Bill Ward’s (Black Sabbath) message in support of Nicko McBrain after leaving Iron Maiden

The exit of Nicko McBrain of Iron Maidenafter 42 years as the band’s drummer, mobilized tributes from fans and other musicians across the planet. One of them came from none other than Bill Wardfellow instrument player Black Sabbath — revolutionary group within heavy metal.

Ward, who also retired from the road after health problems — albeit in a much more traumatic way than McBrain — praised the way the entire situation was handled by Maiden. In a text published on social media, he declared:

“Dear Nicko,
As you retire to explore new horizons, I hope your journeys are safe. I find it very respectful and dignified that your drum chair should be available to you on any future Iron Maiden recordings, an idea that needs no fuss and is in tune with any lick or rudiment, on any day.
Respectfully, Bill Ward.”

In fact, Nicko has not completely separated himself from Iron Maiden. In a statement released on the morning of December 7th — between two shows held at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo — both the musician and the band confirmed that he remains a member, but will just no longer tour.

simon dawson will take his place on the next tour, Run for Your Lives. The new hire worked with the bassist and leader of Maiden, Steve Harrisin the band British Lion. Also played with TheOutfield and several other projects, mostly as a studio musician.

Other tributes to Nicko McBrain

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.

Geddy Lee (Rush vocalist, bassist and keyboardist):

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

Scott Ian (Anthrax guitarist):

“I have 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 it’s kind and generous. In the video of Revel [filho de Scott]at age 3, playing Nicko’s warm-up drum kit backstage, I ask Revel, ‘Whose drums are these?’. And Revel responds: ‘From Nicko’. Nicko made sure everyone backstage knew that this was also Revel’s warm-up drum kit. He’s a great man. We, the Ians, thank you for everything, Nicko! Bring on the next chapter! Up the Irons!”

Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater drummer):

“Shocked to hear about the announcement of Nicko McBrain’s retirement 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 are the best Nicko!”

Blackie Lawless (WASP singer and guitarist):

“Nicko McBrain… a great warrior has just left his drum throne live for the last time. Very few in the history of percussion have left as distinct a mark as this man. His accolades, rewards and trophies were too numerous to count. But what I felt when I found out it would be their last live show almost sent me into a tailspin. Yes, he is admired around the world, but for me he is my friend, and I say without reservations… I love this man. Having been part of the same management family as Maiden for the past 40 years, I can tell you first hand, Maiden is rock’s answer to the mafia… once you’re in, you never get out… you’re from family FOREVER. They have 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 your decision can be respected, even if it causes a certain melancholy. Owner of his own style, he left his mark on the scene and will forever be remembered for his talent and personality. Long live Nicko McBrain!”

Nicko McBrain leaves Iron Maiden

After facing health problems such as laryngeal cancer (already overcome) and a mini-stroke (from which he has not yet fully recovered), Nicko McBrain confirmed that he will retire from touring. However, he remains involved with the band. simon 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 about his retirement from Iron Maiden’s 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 extensive touring lifestyle. Today, Saturday, December 7th, in São 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 variety 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 focusing 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 past 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, you made it all 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 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 excitement and great hope! I’ll see you soon, God bless you all, and of course, Up the Irons! – Nicko”

The band also spoke out, in a text from the manager Rod Smallwood. Read:

“Statement from Rod Smallwood on behalf of Iron Maiden:
Nicko,
And we all love you too!!

Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the Maiden drum kit for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak on behalf of 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 to end a tour in front of 90 thousand fans here in São Paulo for two nights is poetic and you deserve all the honors that I’m sure these wonderful fans will give you in this last show.

Phantom is looking forward to many more years of working with you on the projects you mentioned and I’m sure we can develop some more special projects around the Maiden family and 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, love from 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

The following day, Simon Dawson was appointed to the position. A text released by the band states (via Igor Miranda website):

“An Iron Maiden advert

With the conclusion of The Future Past Tour after 81 shows to more than 1.4 million fans, from Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley and from Western Australia to São Paulo, Iron Maiden are pleased to announce that they will take over in 2025 from a new name. familiar to many of our fans: Simon Dawson, former session drummer and Steve’s partner in the rhythm section for the last 12 years with British Lion. Originally from Suffolk, England, Simon first teamed up with Steve Harris in 2012. He debuted on three tracks on British Lion’s first album and all of their critically acclaimed second ‘The Burning’, as well as many subsequent US tours. , United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and, more recently, Mexico and South America.

Iron Maiden celebrates its 50th anniversary next year with The Run For Your Lives Tour, kicking off in Budapest on May 27.”

Nicko McBrain’s health

It is known that Nicko McBrain has suffered from health problems in recent times. 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.