Nicko McBrain, the legendary drummer of Iron Maiden, has announced his retirement from the touring circuit, after a career spanning over 40 years with the band. In a heartfelt message shared on December 7th via the band’s official website and his social media channels, the 72-year-old musician revealed his decision to “step back” from life on the road.
In his statement, Nicko expressed a mixture of “sorrow and joy” as he explained his choice to retire from extensive touring. “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, Saturday, December 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with IRON MAIDEN. I wish the band much success moving forward.”
While he is retiring from touring, Nicko emphasized that his connection with Iron Maiden will remain strong. “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!”
Reflecting on his remarkable journey with Iron Maiden, Nicko shared a deep appreciation for the experiences, the fans, and his family. “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!”
He concluded his message with optimism about the future: “I look into the future with much excitement and great hope! I’ll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course, ‘Up the Irons!'”
Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden’s longtime manager, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Nicko’s contributions to the band. “Nicko, and we all love you too!! Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for MAIDEN for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak on behalf of all the band when I say we will miss you immensely!”
He also reflected on the special bond between Iron Maiden and Brazil, recalling the band’s historic performances, particularly in Rio in 1985. “Ever since Rock In Rio in 1985 we have had a special relationship with Brazil, so to bow out of touring in front of 90,000 fans here in Sao Paulo over 2 nights is poetic and you are deserving of all the accolades I am sure these marvellous fans will give you on this last show.”
Looking ahead, Smallwood highlighted the future collaboration between Nicko and the band. “Phantom looks forward to many more years of working with you on the projects you mentioned and I’m sure we can find a few more special ones around the MAIDEN family and FC!”
As a final note, Smallwood shared the excitement about what’s to come: “The band and I all have a thousand great memories of the past 42 years, great gigs, copious platinum and gold discs 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 will always be part of the MAIDEN family’.”
Smallwood added a teaser for the future, stating: “P.S. MAIDEN always get their man and our already chosen new drummer will be announced very shortly.”
