone is incredible! I take my hat off and totally respect a rock drunmer musician that will stand-up and proclaim they are a born again My first set of drums were Sonor (1973)!

[@RamonOchoaMusic]

Thank you for playing each of the Tom Tom’s! They sound fantastic by themselves and I’m sure you made many other drummers besides myself very happy.

[@FrankPCarpi]

If not at least a bit envious.

[@Squirrelconga]

You know that's right!

[@lj444saj3]

Good on ya, Nicko for being born again. And great set up

[@GORF_EMPIRE]

@Imperium Europa Why be a supreme numbskull?

[@rev6litrej560]

@Imperium Europa stupid comment mate. More and more people are coming to faith in Jesus. Look at Blackie Lawless. Those who follow satan will end up in the same place he will, HELL.

[@ashleyclacy8879]

@@rev6litrej560 "To threaten an atheist with an eternity in hell, is to threaten an adult with no presents from santa" Just something to think about.

[@kevinmichael9482]

@@rev6litrej560 Nope! the empirical evidence is clear. More and more Americans are becoming agnostic--myself included. Plus, as the great Bon Scott sang--"hell ain't a band place to be".

[@yw1971]

Like in "The Clairvoyant'

[@matthewgrant7739]

Love Iron Maiden and Nicko is an amazing drummer. Great video of a great music icon. Love the history

[@joee1213]

Most beautiful kit I’ve ever seen. Nobody deserves it more.

[@zsdrumchannel6672]

it sounds absolutely amazing! Sonor has the mighty and classic sound for Nicko and for Iron Maiden! \m/

[@eliseohersan7390]

Nicko Mcbrain my favorite drummer!!!

[@MikiMaiden]

Welcome to club bro! :)

[@ollieheads374]

I am a bass player, I follow the drummer (I don’t know why most bass players won’t admit that?!), when I play along to Nickos beats, I feel something I don’t with drummers such as lars ulrich and John dolmayan, i get idea so quickly and really feel like I’m part of the song, he is amazing, the best drummer in the world

[@ksylo4805]

Miki Maiden Ulcerate drummer is also great one, check it out. He loves Maiden

[@marieprovencio288]

Thank you guys for everything!!! Love you!!!!

[@paulwalters9885]

I just love his down to earth attitude. He sounds like the type of guy who could sit down and have a good chat with.

[@berryturner9762]

Can not wait to hear this drum set played by you deep in the heart of Texas in Dallas....Up the Irons and see you on tour! May God Bless you NICKO!

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

You not only are a great drummer… But you got a matching personality to boot!! I’ve been an Iron Maiden fan for years!! LOVE this stuff!! Thank you for the walk through Mr. McBrain! Keep rocking sir! LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN!! 👍😎👍

[@MrDennisk4]

Thanks Nicko for a wonderful tour of your drum kit & what an amazing one it is & you are also awesome!

[@LittleEgg1017]

That is THE best sounding kit I've ever heard in my whole life!!

[@crissreznor]

I love the look and sound of that kit . I would love to rock all those Tom-toms 👍

[@dikeosp]

One of the best right feet in the business. I love how he plays without the double bass and the can sound so fast. Great guy, great drummer. Thank you Nicko!

[@Mac4Willy]

He is awesome. And the kit is so sweet. Thank you for sharing.

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Nicko, we’ve admired your drumming for years, your incredible sense of humor but your stock raised with your proud statement of your faith. God bless you, thanks for sharing-love the kit!🎧🙏🏻❤️

[@Dave1979z]

Dude is a class act. Great sounding kit! I love Sonor. First intermediate kit I bought was a Force 2007 in the blue fade finish. I was blown away by the sound and quality and they always got compliments they were beautiful. I love the artwork he had done on these and the stories behind it.

[@marcdedouvan]

The idea of different Eddies heads on each shell for each album on which Nicko played, with stained glass imitation is genius. Bravo! this drumset is not normal vulgar regular standard rock drumset, it's classic gothic nicko style CATHEDRAL! In metal world, Iron maiden was always the band with the best aesthetic taste, for sure: real CLASS (visually and musically).

[@Kaikojo]

It really reminds me of Brann Dailor's kit of Mastodon. He got it custom painted in 2012. Aesthetically pretty similar from a distance.

