Iron Maiden fans left devastated as ‘irreplaceable’ band member announces he is leaving legendary rock group

Iron Maiden fans have been left devastated on Saturday as ‘irreplaceable’ band member Nicko McBrain announced his retirement from the group. 

Musician Nicko, 72, first joined the legendary rock band back in 1982, replacing drummer Clive Burr.

However, after 42 years of entertaining fans, Nicko revealed with both ‘sorrow and joy’ that he’s taking a step back from the ‘grind of the extensive touring lifestyle’, with the next gig being his last with the group.

In a statement shared to the band’s social media channels, Nicko said: ‘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.

‘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!’

The drummer then went on to pay tribute to his fans, loved ones and bandmates who have supported him over the last four decades.

After 42 years of entertaining fans, Nicko revealed with both ‘sorrow and joy’ that he’s taking a step back from the ‘grind of the extensive touring lifestyle’, with the next gig being his last with the group

He added: ‘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! 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!

‘I look into the future with much excitement and great hope! I’ll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course, “Up the Irons!”’

Nicko’s announcement was accompanied by a message from the group’s manager Rod Smallwood, who praised him for being a ‘irrepressible force behind the drum kit’.

He also revealed that Nicko’s replacement has already been picked, with the newcomer being announced in due course. 

He penned: ‘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!

‘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 Sao 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.

‘Phantom look forward to many more years of working with you on the projects you mentioned and I am sure we can find a few more special ones around the Maiden family and FC!

Musician Nicko, 72, first joined the legendary rock band back in 1982, replacing drummer Clive Burr

In a statement shared to the band’s social media channels, Nicko said: ‘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’

Nicko’s announcement was accompanied by a message from the group’s manager Rod Smallwood, who praised him for being a ‘irrepressible force behind the drum kit’

Nicko’s replacement has already been picked, with the newcomer being announced in due course

‘The band and I all have a thousand great memories of the past 42 years, great gigs, copious platinum and gold discs and awards, love from the fans and one beer too many on too many occasions! Such a bond is forever! And, as Steve Harris says, ‘Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family’.

‘Rod, Andy, Steve, Bruce, Davey, Adrian & Jan

‘P.S. Maiden always get their man and our already chosen new drummer will be announced very shortly.’

Fans of the band were quick to react to the news, with several taking to X, formerly known as Twitter to express their devastation over Nicko’s exit while also praising his time with the band.

They penned: ‘An absolute legend , one of the most underappreciated drummers ever Thank you Nicko McBrain.’

‘Gutted I won’t be seeing you at the London Stadium next summer. Up The Irons!’

‘You’re an absolute Legend, Nicko. Thank you for the decades of incredible music, humour, and dedication. I’m glad you are able to go off into the future, on your terms. UP THE IRONS’

‘Bummed but congrats on a well-deserved retirement. Thanks for 40+ years of metal…Up The Irons!!!

Fans of the band were quick to react to the news, with several taking to X, formerly known as Twitter to express their devastation over Nicko’s exit while also praising his time with the band

‘I knew this day would come eventually, but it’s still incredibly sad. Nicko is awesome. Thanks for all the great music.’

‘The greatest drummer of the greatest band. We love you Nicko! God Bless you forever!!’

‘Ah such a shame, one of my favourite drummers and such a good guy but understandable!’ 

Nicko’s exit means he will miss out on the band’s 50th anniversary UK tour next year.

The group, which formed in 1975, will be performing in 27 stadiums, festivals and arena shows around the continent, starting on 27 May in Budapest, Hungary.

Fans can expect a very special set list, spanning the nine studio albums from their debut to Fear Of The Dark. 

Nicko’s exit means he will miss out on the band’s 50th anniversary UK tour next year [Dave Murray, Steve Harris, Nicko, Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith pictured in 1988]

The group, which formed in 1975, will be performing in 27 stadiums, festivals and arena shows around the continent, starting on 27 May in Budapest, Hungary [pictured in 2002]

‘Next year is a very special one for Iron Maiden and we’re going to be giving our fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience,’ lead singer Bruce Dickinson said. 

‘This is a tour that’s gonna put a smile on your face and a cheer in your throat. If you’ve seen us before, then get ready to take that experience to a whole new level,’ Dickinson said. 

‘If you’ve never seen us before, then what the hell have you been waiting for? Now’s your chance to find out what you’ve been missing! Iron Maiden’s definitely gonna get ya!’

The tour includes five shows in the UK and Ireland, with arenas in Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, and outdoor shows in Dublin and London.

Nicko’s news comes less than a month after former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno’s cause of death has been revealed after he passed away in October aged 66.

Nicko’s news comes less than a month after former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno’s cause of death has been revealed after he passed away in October aged 66.(Pictured in 2013)

Taking to Facebook his family confirmed the singer, real name Paul Andrews, died as a result of a tear in the sac around his heart 

Writing: ‘Dear fans and friends, We have received permission from Paul’s family to bring you the news of Paul’s cause of death, after the results of the autopsy have been received’

Taking to Facebook his family confirmed the singer, real name Paul Andrews, died as a result of a tear in the sac around his heart.

Writing in a statement: ‘Dear fans and friends, We have received permission from Paul’s family to bring you the news of Paul’s cause of death, after the results of the autopsy have been received’.

‘His sisters Cheryl and Michelle confirmed the following: “Basically he had a tear in the sac around the heart and blood has filled inside it from the main aorta artery and that has caused the heart to stop”. Paul’s death was instantaneous and hopefully painless. May he rest in peace’.

The musician fronted the band for the two albums titled Iron Maiden in 1980 and Killers in 1981 – before being replaced by current vocalist Bruce Dickinson.