Written By Caine Blackthorn
Former Iron Maiden touring drummer Nicko McBrain has spoken openly about his views on U.S. President Donald Trump, revealing that he declined an invitation to play golf with him.
The comments emerged during an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph, conducted ahead of the October 22 release of McBrain’s autobiography, Hello Boys and Girls!
Nicko McBrain Reveals He Turned Down Donald Trump Golf Invitation
McBrain told The Telegraph that a Republican friend had invited him to join a golf outing with Trump.
His initial reaction was one of surprise:
“You fucking what?”
McBrain said he declined the invitation, telling his friend he would not participate.
Asked about living near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, McBrain gave another characteristically blunt response:
“Too fucking close, mate.”
Nicko McBrain Addresses Trump’s Administration, Epstein Files and Iran
Although McBrain described himself as generally uninterested in partisan politics, he acknowledged holding strong personal opinions about Trump.
“I’m not amused by the narcissism,” McBrain told the publication.
He went on to criticize the controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files and described the war involving Iran in strongly negative terms, attributing responsibility for the conflict to Trump.
The drummer also directed criticism toward U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, predicting that Hegseth would eventually face imprisonment.
McBrain ended his comments with a statement about Trump and members of his administration:
“They should be put in jail.”
These are McBrain’s personal statements and opinions, as reported in The Telegraph. No official position from Iron Maiden was announced in connection with the interview.
Interview Turns Away From Politics
During the conversation, a representative from Iron Maiden’s team reportedly suggested moving away from political discussion.
The interview then continued with subjects surrounding McBrain’s career and autobiography.
Nicko McBrain’s Autobiography Arrives October 22
McBrain’s autobiography, Hello Boys and Girls!, is scheduled for publication on October 22, 2026, through HarperNonFiction.
The musician retired from touring with Iron Maiden in December 2024, following health difficulties that included a stroke in 2023.
His final touring performance took place in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 7, 2024. Simon Dawson subsequently assumed touring duties with the band.
McBrain will also embark on a spoken-word tour supporting the autobiography, beginning October 26 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Source: Nicko McBrain interview, The Telegraph, October 2026
About The Author
Caine Blackthorn writes music news, trending topics, commentary, and feature pieces for Metal Lair with a focus on the shifting culture surrounding rock and heavy metal. From rising ticket prices and touring collapse to legacy artists, industry absurdity, and the changing soul of live music, his work blends sharp observation with the grit, humor, and frustration of the scene itself. Whether covering modern chaos or metal history, Caine approaches heavy music as something lived through, not simply reported on.
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