Summary
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain’s farewell show in Sao Paulo’s Allianz Parque marked his last performance after 42 years with the band.
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The last two dates of Iron Maiden’s Future Past world tour took place in Sao Paulo, on December 6 and 7, at Allianz Parque. Both shows were 10, but the last one, 12/07, went down in history, as it was also the farewell show of drummer Nicko McBrain, who had announced his departure on the morning of the performance.
Nicko, 72 years old, joined Iron Maiden in 1982 and remained until 12/07/2024, it was 42 years of rehearsals, recordings, shows and travels with Iron Maiden.
In his farewell note the drummer said the following: “After much reflection, it is with sadness and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the routine of the touring lifestyle. Today, Saturday 7 December, in San Paolo, it will be my last show with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success in the future.”
I had already seen the show on Friday 12/06, but I had to go see it on the 7th to be able to take advantage of the opportunity to say hello to Nicko McBrain, an extraordinary guy as a musician and as a person.
In 1996 I had the opportunity to meet him when Iron Maiden came to play at the Monsters Of Rock festival and I was chosen to cover the event. I had the pleasure of going from the hotel to the Pacaembu stadium in his same van and we were able to talk for a bit. Later I could see Nicko in the dressing room tuning the drums and preparing for the show. What a privilege!
After this story I met him once again when Iron played at Morumbi stadium, I was talking to Aquiles Priester and Nicko came to say hello, but it was a very quick meeting, since there were 45 minutes left until the start of the show.
I’m sad to hear about your departure from Iron Maiden, but very happy to have been able to attend several Iron Maiden shows, in Brazil and England, with Nicko McBrain on drumsticks.
At the farewell show, right after the first song ended, Bruce Dickinson said the following: “Nicko was already a drummer before I was a singer, he was a pilot before me and now he’s saying goodbye. He’s not leaving the band, he just won’t play live with us anymore.”
Nicko McBrain, may you enjoy your retirement from touring, take advantage of life’s opportunities, and continue to provide us with your genius on the drums.
Simon Dawson, from British Lion, bassist Steve Harris’ parallel band, is the new drummer for Iron Maiden.
Watch the video with commentary by Charley Gima.
He is a journalist, music producer and creator of the Formula FuteRock channel.
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.
