5 rock icons who paid tribute to Nicko McBrain after leaving Iron Maiden

The drummer leaves the scene after 42 years as a member of the band; The tributes came from names like Geddy Lee, Mike Portnoy and João Barone

As previously reported, Nicko McBrain he will no longer tour with Iron Maiden. The 72-year-old drummer leaves his post after performing two shows at Allianz Parque, Sao Paulo, last Friday (6) and Saturday (7) – concluding the tour The future past.

McBrain’s place in the shows will be filled Simone Dawson. Also English, the drummer has become famous for his work British Lion (project of the bassist and founder of Maiden, Steve Harris) AND The Outfieldamong other projects, mainly in the studio.

The news of Nicko’s retirement touched not only fans, but also other famous rock musicians. Check out some of the tributes he received below.

Tributes to Nicko McBrain

Geddy Lee (Rush singer, bassist and keyboardist):

“I want to take my hat off to one of rock’s most talented and truly iconic drummers, Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden, on his recent retirement from touring. One of the warmest, friendliest guys I’ve ever had the sincere pleasure of spending time with. of time. . What a career partner! Well done, Nicko!”

Scott Ian (Anthrax guitarist):

“I have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Nicko since 1986. What a guy. Always a kind word, always a smile and a laugh, always making sure he is kind and generous. In the video of Have fun [filho de Scott]at age 3, while playing Nicko’s warm-up drums backstage, I ask Revel, “Whose drums are these?” And Revel replies: ‘From Nicko’. Nicko made sure everyone backstage knew that this was also Revel’s warm-up battery. He’s a great man. We, the Ians, thank you for everything, Nicko! On to the next chapter! On the irons!”

Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater drummer):

“Shocked to hear about Nicko McBrain’s retirement announcement from touring with Iron Maiden. I wish my friend all the best in his retirement… thanks for all the years of music and friendship, you’re the best Nicko!”

Blackie Lawless (singer and guitarist of WASP):

“Nicko McBrain… a great warrior has just left his drum throne for the last time. Very few in the history of percussion have left as distinct a mark as this man. His accolades, awards and trophies have been too numerous to be counted But I felt it when I found out it would be his last live show that almost sent me into a tailspin. Yes, he is admired all over the world, but to me he is my friend, and I say that without reservation. .. I love this man from same management family those Maiden for the last 40 years, I can tell you first hand, Maiden are rock’s answer to the mafia… once in, you never leave… you’re family FOREVER They have a unmatched class and a fierce dedication to each other Everyone in our family says: good luck, young man.”

João Barone (drummer of Os Paralamas do Sucesso):

“A metalhead’s rest: the legendary Nicko McBrain hangs up his drumsticks after 42 years of service in the trenches with Iron Maiden. The reasons for his decision can be respected, even if it causes a certain melancholy. Master of his own style, if leaves his mark on the scene, he will forever be remembered for his talent and personality. Long live Nicko McBrain!”.

Nicko McBrain leaves Iron Maiden

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 “

New member announcement

On 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 “The Burning”, as well as many subsequent US, UK tour. 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.”

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.

Iron Maiden and Eisenbahn

THE Future Past World Tour 2024 of Iron Maiden arrives in Brazil with the exclusive sponsorship of Eisenbahn. In collaboration with VOE, the live marketing agency of the 4ZERO4 Group, the official beer of the show in Brazil has prepared actions to celebrate the energy and passion of the audience, including thematic bars and activation points that offer a dive into the universe rock’n’. roll.

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.