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Heavy metal icon Nicko McBrain has officially announced the upcoming release of his deeply personal and long-awaited autobiography, Hello Boys And Girls!, set to hit shelves on October 22, 2026. Published by Harper Nonfiction, the memoir promises an unfiltered, “laugh-out-loud” look at the drummer’s legendary 42-year tenure with Iron Maiden, from the mean streets of Soho to the pinnacle of global rock stardom.

The announcement comes just over a year after McBrain’s emotional retirement from the band in December 2024, a decision fueled by a grueling battle with health issues including a 2023 stroke that left him partially paralyzed and a previous bout with laryngeal cancer. For the first time, the 73-year-old musician is opening up about the “darkest hours” of his recovery and the difficult choice to hand his drumsticks to successor Simon Dawson to ensure the band’s legacy remained uncompromised. Watch the full breakdown of Nicko’s journey and book details below.

“I Wasn’t Doing the Songs Justice”: The Truth Behind the Exit

McBrain’s retirement on December 7, 2024, following a final show in São Paulo, Brazil, shocked the “legion” of Iron Maiden fans. In a recent candid interview with Eddie Trunk, McBrain clarified that his decision was rooted in professional integrity rather than a lack of passion.

“I had my health issues… and I wasn’t doing the songs justice because of the handicap that I had,” McBrain admitted. While he noted that his bandmates supported him 100 percent through The Future Past Tour, he felt it was unfair to continue if he could no longer perform the intricate drum fills that defined Maiden’s sound for four decades. Despite his technical struggles, he humorously noted that he was actually “told off” in his final rehearsals for playing the songs too fast.

Also – Iron Maiden Albums Ranked From Worst to Best: The Definitive 17-Album Verdict

From Soho Sessions to Metal Royalty

The book, Hello Boys And Girls!, will detail McBrain’s rise from a London session musician to replacing Clive Burr in 1982. Bringing a level of finesse and dexterity that allowed bassist Steve Harris to explore more adventurous musical paths, McBrain became the third longest-tenured member in the band’s history.

“I am blessed to be able to finally share my path to where I am today, in my own words, with the world,” McBrain stated regarding the Harper Nonfiction collaboration. The memoir is expected to cover his work with Streetwalkers and Pat Travers, as well as the “brotherhood” that sustained him through his 2023 stroke and 2021 cancer diagnosis.

Life After Maiden: Florida and Beyond

Currently residing in Florida with his wife Rebecca and their pets, McBrain remains a beloved figure in the community. While Simon Dawson has taken over the throne in Iron Maiden, Nicko’s influence remains the bedrock of the band’s dynamic sound. The autobiography will be available in hardback, ebook, and audio formats this October.

Check This Out – Forty-One Years Later, Why Iron Maiden’s Powerslave is More Than a Masterpiece

FAQ

When does Nicko McBrain’s book come out? Hello Boys And Girls! will be published on October 22, 2026.

Why did Nicko McBrain retire from Iron Maiden? McBrain retired due to health complications, including a stroke in 2023 that affected his ability to perform his signature complex drum fills.

Who replaced Nicko McBrain in Iron Maiden? He has been replaced by Simon Dawson, a former session drummer and longtime collaborator of Steve Harris in British Lion.

How long was Nicko McBrain in Iron Maiden? Nicko officially joined the band in December 1982 and served as their drummer for 42 years until his retirement in December 2024.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of today’s stories on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast, or crank the hard rock and metal 24/7 on our live digital stream at LoadedRadio.com.

Check This Out – Beyond the Legends: IRON MAIDEN vs. JUDAS PRIEST – Which Band Truly Defined Heavy Metal’s Golden Age?

TL;DR:

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is releasing his autobiography Hello Boys And Girls! on Oct 22, 2026. The book follows his 2024 retirement and details his health battles and legendary career.

The post IRON MAIDEN LEGEND REVEALS ALL: Nicko McBrain Confirms New Autobiography “Hello Boys And Girls!” Following Heartbreaking Retirement appeared first on Loaded Radio.

New Yorker, who also worked with Cheap Trick and Patti Smith, has died at 80. Continue reading…

Did you know that the Cannes Film Festival even had an opening ceremony? I did not. Apparently, though, it’s a staple of the festival, which began today. At that ceremony earlier today, noted Beatles obsessive Peter Jackson was presented with the Honorary Palme d’Or. Jackson then sat at the side of the stage, awkwardly singing…

The post Watch Oklou & Theodora Cover The Beatles At The Cannes Film Festival Opening Ceremony appeared first on Stereogum.

Some farewell shows are being planned.

The post Vocalist Dave Ingram To Exit Benediction Amid Health Concerns appeared first on Theprp.com.

