Famed ‘Heavy Metal’ Drummer Recovers from Stroke, Grateful for Boca Regional Treatment, Rehab
Вставка
- Опубліковано 30 кві 2024
- Nicko McBrain, 71, has been the drummer for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden since 1982. But in January of 2023, the English musician was at his home in Boca Raton when he suffered a stroke with partial paralysis. That was the beginning of a challenging journey of physical rehabilitation that followed rapid and precise treatment by stroke specialists at Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health.
{TRANSCRIPT}: - It's interesting what I do for a living. I was very fortunate to have a life in music all my adult life. In 1982, I joined Iron Maiden. When I was 10 years old, I remember sitting in front of the television and then Dave Brubeck Quartet came on tv. Joe Morello, who's the drummer, ended up going into a drum solo. So Joe did this solo. And I remember saying to my dad, I want to be just like that dark sunglass guy. Being in a rock band as big as Maiden, it's every musician's dream. Now, it does have its moments of fragility, if you like. It's Nicko with you here, boys and girls. I do have just a very, very personal message for everybody. I wasn't well earlier this year, as some of you have have quite rightly noticed. It was about probably 8, 8:15. I had a sleep. Woke up about quarter to 9. And as I got turned over, my arm wasn't moving. And I thought, what's going on? And I pulled my hand up, I could feel I had sensation in my hand and I thought, well, where's the pins and needles? Why, it's gone to sleep, and I started to do this and I let my hand go and it just dropped. And I thought, uh-oh.
- My name is Dr. Swerdloff and I was doing stroke call that day, which means there are multiple strokes that come in throughout the day. The patient, when he came out, wasn't able to move his right arm. Now I remember very well because I didn't know Nicko before, but something about him, I said to him, and I'll never forget it 'cause it was amazing, I said, are you a drummer? He says "I am." And who knew? So this is a very significant deficit for this person. Makes a living drumming, has to use both hands. And what he came in with was inability to move that right arm. It was just flat and it was fluctuating. So we had to decide if I give him medication that opens up that area, will it cause him to be worse? You know, as a doctor, the rule is don't make him worse. You should do no harm.
- There was literally 10 and 12 people fussing around me. You talk about being a superstar, you know, that's how I felt. I was getting the superstar treatment.
- So all his vessels are clean, the brain looks great on CT, but now we see the area on the MRI that shows the stroke. He had cross sign right in the area we thought would cause his deficit. And we felt that it was safe to give him the intravenous clot buster. And we gave him the intravenous clot buster. And this person was not moving his arm. And an hour later he was moving his arm again.
- I did honestly think that was it. Now I'm laying in the bed and I'm trying to move it, move my hand, at least my fingers or something, you know, encourage my body to come on, you can do this, you can do this. 'Cause we had scheduled this tour the year prior, you know, two years prior. And we were starting in May and we were going to do rehearsals the last, starting the last week of April. So I thought, well, I've got three months to see if I can, you know, at least play again. Even holding a drum stick, you know, there was nothing there.
- The most recovery happens by three months in terms of a deficit. He's a special type of fellow. So I think he's noticed that he's actually done even more than that. I mean, he has more part of his brain that's delegated to the movement of his hands and arms. You know, he's pushed it to the limit and he's an extraordinary individual. He's done remarkably put it this way. I mean, to think that he's back drumming at the world class level that he is, is for us very nice. I mean, that's just exciting.
- When I first met Nicko, I evaluated him and found that he had weakness in his right side, his right arm, his hands particularly, he had coordination problems and some sensory deficits. We worked for nine, 10 months and then he went out on tour. His speed and his coordination got a lot better. He's done great.
- I grew up in the sixties, so I have hearing aids 'cause hard rock is hard on your ears. So it's very exciting to be able to be part of his life story and the life story of all his friends and fans. I mean, this is a substantial individual.
This man is precious. The world needs Nicko McBrain and Iron Maiden. Up The Irons.
Well stated! Up the IRONS, mate!
Absolutely.Up the Irons
He is very inspiring!
Here here!
Up the Irons 🤘
He's a nice guy, I went to one of his evening with Nicko shows, also very funny individual, best of Luck Nicko
The Iron Maiden fans are thanking you!
Thanks to the Medical Team and long life to Niko!
Great drummer and a true gentleman. Still going strong, man is over 70 and still beat the drums like a young panther.
He is a wonderful man and I got to spend a little time with him years ago just talking face to face about stuff in general. I'm a professional drummer but it's nice to just talk about other stuff.
