Yeah, Nicko is doing allright I guess, but listening to this random clip from 2022 you really hear a differance
Bloody hell, watching that you can really sense the loss of power and impact in Nicko's drumming. Such a shame... I think we just have to accept this is what Nicko is capable of now.
Sad but true. He could have been in his 2022 form now. Still, it's amazing and remarkable that he's still playing solid these tough songs at this age.
They'll never sound quite as epic as before though
I can still feel epicness of the performances of some songs. And CSIT is one of them!
Also, I think Bruce takes too much pride in singing the songs in original key. So, I think it won't happen. If he didn't tune down for Darkside Of Aquarius this year, he won't tune down for anything.
Ofc, songs in original key is Maiden's/Bruce's thing. I don't want it because the songs will sound different and I don't think it's that needed, even now.
This is probably their biggest flaw and musical limit. Not being too much comfortable with alternative tunings and in general with anything that is too far from their comfort zone. It's a matter of habitude, really, too bad they didn't even try.
Maiden have never been a band interested in alternative tunings, from the old classic bands. They always stick to what they feel is best and what they like and prefer. And that has helped them throughout their career. I also would have liked to hear some heavier stuff, but I respect the band for sticking to their decisions.
I respect Nicko immensely, he is one of my favourite drummers of all time, but he needs to consider hanging up the sticks if the band are to do anything other than limp on for a couple more years.
They won't replace anyone, not now after 50 years and all of them are irreplaceable. I believe in that and I'm ok with it, as much as I want Maiden to continue as long as possible. They just have to be very careful with the next setlist. Nicko can/will record in the studio (although he can't play faster fills now, what about the Stratego ones?), but live they have plans until the next two years - after that no one knows.
It's clear that the live shows/some songs suffer in a way/more or less. At least the band said they won't play songs Nicko can't play now, so the ones with the harder and faster fills are out of the picture for next year. Hallowed?
That may be true actually. The whole Nicko thing is kind of a big variable right now, as I believe that if Maiden replace him they add at least 5 years to their carreer imo when it comes to playing live.
This again? Maiden will not waste years. Nicko CAN play, only without the fills.
As I said, I'm against replacing Nicko all together and he should still play 5-8 songs if they go that route.
The hardest part would be finding a drummer that fans would be excited about and, especially, has the groove that Nicko has...
I think if they get a replacement drummer, it shouldn't be a metal drummer. It should be someone who can play a variety of styles, but can also play heavy metal/hard rock. Not those fast double drum/fill technicians.
Nicko to be a live drummer for a few songs, nah. No thanks. There are many great and famous drummers but you are right about the groove and ofc Steve's opinion counts a lot. I personally like Aquiles Priester, he's a Maiden fan. But as we know they want British musicians.
Btw, there was a picture of
Bruce, Steve and Mikkey Dee from a couple of days ago.
And I'll repeat myself again... Let's wait before Japanese gigs before drawing conclusions (although his first current performance was as good as late June ones from last year, which is a great sign).
Agreed but I think he will just maintain the current level, which is fine enough after all.
I'd say it depends on a song. Stranger, for instance, still sounds amazing.
Yes. Stranger, CSIT, Writing, Prisoner (even without the fills), Heaven... Wasted Years sounds bad because it's the last song, Trooper is tough in the encores.
*if by 'continue' we mean 'record new album'. If we're talking about continue = best hits tour aka parody act then I think that it is possible
Parody? If they want to continue (beyond 2026) with/or without releasing albums, playing live is the profit, and the tours theme would most likely be Hits now. The album/s will/should be recorded with Nicko. Everything will be with Nicko, with his current form, that's it.
