In an interview with Rock Candy , Steve Harris Nicko McBrain 's retirement from touring with Iron Maiden .
In December, during the Future Past Tour's in Brazil, the drummer announced that he would no longer tour and that that night's show in São Paulo would be his last with Iron Maiden.
“To be honest, we didn’t have a choice and we had to make the change after Nicko suffered his health problems,” said Harris, referring to the stroke McBrain suffered in 2023 [transcription via Blabbermouth ]. “That’s what happened, and we had to decide whether we wanted to continue or not. Obviously, we had a tour scheduled at the time it happened, and we all wanted to continue. But ultimately, after all that, it was Nicko’s decision to step away, and we all respect the fact that he decided to do that.”
Iron Maiden's last show was held in São Paulo
The news about Nicko McBrain's withdrawal from touring was given on December 7th, a few hours before the last show of the Future Past Tour , in the city of São Paulo .
"After much consideration, it is with sadness and also joy that I announce my decision to step away from the extensive touring lifestyle. Today, Saturday, December 7th in São Paulo, will be my last show with Iron Maiden. I wish the band success in their future endeavors," the drummer wrote in a statement published on social media.
McBrain also clarified that he would continue working with Maiden on “various other projects” and a variety of personal projects, focusing on his more recent business ventures. “Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fanbase, you made it all worthwhile and I love you,” he wrote.
How is Nicko McBrain doing now?
Despite his retirement from touring, the drummer makes sporadic appearances at specific events and still performs some shows with his Iron Maiden cover band, Titanium Tart .
In September, Nicko McBrain took to the stage alongside Adrian Smith for the first time since leaving Iron Maiden, during the wedding of Smith's daughter, Natasha.
The reason for McBrain's absence from touring was a stroke he suffered in 2023 that paralyzed the entire right side of his body. Despite reporting an "85% to 90%" recovery , the drummer has suffered lasting effects and will not be able to continue with the intense touring schedule.
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