Iron Maiden’s long-time drummer Nicko McBrain is exiting the tour.
The 72-year-old musician announced his retirement on Saturday (December 7) and will perform a concert at Allianz Park in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday, which will be his last show with the legendary rock band.
“After much consideration, it is with sadness and joy that I announce that I have decided to take a step back from the demanding touring lifestyle,” McBryan shared in a statement on Iron Maiden’s website. “I wish the band every success moving forward.”
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McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982, replacing Clive Burr, and has been an integral part of the band’s sound, playing drums on every album since. fragments of mind 1983.
“What can I say? Touring with Maiden for the past 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my loyal fan base, you guys make it all worth it and I love you!” added McBryan.
McBrien will remain close to the band during his retirement from touring. He confirmed that he will continue to be involved in “various projects” at Iron Maiden, while also focusing on his personal venture and existing business.
“I look forward to the future with excitement and hope! I will see you soon, may God bless you all, and of course, ‘Come on!
McBrain’s decision comes after health issues in recent years, including a stroke in 2023 that left him partially paralyzed. After extensive rehabilitation, he returned to the stage with Iron Maiden for their current world tour.
Iron Maiden expressed its gratitude to McBrain for his outstanding contributions to the band. “Thank you for being the unstoppable force behind Maiden Drums for 42 years and being my friend. I speak for the entire band when I say you will be greatly missed!” the band said in a statement.
Iron Maiden also referenced their longstanding ties to Brazil, with whom they have had a special connection since their 1985 Rock in Rio show. “Ending the tour in two nights in São Paulo in front of 90,000 fans was poetic,” they continued. “Nico is and will always be a member of the Maiden family.”
Saturday’s show marked the final show of Iron Maiden’s The Future Past world tour, which kicked off in September. The band will return to the road in 2025 for the Run for Your Lives world tour, which is scheduled to launch in May.
