Drumming News :
Fresh off the announcement of his new British Drum Company Signature Snare, Nicko McBrain has revealed yet another exciting project for fans. The legendary Iron Maiden drummer is set to release his long-awaited autobiography, Hello Boys and Girls!: The Must-have Heavy Metal Memoir for 2026, on October 22, 2026, before embarking on his first-ever spoken word tour, An Evening With Nicko McBrain.
The tour begins in Frankfurt on October 26 and will take McBrain to theatres across Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Ireland and the UK, giving fans the opportunity to hear first-hand stories from one of heavy metal’s most beloved personalities.
An Evening of Stories, Laughter and Reflection
Described as part stand-up show, part audience interaction and packed with Nicko’s trademark humour and candid storytelling, An Evening With Nicko McBrain promises an intimate look behind the scenes of one of rock music’s greatest careers.
Fans can expect colourful tales from behind the drum stool of Iron Maiden, alongside stories from McBrain’s eventful youth, his greatest triumphs and personal challenges. The evenings will also offer an up-close-and-personal opportunity to hear from one of Britain’s most admired rock musicians in a relaxed theatre setting.
Speaking about both the memoir and the tour, McBrain said:
“It’s been a real honour to write my very own autobiography and have the chance to walk down memory lane, revisiting all the experiences that have made me who I am and brought me to where I am today. And I’m thrilled and delighted to be taking those stories on the road and share them all with you.
“I feel truly blessed to be able to say Hello Boys And Girls to you all in person later this year. We’re going to have a lot of fun together, so come and join me for a great night out. I’ve got a LOT of stories I want to tell you all!”
From East London to Heavy Metal Royalty
Born Michael “Nicko” McBrain in Hackney, East London, in 1952, his love of drumming began at an early age, practising on his mother’s pots and pans before receiving his first drum kit from his father at the age of eleven.
After playing in school bands covering The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, McBrain was performing professionally by the age of fourteen in wedding bands across London. Influenced as much by jazz as rock music, he went on to establish himself as one of London’s most respected session drummers, performing with acts including Streetwalkers, Pat Travers Band and Trust.
Everything changed in 1982 when he joined Iron Maiden.
Over the next 42 years, McBrain became one of the world’s most influential drummers, appearing on 14 studio albums, numerous live releases and countless world tours. During his tenure, Iron Maiden sold more than 100 million records worldwide, cementing their place among the greatest heavy metal bands in history.
More Than Just a Drummer
Away from the stage, McBrain has built a reputation as one of rock’s most charismatic personalities.
Many fans remember his memorable appearance on the classic British children’s television programme The Sooty Show during the 1980s, while others know of his passion for classic cars and his successful Florida restaurant business.
However, the autobiography also explores the more personal side of his life. McBrain opens up about his battle with cancer, recovering from a near career-ending stroke and the role his born-again Christian faith has played throughout his life—subjects that have largely remained private until now.
Blending heartfelt honesty with his unmistakable sense of humour, Hello Boys and Girls! promises to reveal the man behind the drum kit through backstage memories, laugh-out-loud stories, emotional moments and reflections on a lifetime spent making music.
A Front Row Seat to an Extraordinary Life
Whether fans have followed Iron Maiden since the early 1980s or have only recently discovered the band, An Evening With Nicko McBrain offers a unique opportunity to spend an evening with one of heavy metal’s greatest storytellers.
Combining unforgettable anecdotes, audience interaction and highlights from his forthcoming memoir, the tour celebrates not only an extraordinary musical career but a remarkable life shaped by music, friendship, perseverance and faith.
With a brand-new signature snare, a highly anticipated autobiography and an extensive theatre tour all arriving within weeks of one another, 2026 is proving to be another landmark year for Nicko McBrain—and one that fans won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets and the book at this location HERE
