Iron Maiden’s Long Time Drummer Nicko McBrain Is Hanging Up the Sticks
British metal band Iron Maiden’s long time drummer Nicko McBrain released a surprise announcement on social media that he is retiring from touring with the band, effective immediately after their show tonight in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which happens to be the last show of their current The Future Past World Tour. Nicko has been with the band for 42 years, since the release of the 1983 Piece of Mind album.
McBrain wrote:
“After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle. Today, Sat, Dec 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.
“I will, however, remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects, my long time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I’ll also be working on a variety of different personal projects and focusing on my existing businesses and ventures, including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, Titanium Tart, and of course, Rock-N-Roll Ribs!
Paul Natkin/Getty Images
“What can I say? Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile and I love you! To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you made it infinitely easier and I love you! To my kids, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences and I love you! To my friends that are always there for me, I love you! To my bandmates, you made it a dream come true and I love you!”
I look into the future with much excitement and great hope!
I’ll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course,
“Up the Irons!”
An Announcement from Iron Maiden pic.twitter.com/MzFfb8DC4A
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) December 7, 2024
While shocking, it is not totally unexpected, as he suffered a stroke in 2023 and has repeatedly stated that he has not fully recovered from it, and that the resulting damage has made it a challenge for him to play some of Iron Maiden’s complex drum parts.
In response to the news, band manager Rod Smallwood released a statement on behalf of Iron Maiden thanking Nicko for all his amazing years with the band:
“Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak on behalf of all the band when I say we will miss you immensely! The band and I all have a thousand great memories of the past 42 years, great gigs, copious platinum and gold discs and awards, love from the fans and one beer too many on too many occasions! Such a bond is forever! And, as Steve Harris says, ‘Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family’.”
Ross Marino/Getty
What’s Next for Iron Maiden?
After a short break, Iron Maiden is slated to hit the road again in 2025/2026 for the band’s 50th anniversary on the Run For Your Lives World Tour, which will kick off on May 27th in Budapest. Lead singer Bruce Dickinson teased, “Next year is a very special one for Iron Maiden and we’re going to be giving our fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience” and promises that sets will include many classics and fan favorites from the first nine albums, some of which haven’t been played in years.
But as far as who is drumming? Fans will need to stay tuned; the band has already selected a new drummer but have yet to make a public announcement of who it is. We will be sure to update once announced as well as North American dates for the tour.
Til then, cheers Nicko, we wish you a happy, well-deserved retirement! Up the Irons!
Remind 
Birth of Rock 'n' Roll
February 2024
"Long live rock," we like to say, but how did it come to life? Revisit the memorable moments, music and movies that made teens go beat crazy back in the 1950s.
Buy This Issue