NICKO MCBRAIN Explains Why He Originally Thought It Was ‘Un-Drummer-Ish’ For Drummers To Play Double-Bass Drums

IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain says he once considered double-bass drumming “un-drummer-ish”, but now recognises how it can make fast patterns easier to play. His change of view reflects his appreciation for how newer drummers have expanded the technique and pushed the instrument’s speed and complexity.

In the 1980s, McBrain thought one bass drum was difficult enough and saw no reason to add another; he also admired jazz drummers who used two. He now praises players such as Joey Jordison and Derek Roddy, while explaining that he chose to stick with one pedal after years of practice. He has used a double pedal on IRON MAIDEN’s “Face In The Sand”, when the song’s rhythm and his stamina called for it.