Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Former touring drummer Nicko McBrain has discussed his approach to writing “Hello Boys And Girls!”, his recently published autobiography, including his decision not to ask his Iron Maiden bandmates to contribute their own accounts to the book, speaking with Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern.
The memoir tells McBrain’s story from his early years in London through his decades behind the drum kit for one of heavy metal’s biggest bands. It was published on October 22, 2026 through Harper Nonfiction.
Rather than assembling an oral history of Iron Maiden, the book presents the drummer’s own memories and perspective. McBrain’s latest comments address why he chose not to involve his former touring colleagues as contributors.
McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982 and made his recording debut with the group on 1983’s “Piece Of Mind”. He retired from touring in December 2024 after 42 years with the band, following health challenges that affected his drumming.
The musician has repeatedly praised the support he received from his bandmates during his recovery and final tours. Simon Dawson subsequently took over the group’s live drumming duties.
McBrain has been promoting “Hello Boys And Girls!” through a European spoken-word tour, sharing stories from his life and career directly with audiences.
No. I haven’t, as yet, even read Bruce’s book, for the sole reason I didn’t wanna get influenced by any of his stories or how he’s written it. And I do have a copy — he signed a copy for me — and I will grab that and probably read that in the next couple of weeks. Now I’ve finished my book, I can delve into his. And I didn’t want any influences from any of the other guys in that respect. I did start to read Adrian’s book, but it’s more about fishing than anything else. [Laughs]
But, no, I didn’t approach any of the guys, I wanted it to be my memories carte blanche and without any influences from anybody else. Rod [Smallwood] mentioned a couple of things, and he got them wrong, actually. There was a couple of instances where he didn’t want me to write a particular chapter because it would upset the band. And I said to him, ‘Rod, this is my story. It’s not yours. I appreciate what you’re saying. ‘Oh, you’re still part of the family.’ I said, ‘And I still will be, even though I’ve written this book. And you may not like it, but it’s going in. And if it upsets someone, they will tell me. They will tell me, and then I’ll deal with it. But it’s going in. It’s going in.
