From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia Michael Henry Nicko McBrain born 5 June 1954 is an English musician best known as the drummer for Iron Maiden which he joined in 1982 Prior to joining Iron Maiden McBrain drummed for Pat Travers from 1976 to 1978 as well as the French political punk band Trust His first formal band was The Streetwalkers a blues band The nickname Nicko originated from when the keyboard player Billy Day introduced him as My Italian drummer his names Nicko McBrain himself states that as a child he had a stuffed animal bear named Nicholas that he always carried with him so much so that his parents began calling him Nicky also McBrain is frequently included in top drummer league tables and rankings as a result of his very influential and skillful performances in studio and on stage Recently he has been ranked at No 18 in Rhythm Magazines 50 Greatest Drummers Of All Time McBrain is known for his affable joking personality eagerness for interviews and public appearances Description above from the Wikipedia article Nicko McBrain licensed under CCBYSAfull list of contributors on Wikipedia