Nicko McBrain Fears He Can't Play Drums Anymore Due To Stroke

Nicko Mcbrain (Instagram @ironmaiden)

JAKARTA - Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain admits he is worried that he will never be able to play drums again, after suffering a stroke.

McBrain suffered a minor stroke in January which left him partially paralyzed on his right side, from the shoulder down.

He underwent 10 weeks of 'intensive therapy' in a bid to return to full strength, and in May he was ready to start training with other band members, ahead of their recent The Future Past tour.

Now, in his new interview with Metal Hammer magazine, he tells about his experience. "It's very, very difficult," he said.

"When it first happened, I thought, this is it, I won't be able to play. I have a tour within three months. I have plenty of time to reflect in the hospital. My wife is really a strength stronghold and encouragement for me and she is always with me.."

He also talked about the support he received from other Iron Maiden members.

Throughout this period of time, I was in touch with Steve [Harris]. Of course, everyone, and I had a chance to chat a little with them over the phone and they were all very, very encouraging, and nothing more than Steve," said Nicko.

"He said, 'Listen, the most important thing is that you get well and try to recover.'

In August, Nicko shared information about his health problems by saying he wanted to focus on his performances before delivering the news to fans.

"I feel it's important to let you know about this now, not before, because I'm more focused on doing my job and concentrating on getting back to 100 percent fitness," he said at the time.

"I haven't got there yet but thanks to God I got better and stronger over time."

In October, Nicko revealed that he was almost fully recovered, saying that he was 85 to 90 percent returning to power, but admitted that he was still experiencing difficulties with speed and dexterity of his fingers.