[@my-rasuperstar8892]

It isn't every album he played on. He wasn't on NotB, Killers, or Iron Maiden. And Powerslave is missing. Still a sweet paint job though

[@toddstrong1353]

@@my-rasuperstar8892 I too, noticed powerslave was missing as well as the fact he was not on the Killers or Iron Maiden albums.

[@WrathchildNH]

Nicko always has fantastic shells.... from the diamond plate for the AMOLAD tour.... to the Blood brothers kit.... flight 666, en vivo.... he's ALWAYS had the coolest kits.... even the one with gold hardware not chrome...

[@Scholsey01]

WrathchildNH the diamond plate kit was Eddie rips up the world tour

[@Trundle_The_Great]

What a great kit! And Nick is one of the best to sit at a drum kit.

[@Akula1963]

Love the man, he is always a great joy to watch him play and talk.

[@Shockzone1495]

This is one of the guys who inspired me to play the drums

[@clem8475]

I think that's the most beautiful drum kit I've ever seen. The artwork... Holy sh*t.

[@kcb3887]

Outstanding. That kit is a musical instrument. So much tone and so nicely tuned. Wonderful to listen to. And kudos to Nicko for mentioning his faith. Much respect, Nicko. Cheers.

[@vaclavhladik7672]

A beautiful set of drums, sound-rich and color-beautiful ! Beautiful !!!

[@pp.boy_salomon2324]

1:20 noice

[@masterjedi5510]

One of the finest metal drummers of our time, and he does it with one bass drum with a single pedal! He's so consistently good!! One of, if not my absolute favorite all time!!

[@wilddrum78]

This drum set sounded awesome live. The snare and bass were pounding. A great live performance. A great choice of wood that was picked.

[@uriahsteel]

Hi Nicko, thanks for the tour. You and your bandmates are absolute masters of your craft. Your Legacy tour was the best concert I have ever witnessed, and I am 61 years old so I have seen MANY concerts. Up The Irons Forever!!

[@Evergladecro]

- Great kit! Sounds amazing!!! Love Nicko!!!

[@MikiMaiden]

Amazing sound yeah!

[@deimos2k6]

"Where Eagles Dare" sounds amazing at the end! Plus Nicko is always showing his brilliance and sense of humour every time! Truely a master...

[@ReVincentius]

Thx dear mister, I just was thinking which one. I knew it was from POM... ;) Nicko, great as ever!

[@davidmichael3189]

Never heard a most magnificent sounding Kit.

[@jtirello3_111]

Saw my first Maiden show last night. Amazing kit, both in sound and design, not to mention quality. Beautifully done artwork. Just a masterpiece.

[@ladislavkadlub7618]

Jeden z nejlepších bubeníku světa, neli nejlepší .

[@ronnyo283]

1:52 I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord...

[@haunter_1845]

The best piece of this kit has been sitting behind it the whole time. All the best Nicko!

[@ericx777]

LOVE YOU NICKO!!! Thank you for 37-years of rocking my world with the Maidens! G-d bless you and may you keep on rockin for years to come!

[@ChristopherDillman]

1:48 - 'Nice, aye?' Who doesn't love this guy? Btw if Sonor builds this EXACT kit, down to the stained glass artwork on those German Beechwoods, I'll put my deposit down now please. 😎🤘🔥

[@gregj410]

Only if it comes with the 6x6

[@SubaruWRXspdManual]

It does look amazing. I imagine that kit would cost a pretty penny. A very pretty penny! What's your guess? I'd guess, just the kit, no cymbals at 8k. Hell, it might be 10k+.

[@gregj410]

I paid that for my Premier Eddie replica kit. My guess is more in the 14-16k range

[@pepipavlov2375]

ZildjianGuy Man+ Buddy if you see this EXACTLY kit at any store believe me it will be more than 12 :D i put my head on that. Greetings

[@ChristopherDillman]

@@pepipavlov2375 As long as it's less than a Prius, still worth it!

[@MadarikatuA]

hello, great video my friend...👍👍 👍👍 👍👍 Amazing kit ..thank for sharing guy..

[@mangekyou10sharingan]

I'd love to give this talented man a big hug and thank him for all the wonderful music

[@Crippledinvegas]

balls too balls hug ?

[@jgn2112]

That kit is one of the most gorgeously sounding kits I've ever heard.

