Iron Maiden fans were devastated on Saturday when the band’s “irreplaceable” 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 “sadness and joy” that he is taking a step back from the “routine of the extensive touring lifestyle,” and that the upcoming concert will be his last with the cluster.
In a statement shared on the band’s social media channels, Nicko said: “After much consideration, it is with sadness and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the routine of the extensive touring lifestyle. Today, Saturday December 7, Sao Paulo will be my last concert with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success in the future.
“However, I will remain part of the Iron Maiden family and will work on a variety of projects that my long-time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I will also work on a variety of different personal projects and I will focus on my existing businesses and companies 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 devastated on Saturday when ‘irreplaceable’ band member Nicko McBrain (second left) announced his retirement from the group (LR: Adrian Smith, Nicko, Janick Gers, Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray )
After 42 years of entertaining fans, Nicko revealed with “sadness and joy” that he is taking a step back from the “routine of the extensive touring lifestyle,” and that the upcoming concert will be his last with the group.
And he added: ‘What can I say? Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, you made it all worth it and I love you!
‘To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you made it infinitely easier and I love you! To my sons 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 come true and I love you!
‘I look to the future with great excitement and great hope! I’ll see you soon, 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 “irrepressible force behind the drums.”
He also revealed that Nicko’s replacement has already been chosen and that the newcomer will be announced in due course.
He wrote: ‘Nicko, and we all love you too!! Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind Maiden’s drums for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak for the entire band when I say we will miss you immensely!
“Since Rock in Rio in 1985 we have had a special relationship with Brazil, so to retire from the tour in front of 90,000 fans here in Sao Paulo for two nights is poetic and you deserve all the praise. I am sure that these wonderful fans will give you in this last program.
‘Phantom looks forward to working with you for many more years on the projects you mentioned and I’m sure we can find some more special ones around the Maiden and FC family.
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 consideration, it is with sadness and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the routine of the extensive touring lifestyle.”
Nicko’s announcement was accompanied by a message from the group’s manager, Rod Smallwood, who praised him for being an “irrepressible force behind the drums.”
‘The band and I have a thousand great memories from the last 42 years, great concerts, abundant platinum and gold records and awards, love from fans and one beer too many on too many occasions! A bond like this 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
“PD Maiden always gets their man and our new drummer already chosen will be announced very soon.”
Fans of the band were quick to react to the news, with several taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their devastation at Nicko’s departure while also praising his time with the band.
They wrote: “An absolute legend, one of the most underrated drummers of all time. Thank you Nicko McBrain.”
Fans of the band were quick to react to the news, with several taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their devastation at Nicko’s departure while also praising his time with the band.
‘I’m gutted I won’t be seeing you at the London Stadium next summer. Irons up!’
‘You are an absolute legend, Nicko. Thank you for decades of incredible music, humor and dedication. I’m glad you can travel into the future, on your own terms. UP THE IRONS’
‘Disheartened, but congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. Thank you for more than 40 years of metal… Up The Irons!!!
‘I knew this day would come eventually, but it’s still incredibly sad. Nicko is amazing. Thanks for all the good music.’
‘The best drummer in the best band. We love you Nicko! God bless you forever!!’
‘Ah what a shame, one of my favorite drummers and such a good guy, but understandable!’