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‘Mixed Emotions’: Nicko McBrain Reflects on Retiring From Touring — and Sparks Emotional Reaction From Iron Maiden
Legendary Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has offered a powerful, emotional insight into his recent decision to retire from touring — a move both he and his bandmates describe as filled with “mixed emotions.”
In a candid interview with Chaoszine, McBrain (72) opened up about the decision-making process that culminated during Iron Maiden’s Future Past Tour. Diagnosed with a stroke in January 2023 that left him partially paralyzed, McBrain struggled through the rigorous touring schedule. As he put it: “It was an easy decision, but I wish I could still play with the guys. I wish I had my full fitness.”
Health, honesty, and the hard truth
McBrain disclosed that the turning point came during the North American leg of the tour. Concerned about an inability to perform at the high standard Iron Maiden fans expect, especially on high-energy songs like “The Trooper,” he approached bassist Steve Harris and the rest of the band — who responded with understanding and support.
“I kind of made my mind up when we got to North America and talked to the boys about it… everybody went, ‘Okay. If that’s what you wanna do, we understand,’ having my handicap, since my stroke and stuff like that”
He described the physical toll of the tour: “gig, travel day, gig, travel day, gig… and it was just — it just got to me.” He realized that he could no longer “give it a hundred percent” or “drive the band like I wanted to.”
The final curtain call
On December 7, 2024, McBrain formally announced his retirement from touring during Iron Maiden’s final Performance of the Future Past tour at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil. The announcement stated that the São Paulo show would mark his final performance with the band on the road.
Manager Rod Smallwood expressed deep gratitude for McBrain’s 42‑year tenure, calling him “an irrepressible force behind the drum kit” and a long-time friend. He emphasized that the band and management supported McBrain’s decision completely.
Iron Maiden’s response and transition
Bruce Dickinson, frontman of Iron Maiden, acknowledged McBrain’s monumental contribution to the band during the São Paulo show, stating that McBrain “wasn’t leaving the band, but just not playing live with us anymore.”
As part of the band’s next chapter, Simon Dawson from British Lion was introduced as the new touring drummer starting with the Run For Your Lives tour, which launched in May 2025. While McBrain may no longer appear on stage, he remains an active member of Iron Maiden, contributing in the studio and taking part in various projects.
Career legacy and future pursuits
Born Michael Henry McBrain in 1952, Nicko joined Iron Maiden in 1982 and became integral to their sound, appearing on every studio album since Piece of Mind (1983). Widely respected as one of heavy metal’s greatest drummers, he’s remained connected to the band even after stepping down from live performances.
Since his retirement from touring, McBrain has stayed active in music and business. He regularly hosts impromptu drum jams at his Rock N’ Roll Ribs restaurant in Coral Springs, Florida, reconnecting with fans. He’s also working with the British Drum Company to develop new drum hardware and is focused on growing roots in his personal ventures, including Titanium Tart and his drum store in England.
McBrain also teased that a book chronicling his life and career could be on the horizon.
A bittersweet farewell
Reflecting on his departure from live life on the road, McBrain described the weight of the decision: “There are days when I wake up thinking, ‘I’m gonna miss the next tour and I won’t be able to go out on the road.’ I’m not doing it because it was just too much for me.”
His final show in São Paulo was met with an outpouring of emotion from fans chanting his name, and the evening was billed as a celebration of his legendary contribution to heavy metal.
Though Nicko McBrain has stepped away from touring, his impact remains strong. He may no longer drive the beats on stage, but behind the scenes, he continues to influence Iron Maiden’s rhythm in ways only he can.
