Bassist and leader of the group, Steve Harris talks about the drummer’s departure, announced at the end of 2024 and which led to the arrival of Simon Dawson
The exit of Nicko McBrain of Iron Maidenannounced in December 2024, still generates comments in the band’s universe. This time it was the big boss Steve Harris who reflected on the topic.
In an interview with Rock Candy (via Igor Miranda website), the bassist and leader of Maiden revealed how the process that sealed the end of Nicko’s time in the group took place.
According to Steve, the initiative to leave the band came from the drummer himself, at least in relation to touring commitments. The removal occurred due to physical limitations resulting from a mini-stroke suffered in January 2023.
According to the bassist’s report, Nicko remained firm when he informed the other members about his departure and did not leave room for them to try to dissuade him from his decision. The band just needed to decide whether or not it would continue without him.
Steve recalls:
“To be honest, we really didn’t have a choice and had to make the change after Nicko had his health issues. It was what it was, and we had a decision to make, whether we wanted to continue or not. Obviously, we had a tour booked at the time it happened (The Future Past Tour) and the rest of us wanted to continue. But in the end, after we went through all of this, it was Nicko’s decision to step down and we all respected the fact that he decided to do that.”
Nicko McBrain out of Iron Maiden
Nicko McBrain was 72 years old at the time — now he’s 73 — and felt frustrated at not being able to deliver his best performance in every show.
In early 2025, he spoke to the Chaoszine (via Blabbermouth / Igor Miranda website) about this condition and the reason for choosing to leave Iron Maiden:
“I kind of made a decision when we got to North America (possibly in October 2024, for one of the last legs of the tour) and I talked to the guys about it, especially Steve (Harris), and then to the managers. And everyone said, ‘Okay. If that’s what you want to do, we understand’, considering my disability, from my stroke (mini-stroke suffered in 2023) and everything else.”
Despite the irrevocable decision, Nicko did not hide his frustration:
“When you get used to being able to do something for, like, 50 years of your career… The feeling I had was frustration, because I knew I could do things, but I couldn’t do them, physically or mentally, because there’s a lot of mental stuff going on.”
The band currently
With the exit, simon dawson took over the drums in the live performances of Iron Maiden. However, Nicko is still listed as an official member of the band.
Currently, the Iron Maiden celebrates 50 years of career with tour “Run for Your Lives”which began in May, in Europeand will pass through Brazil in 2026, according to Bruce Dickinson.
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Iron Maiden
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Nicko McBrain
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Steve Harris
Source: Rollingstone
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