It was the experience of a lifetime for audiences attending the three sell-out concerts at last weekend’s 52nd Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall when the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines’ world-renowned Corps of Drums were joined on stage for a dynamic one-off ‘drum-off’ with legendary heavy metal drummer of Iron Maiden fame, Nicko McBrain.
The global drumming icon played ‘The Maiden Legacy’, a medley of Iron Maiden’s most popular songs (a special arrangement of the band’s classic hits ‘The Trooper, ‘Wasted Years’ and ‘Run To The Hills’) using a customised drum kit alongside the Royal Marines Massed Band and Corps of Drums for the piece
This now historic drum kit – named ‘Legacy of the Royals’ – is being auctioned to raise money for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity and the Grand Order of Water Rats charity. The online auction closes at 22:00 on Thursday 14th November 2024.
Incorporating vibrant, full colour illustrations, the entire kit comprises 11 drums custom-made by the British Drum Company, plus all the hardware that goes with it, including a full set of Paiste cymbals and a painted 40” gong, each item of equipment coming with its own custom Hardcase© protective case.
This year is the 360th anniversary of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, and in recognition of this historic milestone, each spectacular hand-crafted drum features 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.
Caroline Casey, Director of Fundraising at RMA – The Royal Marines Charity says:
“Nicko’s incredible ‘Legacy of the Royals’ drum kit is without doubt a one-of-a-kind item with a unique provenance. It is guaranteed to become a much-sought after collectors’ item and attract significant interest from across the world.
“We are incredibly privileged and absolutely over the moon by the generosity of both Nicko and the British Drum Company for choosing our Charity as one to benefit from this fantastic auction. In November, someone somewhere in the world will become the proud owner of a truly original piece of Iron Maiden history – and in doing so, pay homage to the exceptional Royal Marines Commandos. The auction has already started to drum up a lot of excitement!”
