Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain announces retirement from touring with the band after 42 years
Iron Maiden is saying farewell to one its main members on the stage.
The heavy metal band just concluded their The Future Past 2024 tour. They are set to head back on the road in May 2025 for the Run For Your Lives World Tour.
In a heartfelt social media statement to Iron Maiden’s 4.3 million followers, drummer Nicko McBrain announced he will no longer tour with the band after 42 years.
Watch the video above.
READ MORE: She was forced to ‘leak’ her own song with a warning. It worked
McBrain confirmed ahead of the band’s latest performance in San Paulo on Saturday, December 7, that it would be his final show.
“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,” he began.
However, the musician confirmed he would not be hanging up his drumsticks entirely.
READ MORE: How a bag of frozen peas could save your dog’s life
McBrain said he would “remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects” his managers “have in mind” for him.
The English band was formed in 1975.
Iron Maiden is currently comprised of members McBrain, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson and Janick Gers. McBrain joined the group in 1982.
“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!” he said.
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Major bands that have made a comeback years later
The drummer then thanked his wife Rebecca, his kids, and his friends for the support.
McBrain lastly thanked his Iron Maiden bandmates, gushing, “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!'” he signed off.
READ MORE: One place Hollywood hero’s daughter is more famous than him
The news comes nearly two years after McBrain suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in January 2023.
In August 2023, McBrain revealed on the band’s YouTube the mini stroke left him “paralysed on my right side from my shoulder on down”.
After undergoing physical therapy ahead of rehearsing for the band’s The Future Past Tour, the drummer said he was “somewhere near 70 per cent recovered”.
The band’s manager Rod Smallwood thanked McBrain “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!”
Smallwood signed off by quoting original members Steve Harris: “‘Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family'”.
The manager confirmed a new drummer was lined up and ready to be announced.
Iron Maiden recently paid tribute to their former frontman Paul Di’Anno who died aged 66 in October 2024.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.