[@dadygee]

sonor: We dont make 6" drums anymore.. nicko: Well you do now. sonor:.. nicko: .. eddie: do it! sonor: **makes 6" drum in german**

[@ivansnegireff1652]

nice meeting you

[@adamtorok6048]

This comment makes my day. Thanks dude, up the irons! :)

[@polorat3198]

dadygee lol the "Eddie: do it!" Got me laughing dude 😂😂😂

[@theonecalledvino8165]

Brilliant mate!

[@vinnyreed723]

I think Eddie would just growl menacingly

[@harrycallahan9143]

2:23 Talk about perfect tone and tuning, absolutely beautiful, no wonder he says "My sweet lord"

[@alexalston3001]

What an amazing drum kit and a really nice talk through.

[@ronsta11]

Where Eagles Dare to finish up the video! Fantastic Nico! And thank you Sonor for giving us all a wonderful drumkit to dream of!

[@theripper2811]

Great person by the size, the talent, his typical English humor, his humility and also his legendary instrument ... his sonor drums. 👦

[@sadorrangel9166]

The whole video I was wondering how "Where Eagles Dare" would sound on this kit. Brought a smile to me face, yes it did, when he finished the video with the intro to "Where Eagles Dare"

[@hedgehog1965uk]

Oh yes :)

[@Derricksings4u]

The Legacy of the Beast show was incredible! Had such a great time!

[@mando7558]

One of my all-time favorite drummers!!!! You ROCK Nicko

[@elvengadorcerocho]

Drum technician: So how many toms and cymbals do you want for your set? Nicko: Yes

[@GodsOfWar666]

All of them

[@TheGhuru]

lol

[@deathrotor]

if you think thas alot have a look at terry bozzio's drum set that man went wild for literally everything

[@darrensoules808]

I know bro that kit is at least 100.000 my sonar's are 20.000 I have five grand just pasties the company he's got it is awesome kit

[@fluffmallow1159]

Nicko seems like such a pleasant person :)

[@danwest9900]

That kit is absolutely gorgeous! It's fitting that such a rocking drummer would have it.

[@David_Watts]

ALWAYS a pleasure to listen to Nicko when he's got summink to explain or talk about; just an all around pleasant fella...May the Lord continue to bless you richly and keep you in good health 👍

[@elenarobert]

Born again Christian , I am so happy for you, that's awesome...

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Impeccable tuning

[@gregthegroove]

MAN give the drum tech a raise! Beautifully tuned.

[@scottyg5403]

Absolutely beautiful kit! Sounds fantastic!

[@Username-wc4zy]

I’ve seen him play live, I’ve always wondered how he’s always stayed so still while playing such hard beats

[@krazyhand1653]

Sir, you are an incredible drummer. You should play in Iron Maiden.

[@ThunderAppeal]

That was very nice to watch. Nicko is a very cool guy and a total professional.

[@micheandmikey]

Nicko is just such a cool dude!!! Awesome video!

[@MichaelD8393]

It ain't a Nicko video if he doesn't start it with: "Ello boys & girls!"

[@leandroneves9564]

Oh my Sweet Lord! Sonor, the best drums of the world!!!

[@metalbillwilliams2285]

And one of the best drummers in the world

[@darrellstaples7011]

Not sure about the best drums, one of the Best drummers 🥁🇨🇦🍁

[@jamescourier1545]

Nicko is such an ambassador for the drumming community. Well done, sir!

[@smbake]

Met him today at work. Super nice guy. He was pretty pumped when I told him I saw them summer of '85. My first show and still one of the best. Mainly because of him and his beastliness!

[@rlanger3108]

Ah man, no aces high eddie!?! Gorgeous kit tho. Love you Nicko, can't wait to see you fellows on September!

[@lunahetfield]

What about that little plushie on the bass drum (i think they call it that) is it just a teddy bear dressed as the trooper eddie?

[@codyryan1543]

Sonor: "How many drums would you like to have Eddie on them?" Nicko: "Yes."

[@spike73100]

Grew up listening to iron maiden and had the pleasure of meeting Nicko two years ago an absolutely fantastic guy so friendly he spent 20 minutes chatting to me. Absolutely down to earth guy real gent.

[@Watchdoc65]

Awesome! Incredible talent! I also like the Remo heads!