Lympstone conductor gets to direct Iron Maiden drummer

Run to the hills!

The conductor of the Royal Marines' band at Lympstone has had a dream come true, as he shared a London stage with a legendary heavy metal drummer.

Major Ian Davis RM, director of music for the band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre, conducted Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain at last weekend’s 52nd Mountbatten Festival of Music at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Nicko play with the RM Massed Bands and Corps of Drums, wowing sell-out audiences at three concerts with a wall of sound during a uniquely dynamic performance of 'The Maiden Legacy' – a reimagined medley of the band’s most popular songs, arranged by the Royal Marines Band Service.

Major Davis commented: “We had an incredible collaboration with Nicko, who performed this fantastic set with us – it was really exciting for all involved. It gave our own world-class musicians a real thrill in having the opportunity to play heavy metal with such a global icon. They most certainly rose to the occasion – it was the perfect showcase to display their supreme versatility and musical talent.”

When asked about his collaboration with the Royal Marines Band Service, Nicko said: “I was so stoked. It was suggested “would you like to do next year’s [Mountbatten Festival of Music]” and I went “of course I’d love to do it!”, what an honour, a great honour to be asked and to be involved.”

The stunning night of pageantry celebrated the 360th anniversary of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, and in recognition of this historic milestone, the hand-crafted drums of his customised ‘Legacy of the Royals’ kit incorporated Iron Maiden’s Eddie mascot in a different Royal Marines uniform, from 1664 to the present day, with a Spean Bridge Memorial background featured on all drums.

Now, ‘Legacy of Royals’ is being sold at auction to raise money for RMA - The Royal Marines Charity and the Grand Order of Water Rats charity. The online auction closes on Thursday 14 November.

Director of Music CTCRM, Major Ian Davis RM, speaks with Iron Maiden legend Nick McBrain (image courtesy: Royal Marines CTC)