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“That’s definitely my favourite album. It’s all pretty much perfect.” Nicko McBrain ranks Iron Maiden’s albums, from worst to best
Iron Maiden's former drummer Nicko McBrain has ranked the band's studio albums from worst to best during a fan event at his restaurant in Coral Springs, Florida. McBrain, who retired from touring with the band in 2024, took part in the exercise at his Rock n Roll Ribs venue, hosted by podcaster Capnharris, giving fans a rare and candid insight into how a founding member rates Maiden's back catalogue.
Presented with albums in random order, McBrain arranged them by greatness on a board featuring his puppet "Sooty". He placed the band's self-titled 1980 debut at the very bottom, saying the production "wasn't the greatest" though still calling it "a good album", while naming 2006's A Matter of Life and Death as his favourite, describing it as "pretty much perfect".
In short
- Nicko McBrain ranked all Iron Maiden studio albums worst to best
- He rated 1980's Iron Maiden the weakest of the bunch
- A Matter of Life and Death (2006) was named his top pick
Explained simply
Iron Maiden are a British heavy metal band with decades of history and a devoted global fanbase. They have released many studio albums and remain significant figures in rock and metal music. Fans have long followed how the band's creative output evolved across different eras.
Nicko McBrain has been Iron Maiden's drummer for much of the band's existence, appearing on many of their studio releases. He recently retired from touring with Iron Maiden in 2024 after many decades as a core member. His perspective on the band's recorded work carries weight given his central role in their creative output.
Rankings and assessments from musicians can illuminate what they felt worked best in their own work. When a member of a band offers their view on their albums, fans gain insight into the creative process and priorities. McBrain's extensive experience with the band makes his perspective of particular interest to followers of Iron Maiden's work.