Iron Maiden’s Drummer Hits 62 Today

Today let us take one moment and say happy birthday to Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain as he turns 62. I know it sounds crazy but yes many of the early metal gods are starting to hit some senior numbers.

McBrain first joined Iron Maiden in 1982 replacing Clive Burr behind the drum kit. The band had seen him with a French band Trust when they asked him to become the bands new drummer, he actually first appeared with Iron Maiden in the Eddie costume.

The first album McBrain appeared on was the classic ‘Piece of Mind’ which was the first tour I saw Maiden on. They played the old opera house downtown in St. Louis and I have to say this was one of the best shows I have ever seen.

Iron Maiden became one of my favorite bands that night and I have seen them about 9 times. I don’t think I have ever seen a band that mixed the art of live music and theater together in such a complete way. I have seen a number of bands that do mix the two worlds of music and theater but not to the level of Iron Maiden.

There must be some truth to that as they still record and tour to this day and pull in big crowds. I will tell you if you have never seen them play live you should put that on your bucket list and see Iron Maiden live.