Nicko McBrain's Lemmy Friendship, UFO Encounter + Life in Iron Maiden

Nicko McBrain's Early Friendship With Lemmy Kilmister

Nicko McBrain met Lemmy Kilmister during Hawkwind days and they became friends across the pre-Iron Maiden years.

“Who's fired you now?”

Nicko's UFO Encounter

Nicko saw four mysterious lights outside a youth club in Hatfield, England, at age 14 or 15.

“We think we just saw fucking UFOs, mate.”

Joining Iron Maiden

Nicko joined Iron Maiden after 10 years of bouncing between bands and was fired from Streetwalkers in 1976.

“I was lucky enough to have that song as a vehicle to introduce me.”

Nicko's Suit Incident

Nicko wore a three-piece suit to an EMI convention in New York in 1985 or '86, leading to a band meeting.

“You need to go and see Steve.”

Nicko's One Writing Credit

Nicko has one writing credit for 'The New Frontier' off Dance of Death, where he played bass.

“Steve, go back to whistling, mate.”

Nicko's Drumming Style

Nicko brought a funk/jazz groove style to Iron Maiden, differing from Clive Burr's solid, floor-based playing.

“I brought more of a kind of a funk/jazz groove style that fit really well with Steve.”

Nicko's Drummer Friends

Nicko praises Joey Jordison, Carmine Appice, Mike Portnoy, and others for their drumming skills.

“Joey [Jordison] was just frighteningly fast and such a wonderful player.”

Nicko's Message to Ian Hill

Nicko encourages Ian Hill to enjoy family time and play bass without strapping it to his neck.

“Enjoy your time with your family and don't forget to get the bass out.”

Nicko's UFO Theory

Nicko believes UFOs are inter-dimensional phenomena, not physical aliens walking among us.

“I think it's inter-dimensional, it's the Fermi paradox.”

Nicko's Time in Iron Maiden

Nicko spent over 40 years in Iron Maiden, retiring from touring in the 2000s.

Nicko's Bass Playing

Nicko played bass like Steve Harris, using two fingers, and wrote 'The New Frontier' melody.

“I picked Steve's acoustic bass up and showed him and he went, 'Oh, you play just like me.'”

Nicko's Suit Incident Details

Nicko wore a three-piece suit to an EMI convention in New York in 1985 or '86, leading to a band meeting.

“You need to go and see Steve.”

Nicko's UFO Encounter Details

Nicko saw four mysterious lights outside a youth club in Hatfield, England, at age 14 or 15.

“We think we just saw fucking UFOs, mate.”

Nicko's Early Career

Nicko was fired from Streetwalkers in 1976 and joined Iron Maiden after 10 years of session work.

“I was fired from Streetwalkers in 1976.”

Nicko's Writing Credit

Nicko has one writing credit for 'The New Frontier' off Dance of Death, where he played bass.

“Steve, go back to whistling, mate.”

Nicko's Message to Ian Hill

Nicko encourages Ian Hill to enjoy family time and play bass without strapping it to his neck.

“Enjoy your time with your family and don't forget to get the bass out.”