Heavy metal fans were shaken last week after it was revealed that an icon in the industry had quite the medical scare.
According to The Daily Wire, Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain shared with his fans that he had suffered a stroke in January. The admission came after fans pointed out earlier this year that he didn't seem himself.
McBrain revealed the news in a YouTube video, telling fans across the globe that the stroke was bad enough to leave him partially paralyzed.
The legendary drummer said the stroke was classified as "minor," revealing it was a Transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
McBrain was transparent in explaining his condition and his road to recovery, lending credit to his doctors, family, friends, fans, and God.
“In January, I had a stroke — thank the Lord it was a minor one referred to as a TIA (Transient ischaemic attack)," the Iron Maiden drummer said.
He added, "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."
"It left me paralyzed on my right side...I was worried my career was over": Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain suffered a stroke in January, is still recovering. https://t.co/iJOAKGmP2H
— Classic Rock Magazine (@ClassicRockMag) August 3, 2023
"After 10 weeks of intense therapy, it was almost time to start rehearsals for our tour," McBrain continued.
"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’m not there yet, but by the grace of God, I’m getting better and stronger as the weeks go by."
Fans of the Iron Maiden drummer offered their well wishes to the rocker, with some expressing relief that McBrain is on the road to recovery.
"So thats why he changed his playing. This explains everything. I hope Nicko is okay," one X user wrote.
Wishing Nicko McBrain a full recovery from his stroke earlier this year. You and Iron Maiden have been a huge influence on Overlorde! Here you are with our guitarist Mark "M.E." Edwards at NAMM 2013.
#IronMaiden #NickoMcBrain #OverlodeMetal pic.twitter.com/yFFp0pyCOQ— Overlorde (@OverlordeMetal) August 4, 2023
McBrain's manager expressed optimism regarding McBrain's recovery, and announced that his fans will get to see him on a new tour kicking off soon in Canada.
