BREAKING: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain Pa…read more.
London, UK — July 7, 2025
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has paid a heartfelt tribute to longtime friend and fellow musician Martin Hayes, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 68. Hayes, a respected sound engineer and close confidant of the Maiden crew for over three decades, died peacefully in his sleep, according to a family statement.
In a moving message shared via McBrain’s official social media accounts, the legendary drummer expressed deep sorrow at the news and extended his condolences to the Hayes family.
“I’m absolutely devastated to hear of Martin’s passing,” McBrain wrote. “He was more than a friend he was a brother to me and to everyone in the Maiden camp. His spirit, his laughter, and his tireless work behind the scenes made every show feel like home. My heart goes out to his beautiful family especially Anne, Thomas, and little Ellie. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.”
Hayes was known in the rock world not only for his technical mastery but also for his warm, unshakable presence on tour. He worked with a range of iconic acts during his career, including Deep Purple, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard, but it was his bond with Iron Maiden that remained strongest. He joined them in 1988 during the “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” world tour and remained a trusted member of their extended family ever since.
McBrain, who recently announced his retirement from touring following his health battles, also shared a personal anecdote in his tribute.
“I remember during our 2003 tour in Brazil, I was having one of the worst days of my life. My arm was playing up, the heat was unbearable, and I was ready to throw in the towel. Martin pulled me aside backstage and said, ‘If you walk out there and give them half of what you’ve got, they’ll still remember it forever.’ That was Martin always seeing the light when the rest of us were in the dark.”
Fans and fellow musicians quickly joined in the tribute, with many praising Hayes for his lifelong dedication to rock and roll. Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson also released a brief statement: “Martin wasn’t just part of the crew he was part of the soul of this band. We’ve lost a giant behind the curtain.”
A private funeral for Martin Hayes will be held next week in Hertfordshire, with the family requesting privacy and asking fans to make donations to the British Heart Foundation in his memory.
