Nicko McBrain Kit On Display at Graham Russell Drums

Posted on 8 August 2025
By GRD
Posted in British Drum Co., Nicko McBrain
0

See Nicko McBrain’s one-of-a-kind British Drum Co. kit at Graham Russell Drums in Fareham — as featured in The Portsmouth News.

Graham Russell Drums – 'Legacy of the Royals' Drum Kit for Iron Maiden + Royal Marines

This August, Graham Russell Drums has the rare honour of hosting one of the most iconic drum kits in modern rock and military music history: the British Drum Company “Legacy of the Royals” set, originally played by Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden. On loan from the Royal Marines Band Service, this remarkable, hand-painted kit is now on display at our Fareham showroom near Southampton ... and it’s turning heads… not least Graham’s, after a surprise feature in The Portsmouth News.

This isn’t just any collector's piece. This extraordinary drum kit was the centrepiece of the 2024 Mountbatten Festival of Music, where Nicko McBrain performed alongside 100+ musicians from the Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines. The set was used to perform The Maiden Legacy which was a custom medley of Iron Maiden classics like The Trooper, Wasted Years, and Run to the Hills, bringing heavy metal into the heart of a military music tradition.

Handcrafted by the British Drum Company to mark the 360th anniversary of the Royal Marines, the kit features bespoke artwork on each drum. Iron Maiden’s Eddie mascot appears in Royal Marines uniforms from 1664 to the present, with each drum set against the Spean Bridge Memorial – a stunning tribute to history, music, and design.

Following its legendary performance, the kit was auctioned for an astounding £150,000, then generously gifted back to the Royal Marines Band, where it remains under their care.

And now, thanks to our friendship with the RMA Band Service, it’s on display at Graham Russell Drums for a limited time.

A Closer Look at the Kit

Key features of the display set:

Brand: British Drum Company

Series: Legacy of the Royals (one-off build)

Finish: Custom hand-painted Royal Marines / Eddie artwork

Cymbals: Full set of Paiste

Specials: 40" painted gong with matching theme

Each piece of this kit is a museum-worthy tribute to Iron Maiden and British military heritage. Whether you’re a rock drummer, kit collector, or simply a fan of musical history, this is a rare chance to see something truly exceptional up close.

You can browse other British Drum Company products available through GRD.

Why Graham Russell Drums?

This special exhibition is a testament to Graham Russell Drums' reputation within the UK drumming community. Known for our deep connections with artists, military bands and collectors, we’re proud to be trusted with hosting such a fantastic kit.

Our Fareham showroom has welcomed everyone from local players to international touring acts, offering in-house expertise, rare gear and one of the largest selections of new and pre-owned drums in the UK.

FAQs

How many drums and cymbals does the kit have in total?

12 cymbals, 11 drums and 1 gong !

Can I donate to the Royal Marines Charity?

Yes! Click here to donate to the Royal Marines Charity.

When is the kit available to view?

Until 31 August 2025. After that, it returns to the RMA Band.

See It While You Can – Only Until 31 August

This drum kit tells a powerful story; from the heavy metal stage to military tradition, from the Royal Albert Hall stage to our glass platform in our Fareham shop. We’re incredibly proud to host it, and even prouder that Graham himself made the pages of The Portsmouth News in celebration (even if he wasn’t quite ready for the photo shoot!).

Visit us before the end of August to view the kit in person, or browse our collection of British Drum Company drums online.

For questions or gear advice, reach out — we’re here to help.