Drummer almost left the group in the 1990s, but was convinced to stay by manager Rod Smallwood
After 42 years with the Iron Maidenthe drummer Nicko McBrain retired from the stage at the end of 2024.
After health problems, McBrain chose to step away from the routine lifestyle of extensive touring. On the other hand, he announced that he continues to be part of the “family Iron Maiden” and will work on a variety of band-related projects.
Owner of the group’s drumsticks since 1982, there was only one time when the musician considered separating from his colleagues. The threat was made after changes to the configuration of the Maiden.
It won’t work
In 1993, Bruce Dickinson announced that he would leave the band, claiming that he would like to “learn what it’s like to be outside the Maiden”. He was replaced by the vocalist Blaze Bayleybut the difference in styles made life difficult for the new member.
Dissatisfied with the direction the band was taking, the group decided to convince Dickinson to return, which happened in 1999. Along with him, the guitarist Adrian Smith also returned — he had been away since 1990.
In the midst of these changes, Nicko McBrain revolted. The drummer’s discomfort had nothing to do with the return of his colleagues, but rather with the band’s new configuration: with Smith back and without firing the replacement Janick Gersthe Iron Maiden would have three guitarists.
I have to be honest with you – when they told me, I was sitting in a bar Rod [Smallwood, empresário] and Janick. AND Rod turned around and told me that Adrian was coming back with brucewhat did I think of that? And I thought: ‘holy shit’. I said, ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea,'” he recalled. McBrain.
The dissatisfaction was so great that the drummer threatened to leave the band. He told the story in conversation with Classic Rock in 2018:
I said, ‘We’re traditionally a two-guitar band. Three guitars? I don’t understand this. I am going out’
For the good of the music, he was convinced to change his mind by his manager Rod Smallwood. With Dickinson back and with three guitarists, the Iron Maiden rescued the path to success. The first work of the new configuration was Brave New Worldone of the band’s most acclaimed.
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Source: Rollingstone
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.
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