Last Saturday, May 3rd, Nicko McBrain participated in an autograph session at his store, Drum One , in Manchester, United Kingdom. The public appearance came just a few months after the veteran drummer announced his retirement from touring with Iron Maiden , after more than four decades on the road.
The 72-year-old musician revealed in December 2024 that Maiden's show at Allianz Parque in São Paulo would mark his last live performance with the band. In an interview with the Finnish website Chaoszine (transcription via Blabbermouth ) in February of this year, Nicko spoke openly about the decision and the reasons that led him to leave the stage . According to him, it was a difficult but necessary choice: "It was the best decision I could have made," he said.
The idea of retiring from touring began to take shape back in 2023, but he preferred to wait until the end of The Future Past to officially announce it. “It was easy to make the decision at the end of the tour. When we got to North America, I talked to the guys—mainly Steve Harris and then the management—and everyone understood,” he said.
Nicko McBrain was facing physical difficulties.
The drummer had been facing physical difficulties since suffering a stroke that left him with partial paralysis in January 2023. Although he managed to return to the stage, he admitted that the recovery was challenging. “I had good days and bad days. On the bad days, I thought I wouldn’t play with the guys again. I wish I still had my full physical conditioning back,” he confided.
The tour schedule also took its toll. The rhythm of shows interspersed with travel and few days of rest was exhausting. Even with the help of a personal trainer and exercises focused on motor and mental rehabilitation, Nicko confessed that he could no longer deliver the same level of performance in demanding songs like "The Trooper".
Despite the frustration, McBrain maintains the faith and good humor that have accompanied him since his conversion to Christianity in 1999. "God gave me a stroke, but I'm still here, two years later. That's a blessing," he stated.
The final show in São Paulo was symbolic for the drummer and for Maiden. In an official statement, manager Rod Smallwood praised the band's connection with Brazil and called the farewell in front of 90,000 fans "poetic." "Nicko is and always will be part of the Maiden family," he wrote.
McBrain himself reinforced that he will remain close to the band, even outside of touring. He will continue to be involved in side projects with Maiden, as well as personal and commercial initiatives — including his drum shop and possibly an autobiographical book: "We're about to start that," he revealed.
In his farewell message, Nicko left an emotional message for the fans: “What can I say? It’s been an incredible 42 years of touring with Maiden! To my devoted fans, you made it all worthwhile. I love you!”
Nicko joined Iron Maiden in 1982, replacing Clive Burr after The Number of the Beast . With his technical and refined style, he gave the band a new sound and became the third longest-serving member, behind only Steve and Dave Murray . Before that, he had already played with names like Pat Travers and the French band Trust .
Simon Dawson is the new drummer for Iron Maiden.
In his place, Iron Maiden announced in December 2024 that drummer Simon Dawson , Harris's longtime partner in British Lion , would be the new member of their touring lineup. The band will return to the road in 2025 with the Run For Your Lives , scheduled to begin in May.
Even offstage, Nicko McBrain remains a living legend of heavy metal — and one of the most charismatic and beloved drummers in the genre's history.
READ ALSO: Iron Maiden will begin rehearsals for their new tour soon.
