Following the retirement announcement of Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain, speculation is rising on who will step into the legendary band’s drum kit. With McBrain’s decision to retire from touring after over four decades with the band, a notable question has emerged: could Metallica’s Lars Ulrich be a potential replacement?
McBrain, who has been a cornerstone of Iron Maiden’s rhythm section since 1982, announced on December 7th that his final performance with the band would take place that evening in São Paulo, Brazil. The 72-year-old drummer’s decision to retire comes after his recovery from a stroke in 2023, with the touring lifestyle proving too much to handle after his health setback.
In his emotional retirement statement, McBrain shared:
“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.”
He also reassured fans that he would remain involved with Iron Maiden, stating:
“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!”
While McBrain’s departure from touring marks the end of an era for Iron Maiden, his legacy within the band remains intact. However, this also leaves the question of who could replace him for the band’s future live performances.
One potential name that has surfaced in the conversation is Lars Ulrich, the iconic drummer of Metallica. Ulrich is a close friend of Iron Maiden, having shared the stage with them on numerous occasions. While it might seem like a stretch to imagine him switching sides from Metallica to Iron Maiden, it’s an intriguing thought for many fans.
Ulrich is known for his high-energy drumming and stage presence, both qualities that have earned him respect within the rock and metal communities. Could he bring a fresh dynamic to Iron Maiden’s performances while respecting McBrain’s legacy? It’s unclear, but the thought of a Metallica drummer joining forces with one of the world’s most beloved metal bands is an exciting prospect for some fans.
