# Nicko McBrain vs Mikkey Dee — Drum Kit Comparison > Side-by-side gear comparison between Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) and Mikkey Dee (Motörhead/Scorpions). **Category:** Classic Heavy Metal · **URL:** https://metalforge.io/vs/nicko-mcbrain-vs-mikkey-dee Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain vs Motörhead's Mikkey Dee. Two titans of British heavy metal drumming compared. Technique, gear, and legacy analyzed. --- ## Nicko McBrain Setup - **Drums:** Sonor SQ2 Series - **Cymbals:** Paiste 2002 & Signature Series (14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 16" & 18" Power Crashes, 22" Power Ride, 20" China) - **Snare:** Sonor Nicko McBrain Signature 14x6.5" - **Pedals/Hardware:** Sonor 600 Series Hardware, Single Bass Drum Pedal - **Sticks:** Vic Firth Nicko McBrain Signature ## Mikkey Dee Setup - **Drums:** Sonor Artist Series - **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom & K Series (14" A Custom Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" A Custom Crashes, 22" K Custom Ride, 20" Oriental China) - **Snare:** Sonor signature snare 14x6.5" - **Pedals/Hardware:** Sonor hardware with double bass pedal - **Sticks:** Zildjian Mikkey Dee Signature ## Drummer Profiles ### Nicko McBrain Nicko McBrain (born Michael Henry McBrain; June 5, 1952, in New Malden, Surrey, England) is the drummer for Iron Maiden, a position he has held since 1982. Nicko replaced Clive Burr ahead of the "Piece of Mind" album and has been integral to the band's sound ever since. His playing combines technical complexity with powerful delivery, anchoring Iron Maiden's galloping, progressive heavy metal through decades of iconic recordings. Nicko is celebrated for intricate patterns executed with apparent ease, tight dynamics across epic-length songs, and a signature single-bass-drum technique that belies the complexity of Iron Maiden's rhythmic architecture. ### Mikkey Dee Mikkey Dee (born Micael Kiriakos Delaoglou; October 31, 1963, in Gothenburg, Sweden) is a Swedish drummer who became Motörhead's iconic sticksman from 1992 until Lemmy Kilmister's death in 2015. Originally recruited after touring with King Diamond and Dokken, Mikkey brought explosive raw power to Motörhead's already ferocious sound. His double bass attack, thunderous snare, and relentless energy helped define Motörhead's later years as the band's most celebrated live era. Since 2016, Mikkey has been the drummer for Scorpions. ## Playing Style Nicko delivers galloping rhythms and complex patterns that underpin Iron Maiden's progressive metal epics. Mikkey brings explosive raw power and relentless drive to Motörhead's high-speed rock and roll. ## Technique Nicko is a single-bass master known for intricate galloping patterns and dynamic control across long songs. Mikkey employs double bass for thunderous speed, hard-hitting snare, and a no-frills aggressive attack. ## Key Differences - **Setup:** Nicko uses a single bass drum; Mikkey uses a double bass pedal setup for added speed and power. - **Cymbal brand:** Both use high-end professional cymbal lines — Nicko favors Paiste for cutting brightness; Mikkey uses Zildjian for warmth and attack. - **Style:** Nicko prioritizes technical complexity and melodic feel; Mikkey maximizes raw power and straight-ahead aggression. - **Song length:** Nicko regularly plays 10–15 minute compositions; Mikkey anchors high-energy two-to-four-minute rock and roll blasts. ## Influence & Legacy Nicko shaped British heavy metal drumming through four decades and hundreds of millions of Iron Maiden records sold worldwide. Mikkey anchored Motörhead's final and most celebrated live era, earning legendary status in hard rock and metal before carrying on with Scorpions. ## Verdict Nicko McBrain is the technical architect of Iron Maiden's galloping sound — complex, melodic, and precise. Mikkey Dee is the raw force that made Motörhead's final years their most powerful. Both are irreplaceable NWOBHM legends who defined their respective bands' sound. For pure technicality and compositional drumming, Nicko edges ahead; for sheer power and intensity, Mikkey is unmatched. ## FAQ **Q: What are the main differences between Nicko McBrain's and Mikkey Dee's drum kits?** A: Both play Sonor drums, but Nicko McBrain uses Paiste 2002 & Signature cymbals while Mikkey Dee uses Zildjian A Custom & K Series. Nicko uses a single bass drum; Mikkey uses a double bass pedal for added power and speed. **Q: What drums does Nicko McBrain play vs Mikkey Dee?** A: Nicko McBrain plays Sonor SQ2 Series drums. Mikkey Dee plays Sonor Artist Series drums. Both are high-end Sonor endorsers. **Q: Who is the better classic heavy metal drummer, Nicko McBrain or Mikkey Dee?** A: Both are legends in their own right. Nicko McBrain excels in technical complexity and melodic drumming with Iron Maiden. Mikkey Dee brings explosive power and raw energy with Motörhead. See the full analysis at [metalforge.io/vs/nicko-mcbrain-vs-mikkey-dee](https://metalforge.io/vs/nicko-mcbrain-vs-mikkey-dee). **Q: What cymbals do Nicko McBrain and Mikkey Dee use?** A: Nicko McBrain uses Paiste 2002 & Signature Series cymbals including 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, Power Crashes, and a 22" Power Ride. Mikkey Dee uses Zildjian A Custom & K Series cymbals including A Custom Hi-Hats and a K Custom Ride. **Q: Who played drums on Iron Maiden's best albums vs Motörhead's best albums?** A: Nicko McBrain has drummed on all Iron Maiden albums from "Piece of Mind" (1983) onward, including classics like "Powerslave," "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son," and "The Number of the Beast" (though Clive Burr played that one). Mikkey Dee joined Motörhead in 1992, appearing on "March ör Die" through their final album "Bad Magic" (2015). --- *Full comparison: [metalforge.io/vs/nicko-mcbrain-vs-mikkey-dee](https://metalforge.io/vs/nicko-mcbrain-vs-mikkey-dee)* *[Nicko McBrain drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/nicko-mcbrain)* *[Mikkey Dee drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mikkey-dee)* *[Related: Nicko McBrain vs Lars Ulrich](https://metalforge.io/vs/nicko-mcbrain-vs-lars-ulrich)* --- *Last updated: 2026-06-24 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*