Longtime Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has revealed that he flatly rejected an invitation to join Donald Trump on the golf course, offering a scathing critique of the former U.S. president and his administration in a candid new interview with The British publication The Telegraph.

McBrain, who famously stepped away from his rigorous touring duties with the legendary heavy metal institution Iron Maiden in late 2024 after an astonishing 42-year tenure behind the drum kit, made the remarks while promoting his upcoming autobiographical memoir, Hello Boys and Girls! The book, scheduled for release on November 10, chronicles his unlikely trajectory from a working-class childhood in North London to global rock stardom as the rhythmic backbone of one of the most influential heavy metal acts in musical history.

However, it was not merely the reflections on his decades-long career that dominated headlines from the interview, but rather his unfiltered political opinions and an anecdote regarding a rejected presidential liaison.

The Rejected Invitation and Direct Condemnation

According to McBrain, the approach came via an acquaintance who identified as a staunch supporter of the Republican politician. The intermediary extended an invitation for the iconic drummer to participate in a round of golf alongside Trump himself.

Recalling the exchange to The Telegraph, McBrain did not mince words regarding his immediate reaction. "A friend of mine who’s a massive Republican said, ‘Oh, do you want to come and play golf with us? With the president?’ And I said, ‘You fucking what?’… and I just said, ‘No. No, mate.’"

The drummer elaborated further on his decision, making it clear that his refusal stemmed from a deep-seated aversion to Trump’s public persona, administrative policies, and controversial political figures within his orbit. Despite prefacing his remarks by claiming he is not traditionally "politically inclined," McBrain offered a comprehensive and fiery indictment of the political landscape surrounding the former president.

"I’m not politically inclined, although I must be because I have my thoughts about him," McBrain stated. "I’m not amused by the narcissism, and all this kerfuffle about the Epstein files and whatnot, and especially the debauched war that he’s put on Iran. And this Pete Hegseth business — oh, he’s going to be put in prison. My last word on Trump and his bunch of cronies is, they should be put in jail."

The remarks have drawn significant attention from both the music and political spheres, highlighting the increasingly vocal intersection between veteran rock musicians and contemporary geopolitical discourse.

A Storied Musical Legacy: Looking Back at McBrain’s Tenure

To understand the weight of McBrain’s public profile, one must examine his monumental contributions to heavy metal. Born Michael Henry McBrain in Hackney, London, in 1952, he joined Iron Maiden in 1982 ahead of the recording of their breakthrough fourth studio album, Piece of Mind. Replacing outgoing drummer Clive Burr, McBrain brought a distinctive, jazz-infused technical precision and a galloping, triplet-heavy style that became foundational to the quintessential Iron Maiden sound.

Over the next four decades, McBrain performed on sixteen studio albums, contributing to global heavy metal milestones such as Powerslave (1984), Somewhere in Time (1986), Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988), and Fear of the Dark (1992), all the way through to 2023’s Senjutsu. His trademark drum kit—featuring a massive wall of cymbals and custom-finished percussion units—became a visual and sonic trademark of the band’s legendary live performances.

In January 2023, McBrain suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly referred to as a mini-stroke, which temporarily paralyzed the right side of his body. Through intense physical therapy and sheer determination, he made an inspirational return to the stage for the band’s "The Future Past Tour." However, in late 2024, McBrain announced his permanent retirement from international touring with Iron Maiden, choosing to step down gracefully while maintaining his creative and familial ties to the organization. The band officially honored his retirement during a poignant final show of that touring cycle.

The Upcoming Memoir: Hello Boys and Girls!

McBrain’s upcoming book, Hello Boys and Girls!, arrives at a pivotal moment in his post-touring life. Set for publication on November 10, the memoir is anticipated to offer unprecedented behind-the-scenes insights into the internal dynamics of Iron Maiden, the grueling realities of decades of global touring, and McBrain’s personal battles and triumphs.

Publishing insiders note that the memoir leans heavily into McBrain’s characteristic wit, self-deprecating humor, and unvarnished honesty—traits that clearly permeated his recent interview with The Telegraph. While the book primarily focuses on his musical journey, his recent comments suggest that he harbors no reservations about sharing his unvarnished views on broader cultural and political topics as well.

Iron Maiden’s Ongoing Journey and 2027 Tour Plans

Even as Nicko McBrain enjoys a well-earned retirement from the road, the legacy of Iron Maiden continues to march forward at an unrelenting pace. The band recently announced an extensive Spring 2027 North American tour, proving that the institution founded by bassist Steve Harris in 1975 shows no signs of slowing down its historic global footprint.

The upcoming 2027 tour promises high-octane production and a career-spanning setlist, featuring support acts from prominent younger generations of rock and metal, including Bullet for My Valentine and The Raven Age. Tickets for the tour have already generated immense demand among the band’s fiercely loyal fanbase, colloquially known as the "Troopers," who continue to fill arenas and stadiums worldwide.

Broader Implications of Celebrity Political Speech

McBrain’s pointed rejection of the Trump golf invitation and his subsequent public critique reflect a broader, ongoing trend of aging classic rock and heavy metal icons shedding traditional reticence regarding contemporary politics. Historically, many rock musicians adhered to the implicit rule of avoiding polarizing political commentary to preserve broad commercial appeal. However, in the modern socio-political climate, artists from across the musical spectrum—ranging from punk and grunge veterans to classic metal legends—increasingly utilize press platforms to voice personal convictions.

While McBrain’s remarks have been celebrated by critics of the former president, they also serve as a reminder of the deep ideological divisions present within Western societies, where even casual social or recreational invitations—such as a round of golf—can become flashpoints for ideological alignment or refusal. Neither representatives for Donald Trump nor associates linked to the golf invitation have issued a formal public response to McBrain’s statements.

As Nicko McBrain prepares for the release of Hello Boys and Girls! and Iron Maiden gears up for their massive 2027 routing, the veteran drummer’s uncompromising stance ensures that his voice remains as loud and unmistakable off the stage as it ever was behind the drum kit.