# Nicko McBrain opens up about using heroin – and how he kicked it

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nicko-mcbrain-opens-up-about-using-heroin-and-how-he-kicked-it/
- Published: 2026-11-08T04:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T04:20:19+00:00
- Original publisher: Louder
- Original article: https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/i-never-put-it-in-my-arm-i-just-chased-the-dragon-ex-iron-maiden-drummer-nicko-mcbrain-opens-up-about-using-heroin-and-how-he-kicked-it
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- McBrain says he used heroin in the late 1970s.
- He had stopped before joining Iron Maiden in 1982.
- He encourages people facing substance issues to seek help.

## Summary

Former Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain says he used heroin in the late 1970s, but was fortunate not to become addicted. He had stopped before joining the band in 1982 and urges people struggling with substance use to seek help.

McBrain says he smoked heroin from foil rather than injecting it, and recalls experiencing cold sweats, shivers and restlessness when he stopped. His autobiography also recounts how he was put on retainer as a possible replacement for Clive Burr, who left Iron Maiden by the end of 1982.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.