“It left me paralyzed on my right side…I was worried my career was over”: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain suffered a stroke in January, is still recovering.

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has revealed that he suffered a stroke earlier this year. In a statement posted via Iron Maiden’s official social media channels, the beloved 71-year-old sticksman confirms that the medical episode left him “paralyzed” down one side of his body and left him fearing that his career with the band was over.

McBrain’s statement reads as follows:

“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 a TIA. It left me paralyzed on my right side from my shoulder on down, of course I was very worried that my career was over but with the love and support from my wife, Rebecca and family, my doctors, especially Julie my OT (Occupational Therapist), and my Maiden family I was able to bounce back to somewhere near 70% recovered.

“After 10 weeks of intense therapy it was almost time to start rehearsals for our tour. I feel it’s important to let you know about this now instead of earlier as I was mainly concerned with doing my job and concentrating on getting back to 100% fitness. I’m not there yet but by the grace of God I’m getting better and stronger as the weeks go by. Thank you all for a most wonderful and magical tour so far, you have all been so amazing. Well that’s it from me. God bless you all, stay safe and well and I look forward to seeing you all somewhere in time.”

Iron Maiden’s longtime manager Rod Smallwood has also released a statement addressing the news:

“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!

“Nicko being Nicko he did not want to make a fuss and cause any distraction to the tour at the time but, now that he is sure he will soon get there, he thought you fans should know straight from him rather than by any rumours! We are all of course delighted he battled through this so well and look forward to many more tours together starting with the three Western Canada shows and Power Trip in California coming up in a couple of months time. We can’t wait! This tour is that good!”

The statements are accompanied by a video from McBrain where he sheds some more light on the situation. You can view that video below. Iron Maiden have been busy blazing a trail across Europe on their critically acclaimed Future Past Tour, and are due to headline Germany’s Wacken Open Air festival tomorrow. 

Source: loudersound.com