Nicko McBrain, the drummer of legendary rock band Iron Maiden, recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of a new album. This information comes from an interview featured on Waste Some Time with Jason Green.
When asked about his potential involvement in a future Iron Maiden album, McBrain addressed both the hopeful and uncertain aspects of the situation.
“First of all, there’s no plans to make a new album as yet,” McBrain said. “That could change. So if that that’s the case, maybe I’ll be asked to do a couple of songs.”
McBrain’s cautious optimism about future studio work comes at a significant turning point in his career with the band. After more than four decades as Iron Maiden’s drummer, the legendary musician has recently undergone major life changes that have reshaped his relationship with the group.
McBrain officially retired from live touring with Iron Maiden in December 2024. This decision followed a year of reflection after suffering a stroke in January 2023, which left him with partial paralysis. The stroke prompted a reassessment of his ability to meet the physical demands of the band’s rigorous touring schedule, as reported by Ultimate Classic Rock. Despite stepping back from the road, McBrain has emphasized that he remains a committed member of the Iron Maiden family. He stated, “I’m still part of the family, so I do a lot of work with the fan club, and I’m going out and doing still Iron Maiden-related stuff.”
The drummer’s decision to retire from touring stemmed from a combination of health challenges and personal loss. McBrain shared that the death of a close friend during tour preparations led to a period of depression. This difficult time ultimately led him to realize it was time to step back from the demands of touring, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.
Rather than fading from the music scene entirely, McBrain has remained active in the metal community with new ventures. He launched a new podcast called Metal Sticks in collaboration with Modern Drummer CEO David Frangioni. The show focuses on interviewing iconic artists, educating drummers, and showcasing young talent, as detailed by Modern Drummer. Additionally, he has formed Titanium Tart, an Iron Maiden cover band with a fresh ensemble of musicians. This group is set to perform several shows across Florida in July 2025.
McBrain’s openness to contributing to future Iron Maiden recordings demonstrates that while his touring days may be behind him, his creative relationship with the band remains open. His comments suggest that the door is not closed on studio collaborations. He continues to navigate this new chapter of his career both within and beyond Iron Maiden.
