Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain reveals he suffered stroke

In a video address to his followers, Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain disclosed that he had a stroke in January

2023.

Nicko begins the video, simply titled “A Message From Nicko,” in his signature way, saying, “Hey guys and gals! The

attractive one is present with you.

In a more solemn tone, the 71-year-old metal legend continues, saying, “I do have just a very personal, very, very

personal message for everybody.”

“As some of you have quite rightly noticed,” Nicko hesitantly adds, “I wasn’t well earlier this year,” alluding to

popular conjecture during Maiden’s current leg of The Future Past Tour that some of his drum parts were sounding

different than usual.

“I will be writing a little press note, if you like, explaining everything that’s happened to me, and where I was in

January of this year… with my health issues that I went through.”

Below is a link to Nicko’s complete news release.

“So I just wanted to let you know, video-wise, so you can see how handsome and well I’m looking, because I’m feeling

really really 100%,” the ever-cheery trooper continues his message.

“I’m doing great overall, but I’m sorry I haven’t been able to give you guys my all. I merely wanted you to see how

attractive and well-groomed I appear; the rest will be disclosed later!

Nicko concludes by giving the camera a thumbs up and saying, “Everything is good. God bless you everybody, and

please don’t stop rocking. Raise the Irons!”

Diagnosis of stroke

Nicko has posted a lengthy letter below the video, describing that he had a mild stroke in January 2023 called a TIA

(Transient Ischaemic Attack), which left him disabled from the shoulder down on his right side.

“A temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain” is the NHS’s explanation for TIAs.

Although it produces symptoms similar to a stroke, “effects normally last a few minutes to a few hours and fully

resolve within 24 hours.”

Long-time Maiden manager Rod Smallwood has also sent a note in addition to Nicko’s, congratulating Nicko on his

resilience and assuring supporters that Maiden will carry out their scheduled tour.

The complete stroke statement of Nicko McBrain:

Good day, boys and girls.

I hope you’re all doing well as I write this!

I’m writing to all of you now to inform you of a very serious health issue I’ve experienced. Thank God, my stroke in January was only a small one known as a TIA. I was paralysed from my shoulder down on my right side, and I was terrified that my career would end. Nevertheless, with the love and support of my wife, Rebecca, and her family, my doctors, particularly Julie, my occupational therapist, and my Maiden family, I was able to recover to about 70% of my previous state. Rehearsals for our tour were almost ready to begin after ten weeks of rigorous therapy. Since I was focused on getting back to 100% fitness and executing my job, I felt it was vital to inform you about this now rather than later. By God’s grace, I’m not there yet, but as the weeks pass, I’m getting stronger and better.

You have all been so incredible; I want to thank you all for the most spectacular and lovely trip thus far.

I will now shut up. God bless you everybody, keep yourselves safe and healthy, and I hope to see you all soon.