Iron Maiden fans had a chance to meet Nicko McBrain in Manchester on Wednesday, 21 October, when the former drummer visited HMV at the Arndale Centre to sign copies of his new autobiography, Hello Boys and Girls!
Around 200 people attended the signing, with fans of different generations coming to see a musician who had spent more than forty years behind the drums for one of the world’s biggest heavy metal bands. Some had followed Iron Maiden for decades, while others had discovered their music much more recently.
Manchester was one of five stops on McBrain‘s UK book signing tour. He had already appeared in London on 19 October and Birmingham on 20 October, with Newcastle and Edinburgh following on 22 and 23 October. The autobiography was officially released on 22 October 2026.
The book covers much more than his years with Iron Maiden. Nicko looks back at his childhood in London, his first experiences as a musician and the events that eventually led him to join the band in 1982. He also writes about his personal life and some of the more difficult periods he experienced away from music.
His first album with Iron Maiden was Piece of Mind in 1983, which included ‘The Trooper’ and ‘Flight of Icarus’. It was the beginning of a remarkable career that saw him record numerous albums and perform in front of audiences around the world.
For many fans, McBrain was never just the drummer. His humour, personality and unmistakable playing style made him a favourite among Iron Maiden supporters.
In January 2023, he suffered a stroke that affected his ability to play. Although he returned to performing, he eventually announced his retirement from touring in December 2024. His final concert with Iron Maiden took place in São Paulo, Brazil, on 7 December 2024.
The signing in Manchester gave fans an opportunity they would rarely get at a concert. There was no huge stage or drum kit separating them from McBrain. They could meet him in person, exchange a few words and leave with a signed copy of his book.
With so many years spent recording and touring with Iron Maiden, McBrain certainly has plenty to write about. Hello Boys and Girls! offers fans a closer look at his life, including the years before he became one of heavy metal’s best-known drummers.
