# Nicko McBrain autobiography release and speaking tour

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nicko-mcbrain-autobiography-release
> Updated: 2026-10-24T03:00:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 4.

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is releasing his autobiography, ‘Hello Boys And Girls!’, alongside a dedicated speaking tour titled ‘An Evening With Nicko McBrain’. The tour is scheduled to begin in Frankfurt on October 26, 2026, with subsequent dates across Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

In recent interviews, McBrain shared a story regarding Ozzy Osbourne, who reportedly saved him from falling overboard during a rough boat crossing of the English Channel. McBrain noted that he had no initial memory of the event until Osbourne asked, “Do you remember when I saved your life?”, explaining that he had caught McBrain as he stumbled toward the railing.

The memoir covers McBrain’s career from the Soho studio scene and his time with bands such as Pat Travers and Trust to his four-decade tenure with Iron Maiden. It also addresses personal health struggles, including a stroke in 2023 and a diagnosis of early-stage larynx cancer. 

In the book, McBrain also reveals that he used heroin in the late 1970s, prior to joining Iron Maiden in 1982. He described his method as ‘chasing the dragon’ via smoking and noted that he felt fortunate to have stopped before his tenure with the band began. He used the revelation to encourage those struggling with substance abuse to seek help, stating, ‘It’s not admitting defeat.’

Following his departure from Iron Maiden touring in late 2024, McBrain has occasionally performed with the band Titanium Tart. Iron Maiden has continued its touring activities with drummer Simon Dawson, while manager Rod Smallwood has stated the band maintains strict secrecy regarding future developments until they are definitive.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Nicko McBrain discusses past heroin use in new autobiography

Former Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain reveals in his autobiography that he used heroin in the late 1970s but successfully quit before joining the band in 1982.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicko-mcbrain-discusses-past-heroin-use-in-new-autobiography

### 2026-10-21: Nicko McBrain launches autobiography and speaking tour

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is releasing his autobiography, ‘Hello Boys and Girls!’, alongside a European speaking tour following his retirement from band touring in late 2024.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iron-maiden-manager-discusses-bands-future-and-drummer-retirement

### 2026-10-17: Nicko McBrain to release Iron Maiden drummer autobiography

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain will release his autobiography, ‘Hello, Boys and Girls!’, featuring a spoken word tour and stories from his career in heavy metal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicko-mcbrain-to-release-iron-maiden-drummer-autobiography

### 2026-09-23: Nicko McBrain reveals Ozzy Osbourne saved his life

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain shared that Ozzy Osbourne saved him from falling overboard during a boat trip across the English Channel, an event McBrain did not initially remember.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicko-mcbrain-reveals-ozzy-osbourne-saved-his-life

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Cite as: Nicko McBrain autobiography release and speaking tour. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nicko-mcbrain-autobiography-release