Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is ending his career

Stroke last year

Iron Maiden drummer ends career

12/8/2024 – 12:19 a.mReading time: 2 min.

After 42 years it’s over: the drummer of the band Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain, has announced the end of his career

The drummer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden says goodbye: Nicko McBrain has announced the end of his career. The 72-year-old suffered a stroke at the beginning of last year. The band’s show in São Paulo on Saturday evening was the last with him, it said in a statement.

McBrain has played with the group since 1982 and has been involved in all of their record productions. Even though he no longer wants to tour with the band, he still plans to stay true to the music. “However, I will remain an integral part of the Iron Maiden family and will be working on a variety of projects that my long-time managers Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor have planned for me. I will also be working on various personal projects and focusing on my existing ones business and ventures,” he wrote on Iron Maiden’s website.

The band thanked the drummer for the 42 years he had been there. “We will miss you very much,” said the musicians. Bassist Steve Harris said: “Nicko is and will always be a part of the Maiden family.”

McBrain also addressed words to his fans and family: “To my loyal fan base: You made this all possible and I love you! To my loyal wife Rebecca: You made it infinitely easier and I love you!”

The Brit had already played in pubs as a 14-year-old in the 1960s. He performed with small, lesser-known bands in the 1970s. An engagement with the French band Trust brought him into contact with Iron Maiden. In August 2023 he announced that he had been paralyzed from the right shoulder down after a stroke in January. After intensive physiotherapy, he was able to play concerts with the band again in May.

Band manager Rod Smallwood announced that they have already found a successor and will introduce the new drummer shortly.