*Nico is a great person and an inspiration.*
❤️🔥🤘🏽
He pounds em like a young buckskin for sure I’ve seen em over 10 times and they disappoint
"true gentleman",.....Exactly.
Age doesn’t matter. Keep following your dreams like the Bryan Adams song ‘18 till I die.’
The world is a better place when Nicko is behind his drums.
Thank you Baptist Health for helping Nicko!!!!!!! Up The Irons!!!!!!! 🇬🇧
I saw him play 10 times on the last tour. The first time was the second show of the tour, and it was very noticeable that there was something up. He played very carefully and barely any fills. I then saw them a bunch of times all throughout the tour, and he got better every single time. By the middle of the tour, he was on fire. It's honestly amazing. What a legend.
We love you Nicko.
I’ve met and hung out with Nicko a couple of times and he’s an absolute gentleman. Glad to see he’s recovered well.
May The Lord continue to bless him.
Yes ....
I met him and Bruce in a pub in Chiswick many years ago now, when they were launching Trooper beer. Such a lovely guy, chatted for over an hour, and bought us a couple of pints!
As a stroke survivor myself (minor one just over a year ago) glad to see you up and about doing what you do best. God bless ya Nicko, and as always, UP THE IRONS!!!!
Your words struck a chord with me. I had a TIA Minor stroke on NYE Dec 2022. I had no idea what was happening to me. What followed was life-saving major open heart surgery and months of recovery. Like Nicko, I'm also a drummer and a Londonder. I'm not in Nicko's league (obviously!) but like him, it's been my lifetime passion for over 40 years. To think I'd never play again or even hold a drumstick was unthinkable. I have made a full recovery and I'm back playing. My own resilience and determination even shocked me. I hope you're doing well after the stroke.
This dude lives down the road from me. A very nice man. Run into him at concerts in boca a lot. Hes religious now but I’m thanking baptist health/regional for fixing him. He has a lot more drumming to do. Im glad he thanked you guys as well. Peace.
Are you saying that Nicko's not religious or that you are not religious? It wasn't entirely clear the way you worded it (Nicko is a born again christian).
Cheers!
@@Nghilifa yea I know he is. He goes to Spanish river church. I was just saying he’s now religious but he thanked the doctors. Usually it’s alway god that gets the first thanks and not the doctors that paid for their schooling for 8 years and all the work they did to fix him. Many obviously don’t recover from strokes. He got good care and a lot of luck and the doctors deserve all the thanks and praise.
You are lucky to know him. Tell him he's loved by all Maiden fans. We are so grateful that he's well and going to be back behind the kit. We look for his smiling face back there. My boys go to many of Maiden's shows in Canada. We love this band and this drummer. Maiden for life. Three generations of fans in our family.
Does he still have his Jaguar cars as their all very personal to him
This was incredible. Nicko is an amazing drummer and his personality could never be replaced. Here's to continued recovery.
Where Eagles dare introduced us to this legend. 😊Thanks, for all the great music.
yeah! it was like "hey guys,we got a new drummer".
My favorite Iron Maiden song!
I heard the intro as soon as I read it! 😎👍
Thank you to all those who looked after Nicko and got him back on to his drums, and praise God in Jesus Christ name for giving us more time with Nicko mcbrain and iron maiden, the joy he brings is so much bigger than anyone knows, he brings happiness and positivity to millions and millions of people, I'm one of them, thank you Nicko , God bless, we love you.
A satanic band with a born again drummer..you are all so lost
Thank the medication instead of god
@@iamjesper I think McBrain himself thanks the Lord Almighty... he is a born again christian you know.
@@micknordstrom2591 my point is that god has nothing to do with making sick people healthy again. if that were the case we wouldnt have any hospitals and only churches
@@iamjesper your point is you just want to sh1t on people.
He's the whole reason I play drums in the first place. I'm 48 and almost had to have surgery on my left hand which still gives me trouble to this day. But I carry on. Awesome to see my hero not giving up!!!
He sux and relies on a 40 piece kit to not even do what most drummers can do on a 4 piece
@@DG-sf9ei what the f--ck are yo on about you w--anker
@@DG-sf9ei Guess you've never played drums in your life, it's now about how many drums you have, how fast you play, or even keeping perfect time all of the time. It's about creativity. Try and create your OWN sound on a drum kit, write your own original material on drums/and music. Then get back to me. Or go back to playing your skin flute. Since you're about 10-12 years old son. Later.
@@DG-sf9ei Go listen to all the early maiden albums Especially Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son. Then tell me he sucks. Before you were born 1988.
@@DG-sf9ei
Yep, he sucks so bad thousands of concert-goers spend big money to see him perform his art.
