Who Is Nicko McBrain? Age, Biography and Wiki
Nicko McBrain, born on June 5, 1952, is a highly regarded British drummer best known for his work with the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden. As of 2025, he is 72 years old. McBrain’s musical journey began at a young age, and his passion for drumming has led him to play for one of the most influential rock bands in history.
Throughout his career, McBrain has contributed to numerous albums, emphasizing his talent and distinct style. He is renowned for his energetic performances and intricate drumming techniques, which have made him a role model for aspiring drummers around the globe.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1952 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Hackney, London, England |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Nicko McBrain's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Nicko McBrain stands at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and his weight is estimated to be around 178 lbs (81 kg). While specific body measurements are not publicly available, his athletic build and stage presence reflect the years of dedication he has put into maintaining his fitness as a performing artist.
On 3 August 2023, McBrain released a statement via the bands' YouTube page, explaining in a video that he had been unwell in January 2023. It was explained further in the video description that McBrain suffered from a stroke in January and was paralyzed on his right side from the shoulder down.
After 10 weeks of intensive physical therapy, McBrain was able to join the rest of the band at rehearsals in May 2023, ahead of their European leg of the Future Past World Tour.
Manager Rod Smallwood put out a statement saying that "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!".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Nicko McBrain is known for maintaining a level of privacy regarding his personal life. He is married to his lovely wife, Rebecca McBrain, with whom he shares a strong bond. The couple has been together for several years and often supports each other's endeavors. There have been no widely publicized relationships or rumors about McBrain dating anyone outside of his marriage, emphasizing his commitment to family life.
At the age of ten, he started to play drums with pots, pans and other kitchen utensils, before, to his parents' dismay, he began drumming on the gas cooker with a pair of knives and chipped off the paintwork.
McBrain recalls that he was eleven or twelve before his father bought him his first drum kit, "which was basically one snare, one tom-tom, one cymbal, two drumsticks and a pair of brushes." He soon started playing Rolling Stones and Beatles covers with school bands, before he began regularly playing "pubs and weddings" by the age of 14.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Nicko McBrain's net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. This impressive figure is attributed to his successful music career, touring, album sales, and various endorsements. His participation in events, charity performances, and merchandise sales also contribute to his overall earnings, making him one of the wealthiest drummers in the industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Nicko McBrain's career took off when he joined Iron Maiden in 1982, and he has since become an integral part of their success, participating in multiple albums and world tours. Beyond drumming, McBrain has explored business opportunities, including designing and marketing his own line of drumming products. His passion for music has also led him to engage in various musical projects outside of Iron Maiden, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft.
Additionally, McBrain has invested in several ventures, including music-related businesses and endorsements, further securing his financial future and impact within the industry.
McBrain is a long-time user of Paiste cymbals and currently plays British Drum Company drums, moving from Sonor Drums and having previously endorsed Premier. For A Matter of Life and Death he used his Ludwig metal shell LM 402 snare drum which was purchased in 1975, making it the oldest drum in his kit.
He endorses his own signature line of drum sticks made by Vic Firth. As of 2016, McBrain also uses Remo drumheads, Sonor hardware, an LP cowbell and a DW 9000 single pedal.
Social Network
Nicko McBrain is relatively active on social media platforms, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses into his life. You can find him on:
- Instagram: @nicko_mcbrain_official
- Twitter: @NickoMcBrain
- Facebook: /NickoMcBrainOfficial
Education
While specific details about Nicko McBrain's formal education are limited, it's known that he started playing the drums at an early age, learning through practice and experience rather than traditional schooling. His dedication and self-taught skills have propelled him to great heights, showcasing the importance of passion and commitment over formal education in certain fields.
In summary, Nicko McBrain remains a prominent figure in the music industry as of 2025, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to talent, passion, and performance. His contributions to rock music and his engaging personality continue to endear him to fans worldwide.
Michael Henry "Nicko" McBrain (born 5 June 1952) is an English musician, best known as the drummer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden since 1982. He is the third-longest serving member of the band, having appeared on each Iron Maiden album since Piece of Mind (1983).
McBrain retired from touring in 2024, although he remains a member of the band for studio projects. Having played in small pub bands since 1966 from the age of 14, after leaving school, McBrain did session work before joining a variety of artists, such as Streetwalkers in 1975, Pat Travers, and the French political band Trust.
