Iron Maiden Legend Nicko McBrain Refused to Play Golf With Donald Trump — Then Revealed What He Really Thinks of the President
The 74-Year-Old Heavy Metal Icon Received an Unexpected Invitation to Join Trump on the Golf Course. His Immediate Response Was Just the Beginning of an Explosive Interview.
Golf is often considered a sport that brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds, professions, or political beliefs.
But when one of heavy metal’s most recognizable musicians was offered the opportunity to play a round with President Donald Trump, the invitation received a very different response.
Nicko McBrain, the legendary longtime drummer for Iron Maiden, has revealed that he once turned down the chance to join Trump on a golf course.
The 74-year-old musician, who has lived in Florida for years, shared the unexpected story during an interview with The Telegraph published in October 2026.
And he didn’t simply explain why he declined.
McBrain went on to express a series of strongly critical opinions about Trump, his administration, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
His remarks have since attracted attention from music publications and political commentators.
But the story began with what sounded like an ordinary invitation from a friend.
An Unexpected Invitation From a Republican Friend
According to McBrain, the opportunity to play golf with Trump came through a friend who strongly supports the Republican Party.
The friend apparently knew that McBrain enjoyed golf and thought he might be interested in joining a round with the president.
For many golf enthusiasts, an invitation involving a sitting president might be considered a remarkable opportunity.
McBrain, however, saw things differently.
When his friend explained who would be playing, the drummer was immediately taken aback.
He recalled responding with disbelief before delivering a straightforward refusal.
“No. No, mate.”
There was no indication that McBrain seriously considered accepting the offer.
He had already made up his mind.
And when asked to explain his reaction, he made clear that his refusal reflected his personal views about Trump.
He Wasn’t Interested in Spending Time With Trump
McBrain’s refusal was particularly notable because golf is one of his favorite pastimes outside music.
The drummer has played regularly over the years and has developed friendships through the sport.
He has also spent much of his life in Florida, where Trump maintains his Mar-a-Lago property.
Geographically, the opportunity was not especially unusual.
But politically, McBrain considered the invitation unappealing.
During the interview, he acknowledged that he does not usually regard himself as particularly politically inclined.
Nevertheless, he admitted that his feelings about Trump had made it difficult to remain indifferent.
His explanation quickly moved beyond the golf invitation and into broader criticism of the president.
McBrain Made His Feelings About Trump Clear
Speaking to The Telegraph, McBrain criticized what he perceived as Trump’s narcissism.
He also referred to the controversy surrounding documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
McBrain brought up the conflict involving Iran, criticizing the administration’s foreign policy decisions.
These comments reflected the drummer’s personal political views rather than findings established by the interview itself.
His criticism demonstrated how strongly he felt about several issues that have attracted public debate.
Although he described himself as someone who is not deeply involved in politics, he clearly had formed opinions about the administration.
And his remarks became even more forceful when another prominent government official entered the discussion.
He Also Criticized Pete Hegseth
McBrain did not limit his comments to Trump.
During the interview, he also discussed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The drummer expressed his belief that Hegseth would eventually face imprisonment.
That was McBrain’s prediction and opinion, not an established legal outcome.
He then extended his criticism to Trump and members of the president’s political circle.
His final remarks on the subject expressed his view that they should face jail.
The statements were among the strongest political comments reported from the interview.
They also explained why a conversation intended partly to promote a musician’s autobiography quickly became a widely discussed political story.
Why His Comments Attracted So Much Attention
Nicko McBrain is not primarily known for political commentary.
For more than four decades, his public identity has been closely associated with heavy metal music and Iron Maiden.
Fans recognize him for his distinctive drumming style, energetic personality, and lengthy career with one of Britain’s most successful rock bands.
His unexpected comments about Trump therefore drew attention beyond the usual audience for political interviews.
Music publications covered his refusal to play golf with the president, while other outlets focused on his criticism of the administration.
The contrast between the invitation and McBrain’s response made the story especially memorable.
A musician who genuinely enjoys golf had declined a potentially unusual golfing experience because of his views about the person he would be joining.
Who Is Nicko McBrain?
Michael Henry McBrain, better known as Nicko McBrain, was born on June 5, 1952, in London, England.
He developed an interest in drumming at a young age and eventually pursued a professional music career.
