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British Drum Company Icarus - In Collaboration with Nicko McBrain

The British Drum Company Icarus series is a collaboration with Nicko McBrain - legendary drummer of Iron Maiden and BDC's International Ambassador. Developed in close partnership with Nicko, the Icarus concept goes beyond a standard signature instrument: it represents a custom-built drum kit programme where BDC build to your individual specification, with Nicko's personal input and approval at every stage. Into Music Store is a Sovereign Dealer for British Drum Company.

The Icarus Snare Drum

The BDC Icarus Snare Drum 14" x 6.5" is Nicko McBrain's signature snare - hand-built in the UK by British Drum Company to Nicko's personal specification. A genuinely exceptional instrument that carries the character, authority, and craftsmanship that Nicko demands from his own equipment.

The Firebird Snare Drum

The BDC Firebird 14" x 6" is a companion instrument to the Icarus - another hand-built BDC snare with its own distinctive character and finish, available for players who want BDC's finest craftsmanship in a slightly different specification.

The Icarus Custom Kit Programme

Beyond the snare drums, the Icarus concept encompasses BDC's custom-built drum kit programme - instruments built to your individual preferences in collaboration with BDC's craftspeople. Shell species, configuration, finish, hardware - every element is chosen by you and built by hand in the UK. If you're interested in a custom Icarus kit, contact us and we'll work with you and BDC to specify your instrument.

Explore More BDC

Browse the BDC Legend Series, Lounge Series, and Founders Reserve, or view the full British Drum Company range.

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British Drum Company Icarus - The Story Behind the Collaboration | Into Music Store, Horncastle

Nicko McBrain has been the drummer of Iron Maiden since 1982 — one of the most celebrated and technically accomplished drummers in rock history, with a playing style and sound that is immediately recognisable. His collaboration with British Drum Company as International Ambassador is not a standard endorsement arrangement. Nicko is genuinely involved in the development of BDC instruments, bringing his decades of professional experience and exacting standards to the design and specification process.

The Icarus Snare Drum is the most direct expression of that collaboration — a 14" x 6.5" hand-built instrument built to Nicko's personal specification, carrying the character and authority that he demands from his own equipment. Priced from around £800 upwards, it is a snare drum for players who want something genuinely exceptional — not just a signature name on a standard instrument, but a drum that has been shaped by one of the most experienced and demanding drummers in the world.

The Firebird is a companion instrument — another hand-built BDC snare with its own distinctive character, available for players who want BDC's finest craftsmanship in a slightly different specification and aesthetic.

The broader Icarus custom kit programme represents the most personal expression of what BDC can do. Working with BDC's craftspeople, you specify every element of your instrument — shell species, configuration, size, finish, hardware — and it is built by hand in the UK to your individual requirements. It's a programme for players who know exactly what they want and are prepared to invest in an instrument that is genuinely their own.

Into Music Store is a Sovereign Dealer for British Drum Company in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. If you're interested in the Icarus snare drums or the custom kit programme, you're welcome to visit our specialist drum store near you in Horncastle or contact us to discuss your requirements. UK next day delivery available on stocked items. Call us on 01507 526517 or shop online at intomusicstore.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nicko McBrain is the drummer of Iron Maiden, one of the most celebrated and technically accomplished drummers in rock history. He has been BDC's International Ambassador since the brand's early years and is genuinely involved in the development of BDC instruments — not a standard endorsement arrangement, but an active collaboration that shapes the design and specification of Icarus instruments. Into Music Store is a BDC Sovereign Dealer in Horncastle, Lincolnshire — call 01507 526517 to discuss the Icarus range.
The Icarus is a 14" x 6.5" signature snare drum hand-built in the UK by British Drum Company to Nicko McBrain's personal specification. Priced from around £800 upwards, it's a genuinely exceptional instrument that carries the character and authority Nicko demands from his own equipment — not just a signature name on a standard drum, but an instrument shaped by decades of professional experience. Best for: serious drummers and collectors who want a piece of rock history. Available at Into Music Store online with UK next day delivery available, or in our Horncastle showroom.
The Firebird is a 14" x 6" hand-built BDC snare drum available alongside the Icarus, priced from around £1,000 upwards. It shares BDC's UK craftsmanship and cold-press manufacturing approach in a slightly different specification and aesthetic. Best for: players who want BDC's finest snare quality with a different character to the Icarus. Available at Into Music Store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire with UK next day delivery available — call 01507 526517 for availability.
The Icarus custom kit programme allows you to specify a completely bespoke drum kit built by hand in the UK by BDC's craftspeople. Shell species, configuration, size, finish, and hardware are all chosen by you and built to your individual requirements. Best for: professional drummers and serious players who want a genuinely unique, custom-built instrument. Contact Into Music Store in Horncastle on 01507 526517 and we'll work with you and BDC to specify your instrument.
The Icarus drum kit is available as a custom-built instrument through BDC's bespoke programme rather than as a standard stocked product. Contact Into Music Store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire on 01507 526517 to discuss your requirements and we'll work with British Drum Company to specify and build your kit. The Icarus and Firebird snare drums are available as stocked instruments with UK next day delivery available.
Into Music Store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire is a Sovereign Dealer for British Drum Company, stocking the Icarus and Firebird snare drums online with UK next day delivery available. We are one of the UK's specialist drum stores near you. Visit us in store, call 01507 526517, or shop online at intomusicstore.com.