Nicko McBrain: the last live for the Iron Maiden drummer
Nicko McBrain is about to play his last concert with the Iron Maiden. The band’s longtime drummer, suffered a stroke in January 2023 but returning to perform four months later, he announced the news on the band’s official website: “After much reflection, it is with sorrow and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the routine and strenuous touring lifestyle.”
Today, Saturday 7 December, in Sao Paulo will be my last concert with Iron Maiden. I wish the band great success for the future.” McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982, first appearing on the album “Piece of Mind” of 1983.
Regarding the stroke, McBrain revealed that he has not yet fully recovered and was having difficulty with some of the band’s more complex songs: “Unfortunately I wasn’t able to give you 100% of my performance.”
A year later, in July 2024, McBrain explained how his bandmates had supported him and changed their setlists to accommodate him: “It’s not the old Nicko – it’s not the old at all. But at least it’s part of me. And my band, bless their hearts, Steve Harris and the rest of the guys turn around and say, ‘If you can’t do something in a song, we’re not going to do that song.'”
In his statement, McBrain promises to “remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family” and to continue working on a number of existing projects and businesses. “Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey,” he concludes. “To my bandmates: You made the dream come true and I love you! I look to the future with a lot of excitement and great hope! See you soon, God bless you all, and of course, ‘Up the Irons!’
Iron Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood released a statement on behalf of the band: “Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drums of Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak on behalf of the entire band when I say that we will miss you immensely! I and the band we have a thousand beautiful memories of the last 42 years, of the great concerts, of the numerous platinum and gold records and awards, of the love of the fans and of one beer too many on too many occasions. Such a bond is forever! , how says Steve Harris, ‘Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family.'”
Tonight’s show marks the conclusion of the 2024 tour.”The Future Past” by Iron Maiden. The band will return to perform live in May 2025 with the “Run For Your Lives tour”. The statement reads that McBrain’s replacement is already on the list: “Maiden always have their man and our new drummer already chosen will be announced shortly.”
