SmithAntics

I sick of writing about BushCo, and I’d rather post about something else. It’ll also provoke some good banter from Mr. Underhill.

In these Dark Times, have you temporarily forgotten the depth of your appreciation for an artist — an actor, a director, a musician, a writer, a painter, an athlete — that you just absolutely love, or has deeply influenced your life? Maybe this artist is not altogether forgotten, but, perhaps, neglected.

Now here’s the funny part. My neglected artist is Nicko McBrain, the drummer for Iron Maiden!

Yes, scoff, laugh, shake your head in disgust. But those who know Nicko know that he is one of the most exciting, elegant, dynamic, emotional, crazy, colorful, fun drummers ever. This is not some cheeseball metal idiot. McBrain is a hilarious, flamboyant, intelligent, and consummate gentleman Englishman — who also loves to put down a pint or twenty. I guarantee that if you met him, you would love him. I actually had the pleasure of meeting him — twice!

Anyway, I love this man. I don’t think 30 seconds go by when I’m drumming that I don’t think of him —or try to rip him off!

So, if your laughing right now, piss off! Nicko is a God to me.

I recommend that you go back an reacquaint yourself with one of your all-time fave heros. Go put on that album that you figured you don't have to listen to anymore because it's embedded in your consciousness.