Legendary Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain ranked the band’s albums from worst to best during a fan event at his barbecue spot in Florida. A fan captured the moment on video. McBrain placed the band’s 1980 self-titled debut at the bottom of the list while naming A Matter of Life and Death as his all-time favorite.
Speaking about his decision to rank Iron Maiden last, McBrain acknowledged the album’s shortcomings while still giving it credit.
“Putting the self-titled album, ‘Iron Maiden,’ at the bottom of the list — I’ll tell you what, the production on that wasn’t the greatest, but nevertheless, still a good album,” McBrain said.
When it came to his favorite, McBrain was equally direct, singling out specific tracks that made the record stand out for him.
“‘A Matter of Life and Death’ is definitely my favorite album,” he continued. “For the Greater Good of God, Lord of Light, The Legacy. It’s all pretty much perfect.”
The event took place at Rock N Roll Ribs, McBrain’s restaurant in Coral Springs, Florida. The venue has become a regular gathering point for rock fans and a personal passion project for the drummer. The restaurant recently celebrated its 16th anniversary with a live performance by McBrain alongside guitarist Pat Travers.
McBrain’s full ranking placed A Matter of Life and Death at number one, with the band’s 2022 album Senjutsu coming in third. The 2006 record is built almost entirely on extended, progressive compositions — a style that clearly resonates with McBrain on a personal level. It was performed in its entirety on the accompanying world tour, a bold move that divided some fans at the time but has since earned widespread critical respect.
The self-titled debut holds a different kind of significance in the band’s history. Released in 1980, it marked Iron Maiden’s introduction to the world and helped define the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Its raw production has always been a point of contention among listeners — and, apparently, the band’s own drummer.
McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982, two years after the self-titled album was recorded. His tenure with the band spans over four decades, making him one of the longest-serving members and a central figure in the group’s most celebrated era.
