For a long time, Nicko McBrain criticized the use of double bass drums.
The former Iron Maiden drummer revisits that stance, which he had already questioned in the past, and names the musicians who helped change his mind.
Nicko McBrain on double bass drumming
In a recent interview with Loudwire, McBrain explains the reasons for his earlier reluctance.
“Back in the ’80s, I was pretty critical of drummers who used two bass drums. I didn’t think they really had a place in drumming. […] For me, playing just one was complicated enough, so why bother with two?”
He now acknowledges the benefits of the technique. “Actually, with two pedals, some rhythms are easier to play…”
Extreme metal drummers changed his perspective
McBrain singles out the former Slipknot drummer.
“Joey was unbelievably fast, and what an exceptional drummer! It’s really sad that he passed away so young… That also made me reconsider my views.”
He also mentions the “impressive” Derek Roddy, Billy Cobham and Terry Bozzio. “You think you’ve reached the limits of what’s possible, and then you see others come along with incredible rhythm changes and technique. It’s beautiful.”
Despite this shift, McBrain stuck with a single pedal for most of his career. He did, however, use a double pedal on Face In The Sand, from the album Dance Of Death (2003), at guitarist Adrian Smith’s request.
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