Brave New World Drum Setup: Nicko McBrain's Gear on Iron Maiden's 2000 Reunion Masterpiece | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums does Nicko McBrain use on Brave New World?

Nicko McBrain recorded Brave New World (2000) on a Premier Artist kit — his professional setup during the Iron Maiden reunion era. The configuration featured a single 22-inch bass drum, three rack toms (10, 12, and 13 inch), and two floor toms (16 and 18 inch). The birch/basswood shells delivered a punchy, focused tone suited to Kevin Shirley's powerful production approach at Barnyard Studios. For Nicko's complete gear history across his Iron Maiden career, see the [Nicko McBrain drummer profile](/drummer/nicko-mcbrain).

What is Nicko McBrain's technique on The Wicker Man?

Nicko McBrain's technique on 'The Wicker Man' centres on Iron Maiden's signature galloping bass drum pattern — a triplet-based single-pedal rhythm at approximately 155 BPM that creates the song's driving forward momentum. The right foot executes the gallop on a single bass drum pedal (no double bass), while the hi-hat drives steady 16th-note or eighth-note patterns above. The snare on beats two and four provides the backbeat anchor. This combination of single-pedal gallop, driving hi-hats, and precise snare placement is the rhythmic foundation of Iron Maiden's sound, and 'The Wicker Man' is one of the clearest modern examples. See the [Nicko McBrain drummer profile](/drummer/nicko-mcbrain) for his single-pedal technique breakdown.

Was Brave New World Iron Maiden's first album with Bruce Dickinson back?

Yes — Brave New World (2000) was the first Iron Maiden album featuring Bruce Dickinson since Fear of the Dark (1992). Dickinson departed Iron Maiden in 1993 and pursued a solo career before rejoining the band in 1999 alongside returning guitarist Adrian Smith. Brave New World was the reunion album, recorded at Barnyard Studios in Essex in late 1999 and early 2000. It debuted at number one in the UK and Germany — a commercial and critical vindication of the reunion. The album is the most-searched Iron Maiden reunion record and forms the essential link between the classic 1980s catalog and the band's acclaimed 21st-century albums, including [Dance of Death (2003)](/articles/dance-of-death-drum-setup) and [The Final Frontier (2010)](/articles/final-frontier-drum-setup).

How much did Nicko McBrain's Brave New World kit cost?

Nicko McBrain's Premier Artist kit in the Brave New World era would have cost approximately $2,500 to $3,500 new in 2000. The Premier Signia snare added $400 to $600, and a full Paiste Signature cymbal setup ranged from $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the exact cymbals selected. Vic Firth Nicko McBrain Signature sticks retailed at approximately $15 to $20 per pair. Total estimated cost for a comparable setup: $5,000 to $7,000.