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Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain Rejected an Invite to Golf With Trump, Says He Should Be ‘Put in Jail’: ‘I’m Not Amused by the Narcissism’

Published October 22, 2026 · US

Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain Rejected an Invite to Golf With Trump, Says He Should Be ‘Put in Jail’: ‘I’m Not Amused by the Narcissism’

Nicko McBrain, the long-time drummer for heavy metal band Iron Maiden, recently admitted he’d been invited to play golf with Donald Trump, but turned down the offer because of his staunch anti-MAGA beliefs — and that the president and his “bunch of cronies,” …

Nicko McBrain, the veteran drummer behind the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has publicly revealed that he declined an invitation to play golf with former U.S. President Donald Trump. This decision stems from McBrain’s clear opposition to Trump and his political circle, underscoring a rare moment where a prominent musician voices pointed disapproval of a political figure.

The invitation reportedly came through a mutual acquaintance with strong Republican ties, who extended the offer to include the president. Despite the opportunity, McBrain chose to reject it outright, emphasizing his discomfort with what he perceives as Trump’s self-centered behavior and controversial political actions. His remarks, as reported by variety.com, reflect a deep skepticism toward Trump’s leadership and associated controversies, including geopolitical conflicts and legal inquiries.

McBrain’s residence in Florida, the same state where Trump maintains a strong presence, adds a local dimension to the story. Yet, despite this proximity, the drummer’s stance remains firmly critical. He has voiced concern over various issues linked to Trump’s administration and allies, including those related to national security and legal matters. McBrain even suggested that some political figures aligned with Trump should face legal consequences, revealing a rare mix of political commentary from a musician typically focused on his artistic career.

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The drummer’s candid perspective emerges at a significant moment, coinciding with the upcoming release of his autobiography, Hello Boys and Girls!, which promises to offer readers an intimate glimpse into his life and career. Published by HarperCollins, the memoir aims to share McBrain’s journey with Iron Maiden, exploring themes of longevity, relevance, and the bonds forged through decades of music-making.

Iron Maiden themselves remain very much in the public eye. The band recently announced the final leg of their 50th-anniversary Run for Your Lives tour, set to kick off in April and wrap up in May. This tour segment will culminate in headlining appearances at major festivals Sonic Temple and Boardwalk Rock, affirming Iron Maiden’s enduring appeal and significance in the rock and metal scene.

Adding to their accolades, Iron Maiden was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2026, with the official ceremony scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This milestone cements the band’s legacy as one of the most influential acts in rock history.

McBrain’s outspoken remarks mark a departure from the more apolitical stance often adopted by musicians in the public eye. His strong language and clear disapproval provide insight into the personal convictions held by artists navigating complex political landscapes today. While details about the golf invitation and the involved parties remain limited, McBrain’s comments have nonetheless sparked interest in how musicians engage with political figures and their policies.

As Iron Maiden continues to celebrate its storied career, McBrain’s views add a nuanced layer to the band’s public narrative. His forthcoming autobiography is anticipated to shed further light on the personal and professional experiences that have shaped him, offering fans and readers a multifaceted portrait of the man behind the drum kit.

In summary, Nicko McBrain’s refusal to engage socially with Donald Trump, combined with his pointed criticisms, highlights the intersection of music, politics, and personal belief. It underscores how artists can leverage their platforms to express dissent and shape public discourse, even as they maintain their roles in the entertainment industry.

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This article was synthesized and rewritten by MusicTop Editorial from reporting published by variety.com. Read the publisher's report for the complete source context.

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