McBrain Recounts Heroin Escape Before Maiden
The former Iron Maiden drummer describes how he stopped heroin use before joining the band in 1982 and speculates on the group's future.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Metal
Nicko McBrain described how he avoided heroin addiction before joining Iron Maiden. He said he smoked the drug on silver paper but never injected it, and that he stopped by tapering off rather than quitting abruptly.
Why it matters
McBrain's account offers a first-hand look at drug use in the period before he entered one of heavy metal's most prominent bands. His remarks also address the band's longevity, which fans have followed closely since his 2024 retirement from touring.
Simon Dawson, who replaced McBrain, is 63 years old, and Iron Maiden's youngest current member is 67, according to the interview. The interview did not specify how long McBrain used heroin before tapering off.
The players
Nicko McBrain
Nicko McBrain is the English drummer best known for his long tenure with the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, which began in 1982.
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band formed in London in 1975 and known for its long-running touring career and influential sound.
Simon Dawson
Simon Dawson is the drummer who replaced Nicko McBrain in Iron Maiden following McBrain's retirement from touring.
The details
McBrain said he chased heroin by placing it on silver paper, firing it up and inhaling through a straw, and never injected it. He said he stopped without going cold turkey, experiencing antsiness, cold sweats and shivers, and attributed his ability to quit to a genetic trait.
Timeline
1982: McBrain joins Iron Maiden after his heroin episode ends.
2024: McBrain retires from touring with the band.
Legacy Band Longevity
Iron Maiden, formed in 1975, has sustained a touring career spanning five decades, and McBrain's 2024 retirement from touring marks a generational transition for the group. McBrain's comments on whether the band will keep recording and touring extend a long-running question about how veteran heavy metal acts remain active.
Iron Maiden has announced a North American tour, giving fans in the region a chance to see the band perform. McBrain said the band might record a new album following that tour.
The takeaway
McBrain's account shows that stepping back from a demanding touring schedule can be part of a long career's natural arc. Fans following veteran bands should watch for announced tours and recording plans, since those dates often shape how long a group remains active.
Further reading
Explore more heavy metal coverage in our Metal section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by i95 ROCK.
