The Iron Maiden drummer officially retires from the band’s touring following the conclusion of “The Future Past” tour in Sao Paulo
The show performed by Iron Maiden at Allianz Parque, in Sao Paulo, last Saturday (7), it was special. The occasion marked the band’s last performance with the drummer Nicko McBrainmember since 1982. The group had already played in the same stadium on Friday (6).
After dealing with health problems such as laryngeal cancer (already overcome) and a mini-stroke (from which he has not yet fully recovered), the 72-year-old musician confirmed, on Saturday morning (7), that he will retire from the activity working. tours. However, he remains involved in the band. Simone Dawsonmember of British Lion — side project of the bassist and leader of Maiden, Steve Harris – will take his place.
Right between the second and third songs of the show, the singer Bruce Dickinson gave a speech mentioning Nicko McBrain’s departure. Among the screams of “Nicko, Nicko” Coming from the audience, the singer declared:
“Tonight is a very special night, as some of you – I think probably all of you – know, because this morning we announced: Nicko has announced that he will be stepping away from duties as live drummer for Iron Maiden.”
Then, Dickinson praised McBrain’s accomplishments in the group and clarified that he remains a member, just no longer tours.
“Nicko has been in this band for 42 years. He was a drummer before I became a singer, he was a pilot before I became a pilot. And now he doesn’t leave the band. But he just doesn’t play live with us anymore.”
Finally, Bruce highlighted that Saturday’s show (7) will be in honor of Nicko.
“We have a lot of music to play tonight and I want the rest of the evening to be a celebration of Nicko, a celebration of the joy he brought to everyone around the world, not just here in Brazil.”
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Nicko McBrain leaves Iron Maiden
Read Nicko McBrain’s statement on his withdrawal from the Iron Maiden tour below:
“Statement from Nicko McBrain: After much consideration, it is with sadness and joy that I announce my decision to step away from the routine of the touring lifestyle. Today, Saturday, December 7, in Sao Paulo, will be my last show with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success from now on.
However, I will remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family, working on a number of projects that my long-time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I will also be working on a variety of different personal projects and will focus on my existing businesses and ventures including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, Titanium Tart and of course Rock-N-Roll Ribs!
What can I say? Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fans, you were worth it and I love you! To my devoted wife Rebecca, you have made everything infinitely easier and I love you! To my sons, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences and I love you! To my friends who are always there for me, I love you! To my bandmates, you made a dream come true and I love you!
I look to the future with great enthusiasm and great hope! See you soon, God bless you all and of course Up the Irons! – Nicko”
The band also spoke out, in a message from the manager Smallwood Auction. Light:
“Statement by Rod Smallwood on behalf of Iron Maiden:
Nicko,
And we all love you too!!
Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the Maiden drums for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak for the entire band when I say that we will miss you immensely!
Since Rock in Rio in 1985 we have had a special relationship with Brazil, so finishing a tour in front of 90 thousand fans here in Sao Paulo for two nights is poetic and you deserve all the honors that I’m sure these wonderful fans will give you. give you in this latest show.
Phantom looks forward to many more years of working with you on the projects you mentioned and I’m sure we can develop more special projects around the Maiden family and the fan club!
The band and I have a thousand great memories from the last 42 years, great shows, many platinum and gold records and awards, the love of the fans and an extra beer on many occasions! This bond is forever! And, as Steve Harris says, “Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family.”
Rod, Andy, Steve, Bruce, Davey, Adrian and Jan
PS Maiden always choose their men and our new drummer will be announced very soon.”
New member announcement
This Sunday morning (8), Simon Dawson was appointed to the position. A text released by the band states (via Igor Miranda’s website):
“An Iron Maiden commercial
With The Future Past Tour concluding after 81 shows in front of more than 1.4 million fans, from Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley and from Western Australia to Sao Paulo, Iron Maiden are pleased to announce that in 2025 they will take over with a new name. familiar to many of our fans: Simon Dawson, former session player and Steve’s partner in the rhythm section for the last 12 years with British Lion. Originally from Suffolk, England, Simon first collaborated with Steve Harris in 2012. He debuted on three tracks on British Lion’s first album and throughout their critically acclaimed second album “The Burning”, as well as many subsequent tours in the United States, in the United Kingdom. Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and, more recently, Mexico and South America.
Iron Maiden will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year with the Run For Your Lives tour, which kicks off in Budapest on May 27.”
As well as the British Lion, he played with Simon Dawson The Outfield (from the blow “Your love”but between 1989 and 2009), Dirty Deeds, Deep Switch, Deary Headed, Airrace AND Communion of the dead soulamong others. Most of his work was as a studio musician.
Nicko McBrain’s health
It is known that Nicko McBrain has been suffering from health problems as of late. In early 2023 he suffered a mini-stroke and had to undergo a long recovery process. In interviews, the 72-year-old musician admits that he can no longer play like he used to and needs to adapt his performance.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
