Nicko McBrain, who set the beat for Iron Maiden since 1982, has officially retired.
The 72-year-old drummer from Hackney, London, released a statement Saturday (12/7) before the group’s giant concert in Sao Paulo Brazil announcing his farewell.
“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,” he wrote. “Today, Saturday, December 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.”
The gig was the band’s last stop on the grueling Future Past Tour where they played 44 gigs in 2024 beginning in Perth, Australia, several months after McBrain had recovered from a stroke. While most of his body was able to bounce back, the drummer admitted he was no longer able to perform some of his faster fills.
read more at: Setlist.fm


