Nicko McBrain, the longtime drummer of Iron Maiden, has announced his decision to retire from extensive touring after 42 years with the iconic band. In a heartfelt statement shared on Iron Maiden’s official Twitter account, McBrain confirmed that his final performance with the group would take place tonight, December 7th, in São Paulo, Brazil.
“After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle,” McBrain stated. “I will, however, remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family, working on a variety of projects my longtime managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I’ll also be focusing on my personal ventures, including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, and Rock-N-Roll Ribs.”
Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden’s manager, shared a statement on behalf of the band, emphasizing McBrain’s significance to the band. “Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer. Ever since Rock in Rio in 1985, we’ve had a special relationship with Brazil, so to bow out of touring in front of 90,000 fans here in São Paulo over two nights is poetic and well-deserved. Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family.”
McBrain also expressed his gratitude to his fans, bandmates, and family for their unwavering support throughout his career: “To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile, and I love you! To my wife, Rebecca, you made it infinitely easier, and I love you! To my kids, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences, and I love you! To my bandmates, you made it a dream come true, and I love you!”
Iron Maiden has reassured fans that a new drummer has already been selected and will be announced soon. For now, all eyes are on São Paulo as McBrain prepares for his final performance, marking the end of an era in Iron Maiden’s touring history.
