Nicko McBrain explained how he avoided becoming dependent on heroin after experimenting with the drug before joining Iron Maiden. His account describes his experience and his advice to people facing substance-use problems.

The drummer, who retired from touring with Iron Maiden in 2024, said the episode was over before he joined the band in 1982. He attributed his ability to stop to what he described as a genetic trait.

“This was a period where I was introduced to the higher echelons of people in the music industry and in other walks of life, shall we say,” McBrain told Classic Rock in a recent interview.

READ MORE: Nicko McBrain Leaves Door Open to Playing With Iron Maiden

“I never put it in my arm. I just chased the dragon, as we used to call it: put it on silver paper and fire it up, then puff it up through a straw. Here’s the thing: God blessed me with this gene where I could just turn that tap off. Same with smoking, same with drinking.”

He continued: “I was lucky enough to have this gene, so when I stopped, I didn’t go cold turkey – I got a bit antsy, and I got the cold sweats and the shivers, but I was very fortunate not to get really deep into the rabbit hole. I’d already knocked that on the head prior to getting the offer to come on board with Maiden.”

McBrain also urged people experiencing substance-use problems to seek support. “Anyone who’s struggling with substance issues, go get help – there’s people out there to help you. It’s not admitting defeat.”

How did Nicko McBrain describe Iron Maiden slowing down?

McBrain said he thought Iron Maiden might continue until a band member decided they could no longer perform. He linked the band’s approach to tempo with maintaining their ability to keep playing.

McBrain’s view was that the band could consider another record after its announced North American tour, if the members chose to make one. He told Rockonteurs that he expected the band to continue until someone said, “I can’t do it anymore.”

“Even the baby of the band’s now 67, I think,” he told Rockonteurs. “Harry [Steve Harris] is next down from me. But I think they just announced a North American tour. I think, having seen them do that, there might be time to do a new record after that, if they do decide to do one. I personally think they’ll go until somebody else in the band says, ‘I can’t do it anymore.'”

Reflecting on his final years with Iron Maiden, McBrain said some song tempos were closer to their original recorded pace. He described the adjustment as a way to support the band’s longevity, rather than as evidence that the group was slowing down.

He added of his final years with the band: “I’ve got to admit, some of the tempos of the songs are more where they were when they were recorded. I’m not saying they’re slowing down, but they’re trying to make it so they can [maintain] longevity, you know what I mean? They’re all getting on now.”