Nicko McBrain Has ‘Mixed Emotions’ About Iron Maiden’s Rock Hall Induction As Australian Tour Nears

After years of debate, campaigning and fan frustration, Iron Maiden is finally heading into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

For longtime Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, however, the honour comes with more than a little perspective, speaking in a recent interview, McBrain admitted he has “mixed emotions” about Maiden finally receiving one of rock’s highest honours, despite believing it remains an important achievement (per Blabbermouth).

“Mixed emotions. It’s a wonderful accolade to have regardless of the politics behind it all.”

The drummer continued:

“I personally think it’s a wonderful thing to have in terms of tipping the hat with the fans… I think it’s a great opportunity. I can’t speak for everybody else, but that’s my feeling.”

Iron Maiden will officially join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 alongside current members Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, as well as former members Paul Di’Anno, Blaze Bayley, Dennis Stratton, Clive Burr and McBrain himself.

Maiden Won’t Be There

Ironically, despite finally earning induction after decades of eligibility, Iron Maiden won’t actually attend the ceremony.

Manager Rod Smallwood has confirmed the band will be in Australia as part of the Run For Your Lives World Tour, with Melbourne and Sydney shows falling either side of the November 14th induction ceremony in Los Angeles.

It marks the end of a long wait for Maiden fans, with the band previously nominated in 2021 and 2023 after becoming eligible more than two decades ago, McBrain also acknowledged the long running criticism surrounding the Hall of Fame’s voting process:

“It’s still, in my book, something that’s a great accolade to even be considered again.”

He also noted the institution has long been surrounded by controversy over which artists receive recognition.

“There is that… there’s so many great bands out there that have not been inducted… it’s something that there’s a lot of controversy over it.”

Nicko’s Story Is Finally Coming

Away from the Hall of Fame celebrations, McBrain is also preparing to release his long awaited autobiography, Hello Boys And Girls!, on October 22nd.

The memoir almost never happened, McBrain revealed he originally began writing the book more than a decade ago before hitting a creative wall after 21 chapters and ultimately returning his publishing advance.

Following his retirement from touring with Iron Maiden in late 2024, manager Rod Smallwood encouraged him to revisit the project, eventually leading to a deal with HarperCollins.

The autobiography promises an honest look at McBrain’s remarkable career, including his journey through Iron Maiden, his recovery from a stroke, his battle with cancer and life beyond the stage.

Iron Maiden Returns To Australia

While McBrain won’t be behind the drum kit, having stepped away from touring following health issues in 2024, Iron Maiden will finally return to Australia this November with special guests Megadeth.

The Australian leg of the Run For Your Lives World Tour includes:

• 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

Although McBrain’s touring days are behind him, his influence on Iron Maiden remains immeasurable, between a long overdue Hall of Fame induction, a deeply personal autobiography and another Australian tour for the band he helped define for more than 40 years, 2026 is shaping up to be another landmark year in the Maiden story.