Legendary heavy metal drummer of Iron Maiden fame, Nicko McBrain, thrilled sell-out audiences with the force of his powerful drumming in ‘The Maiden Legacy’ (a stirring new medley of the band’s classic hits ‘The Trooper, ‘Wasted Years’ and ‘Run To The Hills’) that he played alongside 100+musicians of the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines’ and world-renowned Corps of Drums at this weekend’s 52nd Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall (8th-9th March 2024).
Nicko’s now historic and never-to-be repeated ‘Legacy of the Royals‘ drum kit is being auctioned to raise money for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity and the Grand Order of Water Rats charity, through an online auction that closes at 22:00 on Thursday 14th November 2024.
Incorporating vibrant, full colour illustrations, the entire kit comprises 11 drums custom-made by the British Drum Company, plus all the hardware that goes with it, including a full set of Paiste cymbals and a painted 40” gong, each item of equipment coming with its own custom Hardcase© protective case.
This year is the 360th anniversary of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, and in recognition of this historic milestone, each spectacular hand-crafted drum features Iron Maiden’s Eddie mascot in a different Royal Marines uniform from 1664 to the present day, with a Spean Bridge Memorial background featured on all drums.
Caroline Casey, Director of Fundraising at RMA – The Royal Marines Charity says: “Nicko’s incredible ‘Legacy of the Royals’ drum kit is without doubt a one-of-a-kind item with a unique provenance. It is guaranteed to become a much-sought after collectors’ item and attract significant interest from across the world.
We are incredibly privileged and absolutely over the moon by the generosity of both Nicko and the British Drum Company for choosing our Charity as one to benefit from this fantastic auction. In November, someone somewhere in the world will become the proud owner of a truly original piece of Iron Maiden history – and in doing so, pay homage to the exceptional Royal Marines Commandos. The auction has already started to drum up a lot of excitement!”
Lieutenant Colonel Huw Williams RM, Principal Director of Music for RMBS, adds: ““We had an incredible collaboration with Nicko, who performed a fantastic piece with us which was really exciting for all involved.
As always, a wide variety of styles and pieces was played at this year’s concert. Alongside the regular ceremonial pieces and modern arrangements, we also had guest artists including pipers and dancers from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and athletes from the Invictus Games.”
Photo credit: The British Drum Company