Over the weekend, the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden announced that their longtime drummer of over 42 years, Nicko McBrain, was retiring from touring. The news came as quite a shock to Maiden fans and the metal community, as McBrain has been an integral part of Iron Maiden ever since he joined the band in its early years in 1982. Not only has Nicko contributed on every one of Iron Maiden’s studio albums since 1983’s Piece of Mind, but Iron Maiden hasn’t toured with any other drummer since McBrain joined the band.
Iron Maiden’s The Future Past Tour concluded in Sao Paulo, Brazil over the weekend, and the final show of the tour also happened to be Nicko McBrain’s final show with the band. Prior to the show on Saturday, McBrain and Iron Maiden shared the following statement:
“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. Today, Sat, Dec 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.
I will, however, remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects, my long time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I’ll also be working on a variety of different personal projects and focusing on my existing businesses and ventures, including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, Titanium Tart, and of course, Rock-N-Roll Ribs!
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! To my devoted 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 friends that are always there for me, I love you! To my bandmates, you made it a dream come true and I love you!
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