Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain shared he suffered a stroke in January.
McBrain disclosed this news in a message across Maiden’s social media channels. He wrote, in part, ” …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.”
He added that he’s “somewhere near 70% recovered” and is “concentrating on getting back to 100% fitness.”
Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said in his own statement, “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…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!”
A message from Nicko:
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… pic.twitter.com/QvIt66Sy35
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) August 3, 2023
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Maiden is set to headline the Wacken Open Air festival tomorrow (August 4) in Wacken, Germany. In October, the iconic metal band is one of six artists booked for Power Trip. The event runs October 6-8 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif., which is the site of Coachella. Maiden plays night one along with Guns N’ Roses.
Power Trip made headlines in July when Ozzy Osbourne announced he was pulling out of the event. The Prince of Darkness cited his ongoing health issues as to why he was no longer performing at Power Trip. He shared a lengthy statement saying, in part, “Unfortunately, my body is telling me that I’m just not ready yet and I am much too proud to have the first show that I do in nearly five years be half-assed.”
Judas Priest is taking Osbourne’s place at Power Trip, performing on night two with AC/DC. The event’s third and final day features Metallica and Tool.
