Mike Portnoy: “Too little English to play in Iron Maiden”

During an interview given to Metal Pilgrim to the drummer of Dream Theater Mike Portnoy was asked if he had ever thought about it after retiring Nicko McBrainof being able to become, one day, the drummer of Iron Maiden.

This is what the 57-year-old American musician replied: “It’s a completely hypothetical scenario. They are one of the biggest bands in the world and one of my favorites. I hear this question come up all the time about Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson (singer and guitarist of Rush , ed.) It’s really a conjecture.”

He went on to explain: “I think for Iron Maiden in particular, it’s not even worth asking that question because in a million years they wouldn’t have had anyone in the band who wasn’t English.

They are such a traditionally British band that this is a hypothetical question that shouldn’t even be asked because it would be impossible unless I changed nationality.”

Last month, the 72-year-old Nicko McBrain announced he would retire from live activity, the last concert with the band was on December 7 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mike Portnoy he was very impressed by the news and published images of them together on social media accompanied by this message: “I am shocked to learn of the announcement of Nicko McBrain’s withdrawal from touring with Iron Maiden. I wish my friend all the best on his retirement…thank you for all the years of music and friendship, you are the best Nicko.”

Nicko McBrain he called himself out of it Iron Maiden after 42 years of an honored career, he will replace him behind the drums Simon Dawsonwho will join the band for the 2025 “Run For Your Lives” tour starting May 27 in Budapest, Hungary. The only Italian date of the group will take place on July 13th at the Euganeo stadium in Padua.