He has a new album on the way, and it was created differently than his previous LPs. Continue reading…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mephisto Odyssey’s “CRASH: Reborn (Falling Star Edition)” Featuring Wayne Static Surpasses 1 Million Views, Earns Coverage From Metal Insider
Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that Mephisto Odyssey’s powerful reimagining, CRASH: Reborn (Falling Star Edition) featuring the late Wayne Static of Static-X , continues gaining major momentum following new coverage from Metal Insider .
The release has now surpassed over 1 million views on YouTube, further cementing its impact among longtime industrial metal fans and a new generation discovering the collaboration for the first time.
Originally tied to the 2000 animated film Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker , the track has been completely reimagined by Mephisto Odyssey founder Mikael Johnston as part of the project’s 25th anniversary celebration. The updated version delivers a darker, more refined take on the original while preserving the raw intensity that made the track stand out in the first place.
The new version also includes contributions from legendary guitarist Brad Gillis of Night Ranger and Koichi Fukuda , bringing additional depth and atmosphere to the release.
According to Metal Insider, the accompanying video was directed by Len Wiseman and William Instone , blending archival footage with newly filmed material to create a modern visual experience rooted in the original era of the song.
Johnston commented on the overwhelming response:


“This project started as something deeply personal, a way to honor Wayne and finish something we believed in. Seeing it connect with over a million people around the world, without a major label push, is incredible. It proves the music still hits just as hard today.”


The renewed attention follows earlier industry coverage surrounding the release and ongoing discussions about the project’s complicated rollout. Despite the obstacles, fan support has continued pushing the release forward organically, proving the lasting legacy of Wayne Static and the enduring power of industrial metal done right.
For fans of Mephisto Odyssey, Static-X, and late ‘90s/early 2000s industrial metal, CRASH: Reborn (Falling Star Edition) stands as both a tribute to Wayne Static’s legacy and a modern rebirth of a cult classic.
Media Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com
Check out the Metal Insider feature here:
https://metalinsider.net/news/mephisto-odyssey-and-wayne-statics-crash-reborn-surpass-1-million-views

Justin Jones and DJ Winstead: Idle Threat was originally published on HM Magazine by Nao Glover.

Cullen and Mason chat with Justin and DJ from Idle Threat about the band’s new album, how the band still love each other in the midst of differences, and much more. Check out Idle Threat and listen to the BlackSheep podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker. You can also follow us on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube.

Justin Jones and DJ Winstead: Idle Threat was originally published on HM Magazine by Nao Glover.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Parthian Featured In Major Metal Hammer Interview Discussing Mortuorum , Loss, Resilience, And The Future Of Progressive Death Metal

Progressive death metal force Parthian continue building momentum behind their acclaimed album Mortuorum with a newly published in-depth interview in the legendary Metal Hammer magazine.
In the extensive feature, titled “Parthian – Inside ‘Mortuorum’: pain, resilience and extreme metal” , the band opens up about the deeply personal tragedies that shaped the record, the emotional catharsis behind the songwriting process, and their fearless approach to pushing the boundaries of progressive death metal.
Originally conceived as a “book of death,” Mortuorum evolved naturally into something far more personal as the band endured devastating losses throughout the writing and recording process. Rather than retreat from the pain, Parthian transformed it into one of the most emotionally raw and musically adventurous releases of their career.
“We used this album as a form of therapy,” the band explained in the interview. “Music has always been so for us individually, but for this record we leaned even more, as a group, on the healing aspect of music.”
The interview dives deep into the making of tracks like “Martyrless” , “Viscera of Eternal Damnation” , and the ambitious closer “Blasphemian Rhapsody” , while also exploring the band’s use of cinematic influences, theatrical elements, and unconventional genre experimentation.
Parthian also discusses the importance of balancing technical musicianship with genuine emotional weight, emphasizing melody and storytelling over empty flash. Vocalist Adam reveals some of the album’s most powerful moments came from leaving imperfections intact during recording sessions, allowing real grief and vulnerability to shine through.
With Mortuorum , Parthian has delivered more than just an extreme metal album. They’ve created a cathartic and uncompromising artistic statement about survival, brotherhood, grief, and perseverance.
The full interview is now live through Metal Hammer. https://www.metalhammer.it/interviste/2026/04/05/parthian/
For press inquiries, interviews, or review copies contact:
📩 zach@metaldevastationradio.com

Connect: 
https://linktr.ee/parthianband
Contact: parthian.band@gmail.com

Guess when ‘905 Day’ is taking place this year?

The post Counterparts Announce Hometown Show With I Promised The World, Balmora & More appeared first on Theprp.com.

At this point, just about everyone has heard of Angine de Poitrine. Even if the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, chances are you’ve seen the unmistakable spotted duo somewhere online. The Canadian pair are undeniably having a big moment right now; although they’ve been active since 2019, their recent surge in popularity has turned … Continue reading Gig Review: Angine de Poitrine / Yoo Doo Right – Electric Ballroom, London (11th May 2026)