IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain performed with his former PAT TRAVERS BAND bandmate Pat Travers at The Classic Rock & Roll Party on March 2 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Proceeds from the event will go to HomeSafe, a non-profit organization helping society's most vulnerable residents — victims of severe child abuse and domestic violence in Palm Beach County and South Florida. About 375 people attended the event, which raised more than $340,000.
Founded in 1979, HomeSafe provides comprehensive programs preventing new cases of family violence, protecting victims of child abuse and domestic violence, and preparing children and families for safer, more productive lives.
Through results-based programs and highly dedicated and qualified staff, HomeSafe has grown into a leading provider of prevention and intervention services. Each year, HomeSafe serves over fifteen thousand infants, children and families.
"I fell in love with the whole organization [after being introduced to it about eight years ago]," McBrain told Sun-Sentinel.com. "I had a wonderful childhood growing up in North London, and I think every child deserves to have caring people around them to nurture their abilities and help them go out and have a fulfilled life."
McBrain also visits the young residents at HomeSafe's residential campuses, and he recently donated drum sets, guitars, amplifiers, speakers and more to its music room.
"Music is very therapeutic and can help heal all kinds of ailments," the drummer said. "When I sit and talk to the kids, they ask what it's like playing on the road and how I deal with missing my family. They're very sweet and endearing and quite enthralled to know what life is like on a touring band."
Learn more about HomeSafe at HelpHomeSafe.org.
Speaking to the Broward Palm Beach New Times, McBrain stated about how he got involved with HomeSafe: "I got involved with HomeSafe about eight years ago. Tico Torres (of BON JOVI) was actually kind of host of it, but I met him through a lady who kind of set me with the golf tournament for Tico, and then I went to the event and I just fell in love with everybody who worked there at that time. There was such a positive vibe towards the way that people were working for the charity, and then Clarence (Clemons) came on board and we hit it off, and he took me down to meet the children at the West Palm Beach home, and it tugged the old strings of the heart, so, I've supported it ever since. This year, obviously we lost Clarence a couple of years back, they asked me to be the host and I MC'd the event last year and I'm very honored and proud to be a part of the big event this [year]! It's been tough, it's been hard work, but it's culminated in a great golf tournament and a fantastic night."
McBrain recorded two albums with PAT TRAVERS BAND: "Makin' Magic" (1976) and "Putting It Straight" (1977).
