Nicko McBrain/ Dan Spitz: Match Made In Heaven
By
Sefany Jones,
Contributing Editor
Tuesday, June 4, 2002 @ 1:54 PM
McBrain's Recent Collaboration
As we recently reported a collaboration between Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain and Anthrax's Dan Spitz, Blabbermouth.net finds the bond that may tie these two musicians together:
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Seems like there's more to the previously-reported collaboration between former Anthrax guitarist Dan Spitz and Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain than meets the eye. Cross Rhythms, a UK Christian Music Resource, posted the following article in February of this year (all quotes taken from a Willow Creek Association News feature dated March/April 2001):
The drummer with million-selling heavy rock band Iron Maiden has become a Christian. Nicko McBrain, who recently finished an 18-month world tour in support of the band's Brave New World album, is now a part of the worship team at Spanish River Church in Florida, USA. The 48-year-old musician became a Christian through the witness and prayers of his wife Rebecca. McBrain, while visiting the Spanish River Church, found himself weeping. "I just sat there thinking, 'I didn't drink last night…why can't I stand?'" he told Willow Creek Association News. After praying to receive Christ, he began to read the Bible hungrily. "I had this love affair with Jesus going on in my heart."
An Iron Maiden fan became a Christian after McBrain shared his testimony at a church sponsored coffee house. "The way the Holy Spirit touched that room that night was immense," McBrain said. "I've never felt that way, before or since." Though he has played before 250,000 people, McBrain said he was more nervous when he began playing with the church worship team. McBrain told the News that after praying, he felt that he should remain with Iron Maiden, but "there's a greater calling on my life." He is considering enrolling in some seminary classes. "Without this church and this relationship with God, I don't know where I'd be right now. I just know that I want to be able to use my life for God.”
Cross Rhythms editor Tony Cummings commented, "It's wonderful news about the conversion of Nicko McBrain but also somewhat ironic. Back in the '80s and '90s all these books from evangelicals were appearing denouncing the music of heavy rock bands like Iron Maiden, Anthrax and Megadeth as 'satanic.' Now in the last couple of years we've seen Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain, Anthrax's Daniel Spitz and Megadeth's Dave Ellefson all become Christians! Thankfully, some Christians were praying rather than playing the Pharisee."
In related news, The Rebecca Mcbrain Band, featuring Nicko's wife Rebecca, have made available an eight-song CD for purchase via their official web site at this location. Currently unsigned, the group's music is being described on the site as "a combination of powerful rock laced with unique contemporary stylings. With Rebecca's thoughtful, heartfelt lyrics, and fresh style, she is a truly moving performer. Backed up by smashing percussion and frenetic fret action on both guitar and bass, they have managed to create a brand new sound of their own."
yoozer - 7/8/2008 1:29:57 AM For the record, it was not Dave Ellefson who converted, it was Dave Mustaine. Is it too much to expect for them to get at least that right?
Just_Sam - 11/22/2007 2:57:22 PM This page is full of mixed thoughts and beliefs,
Firstly, Christianity is not a religion, it is a belief - i've been a Christian all my life, and i've got fed up on everyone saying that all religions are bad...
Secondly, I personally respect nikko more now that he is a christian, it takes more guts to go against the tide than follow it like driftwood.
Thirdly, there are a few people that are both christians... and are swearing on this board - what's that about?
Finally, just a quicky... Dont stereotype christianity, you'll be surprised. and yes, i'd like to add this rant
**click**
benbreeg - 10/14/2006 10:29:47 AM I'm a big fan of Iron Maiden and I hail from Singapore. I am Catholic myself and am very happy to know that Nikko is now a Christian. This has it appears evoked mixed responses from the messages on this website . Anyway, 1 thing for sure, as 1 of the fans 'Hallowed' had pointed out, we all have free will and how God in His infinite wisdom has granted us this free will to follow Him or not too. There is also a price for not donig God's Will we are responsible for our own actions.
I am looking forward to listening to Nikko's colloboration with Dan Spitz. The world today is full of mistrust, hate, paranoia and fear. Perhaps Nikko can help plant God's message in the hearts on mankind through his songs so that this world will be a better place and there will be true peace. True , he is only 1 man but if everyone does their part in spreading mesages of peace and love whcih are from God, the effect will be AWESOME!!!
