Nicko McBrain retires

[Vaenyr]

Wasn't there some guy called Smith who played on a couple of Bruce albums back in the day if he needs a new guitarist/co-songwriter? Does anyone know if they are still in touch?

I think Bruce wants to write with his touring house band of hell. He has mentioned before that he really wanted them to grow as a group and become more than just hired guns for the tour. The guitarists are definitely capable, so might as well give them a chance and see what their original material could look like.

 

[Rob77]

I think Bruce wants to write with his touring house band of hell. He has mentioned before that he really wanted them to grow as a group and become more than just hired guns for the tour. The guitarists are definitely capable, so might as well give them a chance and see what their original material could look like.

No he just wants an excuse to hang out with Tanya.

Philip Naslund (think that is his name) is also an experienced producer.

 

[Ruflux]

Adrian doesn't really seem all that interested in playing metal any heavier than Maiden judging by the music Smith/Kotzen produces, so it follows in my mind that Bruce relies on his own band now that the Roy Z collaboration route is dead and buried.

 

[The_7th_one]

I think Nicko deserved a video screen footage during Wasted Years instead of that shameful bloody footage full of Eddies. But all we know that never change anything during the tour, setlist, stage, backdrops…

 

[PhantomOfTheOpera]

 

[Spaldy]

View attachment 40341

Need a hi-res version for my desktop.

 

[PhantomOfTheOpera]

Need a hi-res version for my desktop.

Found this from John McMurtrie's FB-page.

 

[Poetry Majestic]

From the first look I thought he tore a hole in his pants...

 

[Terry1958]

I think Bruce wants to write with his touring house band of hell. He has mentioned before that he really wanted them to grow as a group and become more than just hired guns for the tour. The guitarists are definitely capable, so might as well give them a chance and see what their original material could look like.

Yes, his answer in this interview definitely sounds like that:

...

A quote a friend who reads the fan club magazine showed me (Interview with Bruce, last FC magazine):

BD: "And we've got a real band! I'm already playing the band demos of stuff I'd like to record for the next album. Without ProTools, without assembling Frankenstein's monster- it's real music, made in areal space."

...

No he just wants an excuse to hang out with Tanya.

...

Now that you mention it.

 

[PhantomOfTheOpera]

Need a hi-res version for my desktop.

I will share one if can find, also if you or anybody else can find it, please share it here

 

[onurb]

2048x1366

 

[onurb]

 

[daan]

Bruce's comment from the stage about Nicko not leaving the band, just not playing live anymore, makes me think they've already decided to record another album some time soon. Why else would he say that? Surely he didn't mean Nicko will be there for their business meetings. I don't think it was just a nice thing to say for the fans to feel better, but who knows.

 

[Vaenyr]

Remember that fun but super unrealistic idea for a follow-up tour after RFYL focusing on TXF up to Senjutsu's successor? If the likelihood for that was at 0.0001% now it's at 0.001%

 

[PhantomOfTheOpera]

Yes, a cute gesture. I think they have grown even closer this year for more than just one reason.

I can understand the arguments some posted why it is difficult for Nicko to appear on stage now and then and play one or a few songs with Maiden.

But I had the weird idea he could be (one of) the opening bands with Titanium Tart now and then. What do you think about that?

I think it was really nice and neat, that Adrian helped Nicko during some of these shows this year.
It was quite amazing to see for example in the Salt Lake City-show video posted here in the The Future Past Tour 2024-topic by @matic22 :

Post in thread 'The Future Past Tour 2024'

Oct 21, 2024

I saw a lot of comments under videos that Adrian is angry at Nicko because of the inconsistant tempos, while actually it's quite opposite. Adrian has been helping Nicko as much as he can during the gigs. It's quite amazing to see. And Nicko appreciates that.

Does this look like two band members that don't get on?

I noticed this year that Adrian is quite active trying to improve the performances. Not only with Nicko, but he always signals to Bruce when he starts singing off-time. I think it's great that they acknowledge the mistakes and try to improve the...

• matic22

• 
• 

 

[TaaviMaiden]

Yes, they help each other in many ways. This idea of two band members who don't get along is total nonsense.

 

[Moonchild88]

I just don't see any sense on getting a drummer now and then change him again for the 2026 tour.

Maybe this guy is not who we expected to be chosen, but if he's the chosen one I'm completely in.

 

[Vaenyr]

Yes, they help each other in many ways. This idea of two band members who don't get along is total nonsense.

Not really, there are plenty of bands who have members who don't get along but continue working together professionally. Hell, Steve has said in an interview at some point that Bruce and him aren't best buds, but that this is okay. Bands are a very complicated set of relationships.

Not saying that there are folks in Maiden who don't get along, just saying that the principle is actually quite realistic and not all too uncommon.

 

[Iron Lurker]

No matter who was chosen fans are going to complain. I had reservations when Bruce replaced Paul and when Nicko replaced Clive and when Janick replaced Adrian. So let's wait and see.

 

[Vaenyr]

I'm not a fan of British Lion (too generic for my tastes), but I don't think it's fair judging Simon by his work there. I'll wait with my judgement until I've heard him play a few Maiden tunes. Who knows, maybe it'll work out just well enough.