Nicko McBrain, Iron Maiden’s drummer since 1982, has announced his retirement from touring, concluding his remarkable run with a final performance in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 7. The 72-year-old, who has been central to the band’s sound for over four decades, described the decision as bittersweet but necessary after years of relentless touring.
“Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey,” McBrain wrote in a heartfelt statement, thanking fans for their unwavering support. While stepping away from the road, he plans to stay connected with the band through various projects and personal ventures.
McBrain’s health challenges, including a stroke in 2023 that temporarily left him partially paralyzed, played a role in his decision. After intensive rehabilitation, he returned for Iron Maiden’s The Future Past tour but admitted the touring lifestyle had taken its toll.
Iron Maiden praised McBrain’s legacy, calling him an “irrepressible force behind the drum kit” and a vital part of the band’s history. “Nicko is, and always will be, part of the Maiden family,” the band noted, adding that performing in São Paulo, a city dear to them since their 1985 Rock in Rio appearance, was a fitting farewell.
With The Future Past tour now concluded, Iron Maiden is set to embark on their Run for Your Lives tour in May 2025. Though he’ll no longer be on the road, McBrain reassured fans: “I’ll be seeing you soon. Up the Irons!”
Source: Billboard