Nikko , you RCOK MAN!!!
hallowed - 8/19/2006 10:07:23 AM Why are people dumping on Nicko McBrain because he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior? I have been an Iron Maiden fan for 22 years, and became a Christian two years ago. For everyone's information if you look at the Rock in Rio Dvd did anyone notice that Nicko, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, and Janick Gers all are wearing the Christian cross on stage? Music is entertainment and that's all that it is. Unfortunately some people take it to an extreme, and it becomes what is most important to them in life. If you look at Maiden's lyrics they do believe in God, but do not understand why everything is the way it is. None of us do. They have explored many things historical or legend. They are one of a kind, because they are always looking for truth in a history of questions. What I think is sad is that many religious people have demonized them. Take the number of the beast for example. The song based on the omen, and a dream that Steve Harris had. Is it pro-Satan, I think not. As the Bible clearly states, let him who has wisdom count the number of the beast for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. Number of a MAN. If you look at the song lyrics, it becomes clearer that this song does not praise Satan, but is about someone under his control. The line "the one for you and me", is obviously written from the point of view of this concept. If they are satanic as some people claim, why is there artwork of Eddie fighting the devil? Surely if someone worshipped Satan they wouldn't have their band mascot attacking him. In fact there is one picture of Eddie with Satan beheaded. Alot of people who are just rebellious want music to be angry and rebellious. They are just looking for what suits their nature. They are no better than the religous people that they loathe. In fact, if they don't have Jesus as their savior, they are in a worse state. He is above all, and don't ever look at Him through the religious people that you despise. He is who He is, not what people make Him. I see ignorance on both sides in the battle of music and religion. If you want to diss Nicko or any other musician for finding and mentioning Jesus Christ, then it is shame for you. He is above all, music included. None of us understand all that there is to know, and in this life we never will. But know that Jesus Christ was, is and forever will be alive. The beginning and the ending. Everything in between is the human life, our experiences, our emotions and our will to do what we want to do. We all struggle with this because we are only human after all. We all die, and then our control is over. Simply put, man has destroyed this world not God. Why do so many people hate him or are so ignorant to believe that He exists? Maybe it is because He is everything that we can't be, nor can we understand why things go on the way that they do. Man was given dominion over the earth; what he does with it is his choice. Should we blame God for starvation and wars, when men have the means to end this? For if He was to step in on world affairs, He would also be stepping in everytime you did something wrong too. Be grateful to God for what you have and stop bitching about having to hear about Jesus. If you don't like it, create you own planet.
skythinking - 9/30/2005 9:40:29 AM It could be. Here is goodness,though http://www.viscern.com for relax. Okay?
rattlehead79 - 9/27/2004 2:02:26 PM Are you on a mission from 'arry? All kidding aside, once you stand for something you won't fall for anything!
Crossknight - 6/19/2004 11:12:43 PM We all live in a relativistic culture, the whole west. "Force" beliefs is the wrong way to do the right thing. But one thing is true or isn't true. There's no "to me it's true". 2+2 equals 4 independently of what you believe. The matter is: the only way you have to discover that God really exists is to pray and sincerely accept Jesus. If someone refuses to do this, he/she doesn't have anything to complain. It's great to KNOW God exists. I hope to listen Nicko's new sound soon!
WhoCaresWins - 2/12/2003 1:06:42 PM As long as the music is good and heavy, who gives a fuck if they are singing about Jesus, Satan or Budha? I just want this music to be HEAVY. All these lame fucking bands with "messages" but no talent suck, bring on the talented Jesus-freaks!
adamb - 10/21/2002 9:52:43 PM I have heard first hand some of their new music (Nicko & Danny) and it is awesome!! It is as powerful as ever, and very intricate. I want to say that everyone will one day start wondering what is going to happen to themselves after they die. Perhaps now is a good time to think about it. If you believe that there is life after death, then it is your responsibility to prepare for it. We save our money in a 401k for the retirement portion of our life don't we? Well you owe it to yourself to face this issue: Where will you end up, and what makes you sure that you are right? No oppinions being pushed here, just some realistic thinking.
fuckkiss - 7/6/2002 5:41:31 PM I can't believe Nicko allowed his wife to talk him into putting his name on those fuckin stupid songs!!! She can't sing, she must fuck good.
nwobhm666 - 6/10/2002 8:42:11 PM Well yes Stygian Steel, they are free to take up whatever religion they want -and it's none of our concern- but it's the fact that the media (mainly the Christian Right, but all really) makes a story out of someone's choice, & who is gaining from it, & who is tired of these types of publicity. We're happy for them sure, but why do we even need to know? Maybe I'm just overreacting........
ZosotheEdd - 6/10/2002 7:08:48 PM Goddamn. No one can spell anything correctly. I'm looking at you, Rogue.
StygianSteel - 6/9/2002 5:28:48 PM The guy can be whatever religion he wants. As long as he keeps playing good music I don't give a flying fuck.
the_looney - 6/9/2002 12:47:54 PM Who cares if he's got religion. I don't. It's his choice. Anyway......
downtime - 6/8/2002 2:58:25 PM What a bunch of faggot sell-outs! Next they will be selling backstage baptisms.