Thank you so much Baptist health for taking good care of nicko!
@@DG-sf9ei Nicko is a Christian. And a better one than you'll ever be. Fuck yourself
He said he got saved years ago...who knows
@@DG-sf9eipeople like you are stuck in the 70s. 3/4 of Black Sabbath was Catholic, and they arguably invented the genre. Time and time again it’s been proven these artists are just telling a story and not promoting Satanism or anything of that nature.
God Bless you and God Bless all the medical staff who worked on your recovery. You are amazing people . ❤️
Baptist Health is renowned for their neurological care, even here in North Carolina. I’m a brain tumor survivor and and I owe my life to Baptist Health although the name has been changed to Atrium Health now.
This Man owns/runs one hell of a BBQ restaurant in Florida.
Iron Maiden themed, of course.
"Rock and Roll Ribs"
Coconut Creek Fl.
Go check em out.
His band plays shows there as well, and you can actually shake hands and meet him just like a normal person. Because he is.
I've ate myself sick in that joint😂
Thanks for this comment. I go to South Florida a lot but didn't know about Nicko's BBQ place. Definitely going when I'm there next.
Great food there, and I had the good fortune to run into Nicko the one time I was able to visit several years ago. Definitely have to get back there someday soon!
I live in Miami, and Baptist has a very good team of doctors. My doctors are all from Baptist. So thankfully, Nicko went to them for help. I am glad to hear of his recovery. I say that personally, as a drummer!
"Heavy metal" in quotes is something my grandmother would do.
I'm so glad he recovered
I hope Nick never has another stroke. A long life to an amazing drummer.
Nicko is not only a great guy and drummer, he’s an inspiration to so many.
Nicko is one of the best.Nice man and a brilliant drummer.
Nicko is a real Trooper🤣🥁🤘 Great post thank you.
Being a drummer myself, an Iron Maiden fan, watching my dad survive two strokes, and being a Baptist who loves God (Baptist Health) I caught that, I'm glad Nicko had such a great team. The people who work stroke units are really special. They have great patience and from what I saw with my father's team they love helping people regain their lives. Up the Irons!
You serve two masters
Thanks for all those doctors taking care of the drummer of my favourite band since 1990.
I saw Nicko McBrain for the very first time in 82' playing with Maiden and have been a fan since. Special thanks to Baptist Health for bringing Nicko through but I'm also very grateful for Nicko's relationship with the King of Kings. May He continue to bless you always..........
Musicians are special. A drummer is divine. Niko is a blessing to us fans
Glad to see you've recovered Nicko. I'm 71 years old, and I remember the 70's when you were with the Pat Travers Band, and I heard the Makin' Magic album for the first time. You, Mars, and Pat were great on that album. You're one great drummer.
As a Maiden fan I thank you from the bottom of my heart! He’s the reason why I started drumming back in 1983! Also, I can just imagine how much he made you all laugh. Such a warm and funny guy! Up the Irons!
As a life long Maiden fan, all the way back to before Nicko joined the band, I just want to say thanks to all the folks at Boca Raton Regional Hospital for getting the lad healthy and back out on the road. He's a character. Even if he didn't play again, seeing him in good health and able to tell all those stories means a lot but he's playing and loving life!
Up the Irons!
He could have called it a day but he fought back. At that age, waw.
He's a sweet man and one tough mofo too! God is a Maiden fan fo' sure! "Heaven can wait! "Good health & safe travels to Nicko and the whole Maiden family🥁🤘💂🤘🎶🎶🎶
In my late ⏰ 50’s and a Londoner born not far from Nicos childhood home .
Followed Maiden from the very beginning and I’ll be there until the end 😎
To all the doctors and nursing staff at the hospital: thank you, thank you so much for keeping Nicko and his incredible talent with us. It was only because of you and Nicko's hard rehabilitation work, that I was able to fulfill my heart's desire and see Iron Maiden live in Dortmund, Germany for the first time ever.
My Mum had a stroke at the age of 34 that was in 1990. All of her left side was paralyzed. She managed to learn to walk again, but it was more like “dragging her foot behind her”. Her left arm didn't recover and stays paralyzed.
Big love to a great drummer.
nicko has always been one of my heroes..... not only for his drumming, but he's also been such a good role model for drummers and is a complete gentleman... his regard for music so classy, he speaks with such regard about everyone and everything... so glad he's back playing, can't wait to see Maiden in Toronto this October!! See you there Nicko....
Nicko good health!
extremely underrated drummer and - most importantly - a great man !!
