Michael Henry McBrain, better known as Nicko, is best known for his decades as the drummer for Iron Maiden. Those years, along with the long and winding road that included numerous bands prior to Maiden, are chronicled in Hello Boys And Girls!
McBrain’s life as a musician started young, joining his first pub band at the age of 14. He ended up playing with some well-known artists such as Pat Travers, and did a lot of session work in the 1970s. The years of struggle and paying dues are interesting, and McBrain has a unique voice that comes through on the page, referring to his bandmates by their nicknames and injecting humorous turns of phrase throughout.
His years in Iron Maiden are what most readers will be interested in, and McBrain doesn’t disappoint. He does a nice job chronicling all phases of life in one of the world’s biggest metal bands. That includes the nuts and bolts of recording the albums (from 1983’s Piece Of Mind through 2021’s Senjustu), tales of life on tour and embracing all aspects of the rock and roll lifestyle for many years. He also had a knack for having awkward or less-than-friendly initial encounters with numerous big name musicians and later becoming good friends.
He doesn’t hold back in talking about his bandmates. It was no secret that McBrain was not happy with the exits of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith, and he recounts the events of their leaving the band for several years and returning in 1999. It’s all water under the bridge now, and it’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at how it all went down. The book also reinforces how important manager Rod Smallwood has been in the success of the band over the years.
McBrain also talks about finding religion, and his life in Florida as a restaurant owner. He also recounts his 2023 stroke and road to recovery. He still plays the drums, but isn’t able to tour anymore. Hello Boys And Girls! is entertaining and illuminating, as McBrain brings the reader along through the ups and downs of his life and career.
(book published November 10, 2026 by Harper Collins)