Before joining Iron Maiden, he performed with several bands, including Streetwalkers, Pat Travers, and Trust.
His technical ability and distinctive playing style helped establish his reputation within the rock music industry.
In 1982, McBrain joined Iron Maiden, replacing drummer Clive Burr.
It was a career-changing opportunity.
He would go on to become one of the band’s longest-serving members and an essential part of its signature sound.
More Than Four Decades Behind the Iron Maiden Drum Kit
McBrain made his recording debut with Iron Maiden on the band’s 1983 album Piece of Mind.
The record featured songs that became enduring favorites among fans, including The Trooper.
His energetic drumming helped drive the band’s powerful sound.
Over the following decades, he contributed to numerous successful albums and performed in arenas and stadiums around the world.
Iron Maiden became one of the most influential heavy metal groups in music history.
The band’s elaborate stage productions, recognizable mascot Eddie, and loyal international fan base helped establish its extraordinary longevity.
McBrain’s personality also became an important part of the group’s identity.
Known for his humor and enthusiasm, he frequently entertained fans through interviews and appearances away from the stage.
For many followers, he was far more than the drummer sitting behind the rest of the band.
He was one of Iron Maiden’s most beloved personalities.
His Love of Golf Goes Back Many Years
Although McBrain built his reputation through heavy metal, his interests outside music have often surprised fans.
Golf has long been one of his favorite recreational activities.
He has frequently enjoyed playing with fellow Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray.
Over the years, McBrain has also developed friendships with professional golfers.
Among them is Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik, whom he met while playing at Ullna Golf Club in Sweden.
His enthusiasm for the sport makes the Trump invitation particularly interesting.
McBrain was not declining because he disliked golf.
He was declining because he did not want to participate in that particular round.
The distinction helps explain why his story became such a widely discussed moment from the interview.
He Also Has a Passion for Snooker
Golf is not the only sport McBrain enjoys.
The musician is also a dedicated snooker enthusiast.
He has attended the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.
His interest in the game reflects another side of his personality away from the intensity of performing heavy metal.
While Iron Maiden concerts are famous for their volume, energy, and elaborate performances, golf and snooker require patience, concentration, and precision.
McBrain’s enthusiasm for these sports has been part of his public life for years.
And it was precisely that passion for golf that led to the unexpected invitation involving Trump.
A Serious Health Scare Changed His Life in 2023
Beyond his political comments and sporting interests, McBrain has also spoken openly about major personal challenges.
In January 2023, he experienced a transient ischemic attack, commonly called a TIA or mini-stroke.
The medical emergency affected the right side of his body.
In a statement released through Iron Maiden in August 2023, McBrain explained that he had experienced paralysis from his right shoulder downward.
For a professional drummer whose career depends on physical coordination, the situation was deeply concerning.
He feared that his performing career might be over.
But with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support from his family, he began recovering.
McBrain later reported substantial improvement following weeks of intensive therapy.
His determination to return to performing became an important part of his story.
He Returned to the Stage Despite the Challenges
Recovering from the health emergency was not easy.
McBrain had to work on regaining movement and coordination.
His rehabilitation involved occupational therapy and significant physical effort.
He eventually returned to rehearsals and resumed performing with Iron Maiden.
Although he acknowledged that his recovery was incomplete, he continued working toward regaining his abilities.
Fans welcomed his return and recognized the determination required to perform after such a serious setback.
His recovery also gave him a different perspective on the demands of touring.
After decades of traveling and performing, he began considering how much longer he wanted to maintain the band’s intense schedule.
His Final Touring Performance Was an Emotional Moment
On December 7, 2024, McBrain announced that he was stepping away from touring with Iron Maiden.
His final concert as the band’s touring drummer took place that evening in São Paulo, Brazil.
The performance marked the end of more than four decades behind the drum kit on Iron Maiden’s tours.
McBrain explained that the decision followed considerable reflection.
He expressed gratitude to the band’s fans, his colleagues, and his family for supporting him throughout his career.
Importantly, he did not describe the decision as a complete separation from Iron Maiden.
He said he would remain part of the band’s extended family and continue participating in selected projects.
His departure from touring was a significant moment for the group and its followers.
Iron Maiden Continued With a New Drummer
Following McBrain’s decision, Iron Maiden announced that Simon Dawson would take over touring drum duties.
