Few drummers in heavy metal history feel as instantly recognisable as Nicko McBrain.
The guy practically became part of Iron Maiden’s DNA for more than four decades, now the legendary drummer is finally putting his story onto paper.
McBrain has officially announced his autobiography, Hello Boys And Girls!, arriving October 22nd through Harper Nonfiction in hardcover, ebook and audiobook formats (per The PRP)
The book promises a full dive into the drummer’s life both inside and outside the orbit of Iron Maiden, covering everything from the early Soho session scene through to becoming one of heavy metal’s most beloved personalities.
For Maiden fans, there’s probably no shortage of stories to unpack here.
McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982 following work with artists including Streetwalkers, Pat Travers and Trust, stepping into a band already hurtling toward global domination, his arrival helped cement the classic Maiden lineup that would go on to produce records like Piece Of Mind, Powerslave and Somewhere In Time, while his drumming style became essential to the band’s frantic, galloping identity.
The announcement also lands after a difficult few years for McBrain personally, following his battle with cancer and recovery from a stroke, the 73 year old stepped back from full time touring duties with Maiden in 2024. Even so, he remains part of the band and still feels deeply woven into everything Iron Maiden represent.
According to the official description, the memoir promises “backstage stories, laugh-out-loud anecdotes, and raw honesty,” while exploring the highs and lows of life inside one of Britain’s most iconic heavy bands.
McBrain himself sounds genuinely excited to finally open the vault.
“I’m very excited and honoured to be working with the wonderful HarperNonFiction Team on my very own book full of lots of fun stories, anecdotes and of course my incredible experiences with some of the greatest musicians and performers from the 70s, 80s and beyond!”
“I am blessed to be able to finally share my path to where I am today, in my own words, with the world.”
Pre order your copy of Nicko McBrain’s ‘Hello Boys And Girls’ here.
Iron Maiden 2026 Australian tour
The timing also lines up neatly with Iron Maiden’s long awaited return to Australia and New Zealand later this year, the band’s massive ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour will hit local stadiums and arenas throughout November, with thrash legends Megadeth joining the run as support.
Honestly, if even half the stories from Maiden’s touring years make it into this thing intact, metal fans are probably in for absolute mayhem.
Iron Maiden ‘Run For Your Lives’ 2026 Australian Tour
- Wednesday, November 11th – Adelaide, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
- Friday, November 13th – Melbourne, AAMI Park
- Sunday, November 15th – Sydney, Allianz Stadium
- Wednesday, November 18th – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Thursday, November 19th – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Find out more and get your tickets here.
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