Iron Maiden fans were left devastated on Saturday when ‘irreplaceable’ band member Nicko McBrain announced his retirement from the group.
Musician Nicko, 72, first joined the legendary rock band in 1982, replacing drummer Clive Burr.
However, after 42 years of entertaining fans, Nicko revealed with both ‘sadness and joy’ that he is taking a step back from the ‘rut of the extended touring lifestyle’, with the next gig being his last with the group.
In a statement shared on the band’s social media channels, Nicko said: ‘After much thought, with both sadness and joy, I am announcing my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extended touring lifestyle. Today, Saturday December 7, Sao Paulo will be my last performance with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success in the future.
‘However, I will remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family and work on a variety of projects that my old managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I will also be working on a variety of different personal projects and focusing on my existing companies and ventures including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, Titanium Tart and of course Rock-N-Roll Ribs!’
The drummer then paid tribute to his fans, loved ones and bandmates who have supported him over the past four decades.
Iron Maiden fans were left devastated on Saturday as ‘irreplaceable’ band member Nicko McBrain [second left] announced his retirement from the group [L-R: Adrian Smith, Nicko, Janick Gers, Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray]
After 42 years of entertaining fans, Nicko revealed with both ‘sadness and joy’ that he is stepping back from the ‘rut of the extended touring lifestyle’, with the next gig being his last with the group
He added: ‘What can I say? Touring with Maiden for the past 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fanbase, you all made it worth it and I love you!
‘To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you have made it infinitely easier and I love you! To my children, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences and I love you! To my friends who are always there for me: I love you! To my bandmates: you made it a dream and I love you!
‘I look to the future with great excitement and great hope! I’ll see you soon, may God bless you all, and of course, ‘Up the Irons!’
Nicko’s announcement was accompanied by a message from the group’s manager Rod Smallwood, who praised him for being an “unstoppable force behind the drums.”
He also revealed that Nicko’s replacement has already been chosen and the newcomer will be announced in due course.
He wrote: ‘Nicko, and we all love you too!! Thank you for being an unstoppable force behind Maiden’s drum kit for 42 years and my friend’s even longer. I speak for the entire band when I say we will miss you immensely!
“We’ve had a special relationship with Brazil since Rock in Rio in 1985, so not touring here in Sao Paulo for two nights in front of 90,000 fans is poetic and you deserve all the credit. I’m sure these great fans will give you during this last show.
‘Phantom looks forward to working with you for many years to come on the projects you mentioned and I’m sure we can find a few more special projects around the Maiden family and FC!
Musician Nicko, 72, first joined the legendary rock band in 1982, replacing drummer Clive Burr
In a statement shared on the band’s social media channels, Nicko said: ‘After much thought, with both sadness and joy, I am announcing my decision to step back from the grind of the extended touring lifestyle’
Nicko’s announcement was accompanied by a message from the group’s manager Rod Smallwood, who praised him for being an “unstoppable force behind the drums.”
‘The band and I all have a thousand wonderful memories of the past 42 years, great performances, copious platinum and gold records and awards, love from the fans and one beer too many on too many occasions! Such a bond is forever! And, as Steve Harris says, “Nicko is and always will be part of the Maiden family.”
‘Rod, Andy, Steve, Bruce, Davey, Adrian and Jan
‘PS Maiden always gets their man and our already chosen new drummer will be announced very soon.’
Fans of the band were quick to react to the news, with several people taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their devastation over Nicko’s departure, while also praising his time with the band.
They wrote: ‘An absolute legend, one of the most underrated drummers ever. Thank you Nicko McBrain.”
Fans of the band were quick to react to the news, with several people taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their devastation over Nicko’s departure, while also praising his time with the band.
‘Too bad I won’t see you at the London Stadium next summer. Up your irons!’
‘You are an absolute legend, Nicko. Thank you for the decades of incredible music, humor and dedication. I’m glad you can move into the future, on your terms. ON THE IRONS
‘Too bad, but congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. Thank you for over 40 years of metal…Up The Irons!!!
“I knew this day would come eventually, but it’s still incredibly sad. Nicko is great. Thanks for all the great music.”
‘The best drummer in the best band. We love you Nicko! God bless you forever!!”
‘Ah such a shame, one of my favorite drummers and such a good guy, but understandable!’