Very fortunate man. I had a stroke in March of 2019; my left side is paralyzed as a result; what sucks is that I was a left handed artist and painter. Have not been able to use my left hand since then. I’m very grateful to hear he did not lose the ability to use his right arm or hand! It ain’t no damn fun!
Glad to hear that you’re okay Nicko!
Good bless you all, the whole Heavy Metal community around de the World is very grateful for Help Nicko to recover so fast!
you have jammed a lifetime nicko spend the rest of your life spending those millions!!!! i will always jam to your music sir!!!
Still one of the baddest men in metal👏👏👏 God bless brother!
Legend but down to earth fella in same time.
Amazing work. Thank you all.
Nicko is the best drummer ever. No one like him. Such a nice guy. God bless him.
Been a Maiden fan since 10 yrs old. Was Mr Smith and Mr Murray who caught and held my attention with regards to playing/learning guitar. Somewhere in Time and Number of the Beast on tape! Alot of world famous musicians/actors do good things with their wealth and time. Mr Nicko being a prime example - walloped by a stroke, picked his self up, approached recovery in the correct manner, was very thankful to those who helped, played drums with the Royal Marines assisting to raise funds for associated charity, donated his drum kit from the gig, does various other charity gigs, back to playing with Maiden. That's proper. Respect and All the best.
Well done chum love your drumming & Band I had a spinal stroke in September L/h/s Lost use to clench in my left hand walking with a frame joined a gym & tying to go every day
Holly …… wow… I almost cry of pure felicity. Thank you so much to the doctors, science and everyone involved in Nicko’s recovery. Thank you so much for taking care one of the most precious and beloved legends of the Metal community. Me as an old school metalhead, drummer and Iron Maiden fan, it’s just amazing. Iron f****** Maiden forever. Up the f****** Irons …. See you soon on tour.
84 , 85, 86….. maiden came to Cleveland and ROCKED us EVERY time. Countless drummers mimic your style but none shine as brightly! Rock on Nicko
Good story! About 10 years ago, I made a compliment on Nicko's facebook page about him, thinking others would chime in and tell how they liked Nicko too! Well, imagine my surprise when Nicko actually commented back himself on the thread! I was shocked and happy! Most, if not all, superstars wouldn't even comment back. This is the guy that Nicko is...not big over himself and still genuinely a good person...and an AWESOME drummer! May you give us many more years making people smile on this earth, Nicko! Thanks for being a great role model for people! :)
Fantastic
Hard to believe everyone gets that much care. His own doctor was praising him . No credits from me Doc . I am sure he had the best of care in every single way
If he's as influenctial and successful as he thinks he is, then why is he getting medical assistance from a charity organization
@@DG-sf9ei are you a w--ker?
@@DG-sf9ei Maybe because their the best?
PROUD FOR THIS GUY WITH THE NAME NICKO MCBRAIN.ITS REALLY A HERO.❤❤❤❤❤❤
Saw him in 1983 at the Frankfurt Music Messe. He just tried out some drums. Very polite and unassuming. I was in doubt, but my buddy pointed out: "Hey, that's Nicko McBrain!". He just smiled politely. What a gentleman.
One thing I noticed that was never mentioned here is the possible 'cause' of WHY he had the stroke. Is there a particular reason or possible cause ? Was it caused by certain types of food or drink ? Overexertion or exhaustion ?
@percapita1239 - Actually, if Nicko would have given a possible cause, then maybe he could have helped other people to avoid the same type of mistakes he possibly made. It has absolutely zero to do with "nosing around". Furthermore, if Nicko was a Christian, as he always says he is, then maybe he would have taken a bit of incentive to help other people who may have the same issue such as his. That kinda says something about Nicko, doesn't it? Hmmmm
Wonder if he took the Covid shot before the stroke.
probably yes .
He's quite the character. Never seen him down, always living and enjoying life.
this guy is one of the all-time greats, there should be nothing but support and love for this guy...
So was it the clot inducing MRNA that did it? Or the Astro one?
I had a stroke 4 years ago thanks to the COVID jab but I'm 97 % il never be 100% Well done on your recovery sir keep striving
Good luck to you too
I used to play the drums too as a pure coincidence but now it's all in the past 😥😥😥
what was done was so unbelievably bad, almost no one wants to admit any fault
Sorry to know that. I have congenital heart issues. If I'd taken that shit, bye, bye.
@@HeathenDance Sorry to hear this stay strong never give up
A true English Gentleman. I wish Nicko health and happiness.
Outstanding! As a stroke survivor myself I can relate. I had a stroke when I was 39 years old and 2005. Congratulations on your recovery and every single day you get better and better and better.
