BREAKING: Iron Maiden Iconic Drummer NICKO McBrain Re…See more
Nicko McBrain Steps Out of the Drums for Touring but Studio Door Open
Long-time Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has officially retired from the physically taxing world of live performances—but that doesn’t mean necessarily the curtain has fallen for good on his role in the band’s studio output. During an ad-lib interview last week, the iconic percussionist, 73, left room for potential involvement on an Iron Maiden album down the line, while confirming his deep affection for the band.
McBrain — also known as Michael Henry McBrain — revealed that he was retiring from touring on December 7, 2024, after 42 years of being behind the drums, with the final show being at Allianz Parque in São Paulo  . Citing health reasons—namely, suffering a stroke in January 2023 and recurring sciatic nerve issues—McBrain said that constant traveling and grueling two-hour sets eventually exhausted him .
But although he has stepped back from the road, the drummer remains in good books with Iron Maiden. He confirmed that he remains a member of the band and will “remain part of the Iron Maiden family,” taking part in fan-club activities, writing an autobiography, and contributing to future recordings  .
Will Nicko McBrain feature on a new Iron Maiden album?
“I don’t know why I wouldn’t, if I could physically do it,” he told Loudwire. “If there is a new album coming, it’s something that maybe I’ll play a few songs off the album. Yeah, who knows? We’re all still in this thing”istance. While he emphasized that no new album has been officially declared, his enthusiasm suggests the band may welcome his return to the studio—pending his health.
Tour drumming duties have now been passed on to Simon Dawson, best known to play with Steve Harris’s British Lion side band. Dawson debuted on the “Run for Your Lives” tour in May 2025, Iron Maiden’s first tour sans McBrain on the drums . Dawson has been given high acclaim by McBrain, who called him “doing a fantastic job” .
Tour retirement differs from creative retirement. Nicko is occupied writing his autobiography—already on chapter 21 at the moment—to document his incredible ride from pub drummer to metal legend  . He also continues to produce fan-club content and develop business ventures, ensuring his own name forever tied in with Maiden’s fate.
Iron Maiden enthusiasts looking for a new studio album can stay cautiously optimistic.
While the band has not made any official announcements about releasing a sequel to 2021’s Senjutsu, McBrain’s willingness to lend music suggests his distinctive sound may be heard on upcoming recordings—if he feels like doing it.
Briefly:
• Formally retired from touring in December 2024 after health setbacks .
• Although he’s backed off on doing live shows, he remains an official band member who participates in studio and fan projects.
• He hasn’t closed the door on contributing to a new Iron Maiden album, performing his parts if his body can handle the wear
• Simon Dawson performs live drumming now and has been signed on by McBrain.
As Maiden embarks on their next creative chapter, Nicko McBrain’s past and possible future legacy remain firmly center stage.