Dawson had previously worked with Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris through the British Lion project.
The transition allowed Iron Maiden to continue its touring commitments while McBrain focused on other activities.
For fans, it represented a major change to a lineup that had remained familiar for decades.
McBrain had been an integral part of the band’s performances since the early 1980s.
His distinctive playing style was associated with some of Iron Maiden’s most famous recordings.
Although his departure from touring was emotional, it also marked the beginning of another chapter in his life.
His New Autobiography Reveals the Story Behind the Music
McBrain’s comments about Trump emerged as he promoted his autobiography, Hello Boys and Girls!
The book was published on October 22, 2026.
It explores his childhood, musical influences, professional career, and personal experiences.
Readers are given a look at his journey from a working-class upbringing in North London to performing with one of the world’s most successful heavy metal bands.
The autobiography also discusses his life beyond the stage.
His interests, friendships, family relationships, and personal challenges form part of the story.
For longtime Iron Maiden fans, the memoir offers an opportunity to learn more about a musician they have followed for decades.
And for readers unfamiliar with his career, it provides an introduction to a remarkable life in rock music.
Why McBrain Is Speaking More Openly About His Life
After stepping away from touring, McBrain has had more opportunities to reflect on his career.
Writing an autobiography naturally involves revisiting experiences that might not have been discussed during years of constant travel.
In June 2026, Iron Maiden announced that McBrain would also participate in a spoken-word tour connected to his memoir.
The events were designed to give audiences a chance to hear stories directly from the drummer.
McBrain expressed enthusiasm about sharing memories from his life and career.
His recent interviews have therefore covered a wide variety of subjects.
Some concern music and touring.
Others involve health, personal interests, and memorable encounters.
The unexpected invitation to play golf with Trump was one of those stories.
His Comments Reflect His Own Political Views
McBrain’s criticism of Trump and Hegseth was strongly worded.
However, it is important to distinguish his personal opinions from established legal findings.
His statements about imprisonment were expressions of what he believed should happen, not reports of criminal convictions or confirmed future outcomes.
Likewise, his comments about the administration’s actions reflected his interpretation of political controversies.
Public figures, including musicians, frequently participate in debates about government decisions.
Some fans welcome hearing their opinions on issues outside entertainment.
Others prefer to focus on their artistic work.
McBrain’s interview provides a clear example of a musician choosing to speak openly about his political views during a conversation that also covered his career.
The Golf Invitation Wasn’t Directly From Trump
One detail is especially important when understanding the story.
McBrain did not say that Trump personally contacted him to arrange a round of golf.
According to the drummer, the invitation came through a Republican friend.
The friend asked whether McBrain wanted to join a group that included the president.
That distinction matters because it describes how the opportunity arose.
McBrain was offered the chance to play with Trump, but the available account does not establish that Trump personally extended the invitation.
What is clear is that McBrain declined.
And his explanation left little uncertainty about why.
A Remarkable New Chapter for the Heavy Metal Legend
At 74, Nicko McBrain has experienced a career that few musicians could have imagined.
He joined Iron Maiden in 1982 and became part of the band’s defining era.
He performed around the world, contributed to celebrated albums, and earned the affection of generations of heavy metal fans.
He also experienced a serious health scare that forced him to reconsider the physical demands of touring.
Now, with his autobiography published and spoken-word appearances planned, he is sharing stories from a lifetime in music.
Some are humorous.
Others are deeply personal.
And some, like his account of declining a golf invitation involving Donald Trump, have become unexpected news stories.
His Response to the Invitation Said It All
For McBrain, the decision appears to have been straightforward.
He loves golf.
He has spent years playing the sport and forming friendships through it.
But when his friend offered him the opportunity to join Trump for a round, McBrain had no interest in accepting.
His later interview made clear that the refusal was connected to his political disagreements with the president.
The story has attracted attention because of the unusual combination of people involved.
One is a legendary drummer from a British heavy metal band.
The other is the president of the United States.
And the activity that briefly connected them was a game of golf.
In the end, there was no round together.
Instead, McBrain walked away with a story that became one of the most widely discussed moments from his autobiography publicity tour.
For a musician who has spent more than four decades entertaining audiences with powerful drumming and an unmistakable personality, it was another reminder that Nicko McBrain has never been afraid to speak his mind.