IRON MAIDEN Drummer Arrested After Hitting Man With Car

Jennifer Sinco Kelleher of Newsday is reporting that IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain was arrested and charged with assault yesterday (July 26) after intentionally hitting a parking attendant with his car before a concert at the Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Theater, state park police said.

Michael "Nicko" McBrain, 51, of London, was trying to enter the VIP parking lot in a black 2004 Jaguar at the theater when he began arguing with a parking attendant about 8:30 p.m., state park police Maj. Richard O'Donnell said.

McBrain was apparently miffed after the attendant, who didn't recognize the aging rocker, demanded to see a parking pass for the V.I.P lot outside the theater, said Maj. Richard O'Donnell of the New York State Park Police.

O'Donnell said McBrain arrived at Jones Beach around 8:30 p.m. for the group's concert, and was stopped as he entered the exclusive parking area.

After a confrontation with the 30-year-old worker over credentials, the park employee stood in front of McBrain's car, blocking the lot entrance.

"The employee said Mr. McBrain struck him in the legs," O'Donnell said.

The man backed up, but stayed in front of the car. McBrain, told him to "move or he would hit him again," O'Donnell said.

The man, 30, whose name was not released by the police, refused to budge, and McBrain surged the car forward again, nailing him and causing the man to fall forward on the car's hood.

State park police arrested McBrain and released him on an appearance ticket before the concert started. It is part of IRON MAIDEN's "Give Me Ed ... 'Til I'm Dead" tour.

McBrain was charged with third-degree assault and is scheduled to appear in First District Court in Hempstead Sept. 16, O'Donnell said. Representatives for IRON MAIDEN could not be reached last night.