After 42 years of sitting behind Iron Maiden and recovering from a serious stroke a year ago to return to touring, Nicko McBrain announced his retirement from being on the road with the band a concert in Brazil last night. Here is his farewell....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y7fJnYvyIw (won't embed properly)





Search a few videos of him, he was a guy who enjoyed what he did, the fans, and giving back. As a devout born again Christian, he was true to his faith but never made it overbearing.

Watching his videos about is stroke recovery were touching to say the least.

The greats are aging, as are we.

Sad to see him go but happy for him to retire on top after a great career.

Got to see him in Vegas a couple months ago and he came out for an individual curtain which made me wonder if this was his last tour.

His replacement has some big shoes to fill (I believe it's been announced to be the drummer from Harris's side project British Lion).



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Nicko is one of my all time favorites. He had monster shoes to fill when he took over for Clive Burr. It didn’t take him long to show that he was capable. That entire band is incredibly talented. I think with Steve Harris, they created one of the greatest rhythm sections rock has ever seen. Happy retirement to the man and thanks for the decades on the throne.

I saw the stroke last year, and felt like I had really missed out (I have never seen them live). So when I saw them post a 2nd round of The Future Past tour (since the first was interupted) I decided to go. It will also be the only chance to likely see Senjutsu life. Personally, this is my favorite album of theirs. Anyway, I could not get anyone to go with me. I bought a single ticket and just went.
I sat with a group of guys, we had a great, they made me feel like one of their group. What a great time. so glad I went.

One last tidbit, this tour is the only time they have played Alexander the Great live. Here is Nicko playing Alexander the Great:

20241113_220602[1] by redstone71, on Flickr

this is Nicko on tour from the Iron Maiden website (not my picture):
20241113_220602[1] by redstone71, on Flickr

Nicko McBrain was on some of the most influential albums in my life. Piece of Mind, Powerslave, Live After Death. Such great music. Congrats, on the Retirement, Mr. McBrain.

A well deserved retirement to my friend Nicko! He is going out the right way! He is not done yet though!