Nicko McBrain, the legendary drummer of Iron Maiden, has officially announced his retirement from live performances after 42 years with the band. His final show will take place tonight, December 7 in São Paulo, Brazil, marking the conclusion of the Future Past tour.
In a statement shared on Iron Maiden’s website, McBrain explained his decision. “After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle,” he wrote. “Today, Sat, Dec 7th, São Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.”
He assured fans that he would remain involved with Iron Maiden through various projects and continue to focus on personal ventures, such as The British Drum Company and Rock-N-Roll Ribs. Reflecting on his time with the band, McBrain added, “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!”
Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood paid tribute to McBrain in his own statement. “Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer,” he wrote. “Ever since Rock in Rio in 1985 we have had a special relationship with Brazil so to bow out of touring in front of 90,000 fans here in São Paulo over 2 nights is poetic and you are deserving of all the accolades I am sure these marvellous fans will give you on this last show.”
Smallwood concluded with a heartfelt nod to their enduring connection: “Such a bond is forever!”
McBrain’s career with Iron Maiden began in 1982, when he replaced Clive Burr and debuted on the album Piece of Mind. Over the years, he contributed to 14 studio albums, including 2021’s Senjutsu. His departure follows a stroke in January 2023 that temporarily paralyzed his right side—a challenge he overcame to return to the stage.
The band has not yet announced McBrain’s replacement as they gear up for their Run for Your Lives world tour next year. Fans at the São Paulo shows will witness the end of an era for Iron Maiden, as one of heavy metal’s most beloved drummers takes his final bow.
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