Iron Maiden drummer Nicko shares he's had stroke that left him paralysed
Nicko McBrain has revealed that he suffered a stroke earlier this year. The Iron Maiden drummer, 71, shared a statement via the band's official social media channels confirming the stroke left him him "paralyzed" down one side of his body and fearing for his future with the group.
The drummer told fans today about "a very serious health problem that I have been through" and recalled how he was "very worried" he wouldn't be able to continue performing with his band. Iron Maiden's manager added how Nicko did "not want to make a fuss" and praised the drummer for what he has "been able to achieve since his stroke."
The message shared today on Iron Maiden's social media channels began: "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 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.
Fans rushed to send the Iron Maiden drummer their love and support as the band shared the update (Getty Images)The update from Nicko continued: "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
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"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 manager Rod Smallwood added: "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."
He continued to tell fans of the band: "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!"
Following the update from Nicko and Iron Maiden, fans of the band rushed to send messages of support to the drummer on social media, with one writing on Twitter: "Imagine playing to the level he has been on tour just a few months after a stroke that left him partly paralysed. What a legend."
"Absolute warrior and a legend, saw you guys in Glasgow and was an incredible show as always, keep up the fight Niko, and keep rocking as the rock god you are," another added, as a third tweeted: "An absolute legend! I’ve seen the after effects of a stroke first hand with my Dad. Speaks volumes for you as many others would’ve sacked off the prospect of going on a full blown tour so soon after. Huge respect for that and hopefully now can take some of the pressure off you!"
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