Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain Feeling Stronger Following Stroke - 2023 In Review

Keavin Wiggins | 01-03-2024

Nicko second from the left - band promo photo

Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain Feeling Stronger Following Stroke was a top 23 story of Oct 2023: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain revealed during a guest appearance on Trunk Nation that he is "85 to 90 percent back to strength" following the stroke that he suffered back in January of this year.

Nicko said, "I'd say I'm 85 to 90 percent back to strength, but I still have a little less dexterity with speed in my fingers. My fingers are the ones that... this is the last thing to strengthen up. But I had to change certain drum fills. Some fills that everybody knows me for on certain songs, I've had to improvise those at rehearsals to be able to actually play the songs.

"So now I'm starting to actually be able to kind of embrace it a bit more, and I can't do that live. I have to wait until we start doing some rehearsals again or whatever it is.

"I'm definitely getting stronger, and I've had great support from Rod (Smallwood / manager), the band, and all of the fans out there. They've shown me so much love, it's amazing."

McBrain broke the news about the stroke to fans on August 3rd with a social media post and video message (see below). He said at the time, "Hello Boys and Girls, I hope this message finds you all well!

"The reason I'm writing to you all today is to let you know of a very serious health problem that I have been through. In January I had a stroke, thank the Lord it was a minor one referred to as a TIA. It left me paralyzed on my right side from my shoulder on down, of course I was very worried that my career was over but with the love and support from my wife, Rebecca and family, my doctors, especially Julie my OT (Occupational Therapist), and my Maiden family I was able to bounce back to somewhere near 70% recovered. After 10 weeks of intense therapy it was almost time to start rehearsals for our tour. I feel it's important to let you know about this now instead of earlier as I was mainly concerned with doing my job and concentrating on getting back to 100% fitness. I'm not there yet but by the grace of God I'm getting better and stronger as the weeks go by.

"Thank you all for a most wonderful and magical tour so far, you have all been so amazing.

"Well that's it from me. God bless you all, stay safe and well and I look forward to seeing you all somewhere in time. :-) :-) Nicko"

Band manager Rod Smallwood added, "The rest of the band and l think that what Nicko has been able to achieve since his stroke shows incredible belief and willpower and we are all very proud of him. With this new and musically very complex set to learn ahead of him, he just got his head down and concentrated on recovery. We honestly did not know if he would be able to play a whole show until band rehearsals started in May and there was just so much support for him from the band and then genuine relief for all when we saw he was going to be able to do it!"

"Nicko being Nicko he did not want to make a fuss and cause any distraction to the tour at the time but, now that he is sure he will soon get there, he thought you fans should know straight from him rather than by any rumours!"

"We are all of course delighted he battled through this so well and look forward to many more tours together starting with the three Western Canada shows and Power Trip in California coming up in a couple of months time. We can't wait! This tour is that good!"