Two things now I can assume:first I'm sensitive person and second Nicko is part of my life since "Piece of mind" 1983. God bless you Nicko!
Those vaccines
Sure, strokes didn't exist before 2021, and neither did this hospital unit and the highly skilled staff working there.
Yep.
@@martinpaddlecertainly not in the numbers that they and heart problems/cancers/deaths are since the poisons rolled out.
@@martinpaddleOK. Keep lying to yourself. Nothing has changed since 2020.
Stay scared my friend. Your doctors are out to get you.
Thanks to the medical team for the superb following up on Nicko :) So relieved seeing you back on the drumset again , have good days ahead :) Take care always
I love Nicko, my boys love Nicko. We are a Maiden family. We go to the shows and we send all our love out to Nicko. We are so grateful he's still with us all. Up the Irons! Maiden fans will be here to support this band for life.
What a sound bloke! Nicko, you're determination is inspiring. Yes, a great medical team, but Nicko did the hard work here. All the best for the future. Keep pounding those skins!
I've always been hypnotized by similarity of Bruce, Steve, Nicko faces as if they're siblings.
Nicko is a force of nature. Legions of Iron Maiden fans are grateful for everything that helped in his recovery. Up the irons!🤘
You will find comments from all over the world, from people you'll never meet, that love and care for this man, as if he was one of their own family. So what you do for him, you are doing for the well-being of the entire world, I can guarantee you that much!.
Long time fan of Iron Maiden and Nicko. I’m so glad to see that he is recovering so well. Such a talented musician. We love you, Nicko!
Great to hear some excellent news. I'm so happy that things are going well for Nicko. I saw Iron Maiden once and had a great time. Look forward to more music etc. with Nicko :)
Love Nicko!
Thank you to all for getting him up and running again.
He’s my favorite drummer of all time.
We'd all be lucky to have a doctor like Dr. Swerdloff and therapist O.T Blum!
God bless you Nicko. Up the Irons!
Love Nicko. What a cool, humble, talented and inspirational man...I count myself lucky to have seen him perform live with 'Maiden'.
Thank you for taking care of Nicko! Up the Irons!
Thank you all and God bless you for looking after him! This from a long time Iron Maiden fan. Up The Irons!
We love you, Nicko! Thank you to everyone who has been helping the worlds best heavy metal drummer pull through!
One of the true great personalities in rock...A gentle soul with great love of people and music. His quick witted banter is great
Such an Humble man...All the Best..Nicko...💯👍
Nicko is the most generous caring for others before everything else a true champion bloke. 👍
Nicko is a legend. And quite the gentleman. Long live rock!
The absolute greatest man alive! Nicko is a humble legend and one of the greatest drummers to ever play. Maiden would never have been the same without you Nicko! We love you so much! Thank you for everything! UP THE IRONS FOREVER 🤘
Nicko , buddy, sincere congrats! I’m also a drummer, just turned 59yo. I played on the road for a few years back in early 2000s. Country music. What can I say, I’m from and live in Kentucky. But I can not hold a candle to you , my friend. I may have played country, but I’m a huge rock fan! You, Peart, Copeland, and my favorite since 1978, Phil Rudd, my top influences. So happy for you and of course Maiden! You are one of the good guys and our world needs more Nicko Mcbrains.
As a former stroke patient i have to say press on Nicko! Keep going!
It takes a lot of balls to be open to the public about something like this.
Thank you to the all the medical professionals that helped us get Nicko back
I love Iron Maiden
Congratulations to all who made this man whole again! Congratulations to the patient who worked to rehabilitate himself! ROCK ON!
Zycze duzo zdrowia, dla chlopakow z Iron Maiden. Grajcie do konca swiata i o jeden dzien dluzej.
Non scherziamo lui è il grande batterista dei miei Iron Maiden, Dio ti prego aiuta questo grande uomo❤
Happy birthday Nick. I wish you health 👍😁
When I saw them in September ‘23, you wouldn’t have known he’d had a stroke. I remember his personal video after it happened, so I went in knowing his drumming might not be the same as usual, but he did amazing. What a warrior, just like Bruce after his cancer. The guys in the band are absolute beasts and warriors, I have so much respect for them!
Up the Irons! 🤘🤘
All 1 billlion IRON MAIDEN fans worldwide thank you.
😆
The best luck, man! ❤🙏
How can you not love this guy?
Such good news he's recovering.
i makin this Bro and that was a pure HELL you are lucky or we are lucky to havin you again ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Life is so Fragile Nicko ! Still Life Brother