Nicko McBrain Drum Kit Evolution — Complete Gear History | MetalForge
How Nicko McBrain's drum setup evolved from 1983 to today. Every kit change across Iron Maiden's discography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Nicko McBrain's drum kit changed over the years?
Nicko McBrain's setup evolved across 3 distinct eras with Iron Maiden, from the "Pearl DLX / Yamaha Recording Custom Era" (1983–1988) to their current setup. See the full era-by-era gear breakdown on MetalForge.
What was Nicko McBrain's first drum kit?
Nicko McBrain's earliest documented setup was during the "Pearl DLX / Yamaha Recording Custom Era" (1983–1988). Nicko McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982, replacing Clive Burr, and made his studio debut on Piece of Mind (1983). He signed with Pearl in 1984, playing a Pearl DLX kit for the Powerslave world tour and Live After Death — his most documented and photographed setup of the era — alongside a new DW 5000 single pedal. In 1985 he switched to a Yamaha Recording Custom kit, which carried him through Somewhere in Time (1986) and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988). His famous single bass drum and single pedal — never a double kick — was already the defining technical signature of his playing.
How many gear eras does Nicko McBrain have documented?
MetalForge documents 3 distinct gear eras for Nicko McBrain, spanning 1982-Present.