Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has returned to the spotlight to dig into decades of band history, appearing in a special bonus episode of Modern Drummer‘s “Metal Sticks” podcast with host David Frangioni to celebrate “Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams” — the definitive 50th-anniversary book documenting one of heavy metal’s most iconic acts.
Rather than simply leafing through the book, McBrain uses the episode to share the stories behind the stories. He covers everything from his first meetings with legendary Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, to joining the band, recording their classic albums, the unforgettable world tours, elaborate stage productions, and the story behind Ed Force One. Throughout, the drummer brings more than four decades of Iron Maiden history to life with the firsthand memories, humor and insight that only he can offer.
Packed with rare photos, behind-the-scenes moments and personal reflections, the episode serves as an exclusive companion to one of the year’s most anticipated music books.
“Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams – The Official Visual History” was published worldwide in hardback in the fall of 2025 via Thames & Hudson. A lavish visual tribute to the band’s first half-century, the book charts the rise of one of metal’s most respected names, drawing on extensive input from band members and management.
Described as a spectacular and beautifully assembled volume featuring never-before-seen items and photographs, the book was curated over a number of years with meticulous attention to detail. It celebrates one of Britain’s most influential and biggest-selling acts — a group that has grown into arguably the biggest metal band on the planet.
Laid out chronologically, “Infinite Dreams” traces the band’s journey from their first pub gigs in 1975 and their first record deal in 1979, through the recording and reception of landmark albums, including their self-titled debut, 1982’s global breakthrough The Number Of The Beast and the stadium-conquering Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, all the way to 2021’s acclaimed double album Senjutsu and the ongoing “Run For Your Lives” world tour.
The book also follows the evolution of the band’s iconic mascot Eddie, complete with exclusive comments from his creator Derek Riggs, and documents Iron Maiden‘s elaborate stage productions and sprawling tours. Among them is the “Somewhere Back In Time” world tour of 2008, which made international headlines as singer Bruce Dickinson personally piloted the band’s own Ed Force One 757.
Inside, fans will find iconic album and single artwork, photos of the band’s instruments past and present, stage props, handwritten lyrics and artefacts pulled from the archive and the members’ personal collections, alongside landmark images from renowned photographers including Ross Halfin and John McMurtrie. The book is bookended by a foreword from bassist and band founder Steve Harris and an afterword from Bruce Dickinson.
“Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams – The Official Visual History” was curated by Ben Smallwood and co-edited by Alexander Milas and Terry Burrows, with contributions from band members and creatives both past and present.
