Formed in Leyton, East London in 1975, the following decades brought a great deal of success for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden.

Releasing their 17th studio album back in 2021 titled Sanjutsu, the band sold over 130 million albums over the years. Although winning several awards throughout their history, the band went through numerous lineup changes. But most know the band to consist of Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson, Nicko McBrain, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers. And with McBrain spending over 40 years with the band, the drummer recently announced his retirement from touring.

Iron Maiden announces new drummer after Nicko McBrain departure

Sharing the news on the band’s website, McBrain shocked fans with the news of his retirement. Currently 72 years old, the musician wrote, “After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle. Today, Sat, Dec 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.”

Nicko McBrain Not Fully Finished With Iron Maiden

Although stepping away from the stage, McBrain wasn’t finished with Iron Maiden. “I will, however, remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects, my long time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I’ll 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!”

With McBrain looking forward to the future, he touched on the past four decades. “What can I say? Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile and I love you! To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you made it infinitely easier and I love you!” He continued, “To my kids, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences and I love you! To my friends that are always there for me, I love you! To my bandmates, you made it a dream come true and I love you!”

Releasing his own statement, Iron Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood said, “Nicko, and we all love you too!! Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak on behalf of all the band when I say we will miss you immensely!”

(Photo by Ralph Notaro/Getty Images)