In the video, the last seconds of Nicko McBrain in Iron Maiden

The group’s longtime drummer withdrew from the stage after a show held last Saturday (7) at Allianz Parque, in Sao Paulo

As reported, Nicko McBrain officially bid farewell to the stadium Iron Maiden last Saturday (7). The occasion took place during a show at Allianz Parque, in Sao Paulo, which also concluded “The Future Past” tour. It was the band’s second consecutive performance at the stadium: they had previously played on Friday (6).

The last song McBrain played with Maiden was “Wasted Years”used as a closer to all shows on the recently concluded tour. Watch the video of the song’s final moments below, recorded by Thiago Zuma in coverage for Igor Miranda’s website.

Before the encore (which also had “Hell on Earth” AND “The Soldier”) and at the end of the show itself, the drummer positioned himself in front of the stage to greet the audience and throw sticks and drumsticks. An already traditional moment for performances, but which acquired an extremely emotional character with the news of the dismissal, released on Saturday morning (7).

Watch the video below of Nicko’s final moments on stage. On this occasion he hugged his Maiden colleagues, received three “cheers” from the public and reciprocated by greeting, once again, the fans responsible for filling the stadium.

Nicko McBrain steps away from Iron Maiden tours

After dealing with health problems such as laryngeal cancer (already overcome) and a mini-stroke (from which he has not yet fully recovered), Nicko McBrain confirmed on Saturday morning (7) that he will retire from touring. 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 the place of the 72-year-old musician.

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

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.