So, I'd like to share my thoughts with you. I know most of you probably will hate that, but if the band wants to record their 18th album, they should do it with Simon Dawson behind the drum kit. Nicko is often out of tempo, slowing down; his time as a proper drummer is over. It's sad, so sad, but true! I hope IM with the new drummer will sound fresh and more aggressive, the drumming is the basic thing for any rock band! At this moment, they don't need Kevin Shirley in the studio; he is passive, out of conception, just an additional hand for Harris. Would things sound better if 'Arry and A. Smith sit behind the mixing desk as the producing team?
18th Studio Album discussion
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matic22
Ancient Mariner
I think it all depends how they want to record. If they do it live on the floor, like they did with recebt albums, then Nicko is out of the question. But there are other possibilities.
Also, I'm sure Nicko could play a song or two, if there are tracks like TWOTW, which didn't suffer from his health issues.
'Arry and A. Smith behind the mixing desk could result in serious arguments. That's why both Bruce and H demanded a producer when they returned to Maiden. Also, Kevin Shirley is an amazing recording engineer, which is one of the reasons why they hired him. I doubt the band members know a lot about mic-ing techniques and getting best sounds out of instruments.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
IF there is a new album,nicko will be there if he wants. Recording would not be a problem for him.
matic22
Ancient Mariner
Recording live on the floor would likely be a problem, considering how inconsistent the tempos were in 2024.
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Yes, Nicko should take care of his other activities, but professional drumming in the studio—no, it's time to rest for good.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
I think they can change the way of recording and its not the same record one song than play 15 songs live.
matic22
Ancient Mariner
Steve and changes. The guy who plays the same bass rig for the last 40 years and hires the same producer until he retires. Yeah.
They have recorded the basic tracks live (minus vocals and solos) since the reunion. And I doubt they would change that, especially the musical director of Iron Maiden S. P. Harris.
Now, can Nicko record an easy song with them, in the vain of TWOTW? Sure he can. But unless they change the recording approach, I think Senjutsu is the last IM album that featured Nicko on all tracks.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
But nicko can play one song the problem is a massive tour
matic22
Ancient Mariner
Nicko hasn't ever gained the the use of his right arm back to 100%. Per his own admission, he was at 70-80%. And that's the reason why during tougher songs he tended to speed up when he did drum fills, which resulted in ridiculous tempos of the song at the end (CSIT performances) or very patchy transitions in songs (Time Machine for example).
I think Nicko can record a song or 2 for the potential album, but the more technical songs will likely be recorded by another drummer. That said, Nicko could always be there and write/arrange the drum parts or simply give ideas.
I disagree, tempo and groove suffered massively on this one.
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
Nicko's situation (although studio is not like a tour) may be one of the reasons why (for now) we think they have no desire to record another album. But I remain optimistic, especially after his latest interview, in which they hide his answers on this matter.
Will Maiden change their live way of recording albums now? Dunno, but who knows, they changed the drummer after so long.
Nicko playing just a couple of easier songs? Possible, but it would be odd and it depends on whether he wants to. I think he will. He should be able to maintain fast tempo and steady/solid groove, right? Or? Simon is a live member, so idk about recording, but he would be the choice. Recording an album more-mid tempo than the latest one wouldn't be good. I really don't know why Maiden don't want to hurry up with the new material like all other bands.
Nicko to still write/arrange drum parts and give ideas... who knows, but he will want to play them I feel.
Will Maiden change their live way of recording albums now? Dunno, but who knows, they changed the drummer after so long.
Nicko playing just a couple of easier songs? Possible, but it would be odd and it depends on whether he wants to. I think he will. He should be able to maintain fast tempo and steady/solid groove, right? Or? Simon is a live member, so idk about recording, but he would be the choice. Recording an album more-mid tempo than the latest one wouldn't be good. I really don't know why Maiden don't want to hurry up with the new material like all other bands.
Nicko to still write/arrange drum parts and give ideas... who knows, but he will want to play them I feel.
Ruflux
Ancient Mariner
Yeah, and it's not like Nicko's going to be in any better shape years down the line after taking an extended break from touring which seemed to be what caused his noticeable downward trend in 2024 in the first place. Not to mention sheer age.
If they record a new album, I personally don't believe Nicko will be drumming at all. I don't think it's very realistic to even consider.
Poto
Ancient Mariner
The swing and feel just wasn’t there.
Eddie's Uncle
Educated Fool
Did you ever hear terms like post-production, quantisizing, drum triggers, post-editing and overdubs? Of course it would easily be possible to make him sound up to scratch even if they record live. It is just more work for the engineer.
Other than that: 30 pages of discussion about something that does not exist, now that's fandom!
matic22
Ancient Mariner
I did, but does Steve Harris want to do that. That's the question. The only track that was quantized so far (that we know of) is Out Of The Shadows.
Knowing Steve, I'd lean towards no.
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
What's the story on that? I'm not familiar with it.
matic22
Ancient Mariner
Nicko had lots of trouble with the drum part. Kevin quantized it and surprised Nicko with the result. It's in the Making of AMLOAD documentary interviews.
Wickerman1204
Educated Fool
Nicko won't play on the next Maiden album, accept it. 
And that is good if we want good drums part. BTW Nicko is floating in studio too, but that's Kevil fault he does nothing with that - good example is Stratego intro.
And that is good if we want good drums part. BTW Nicko is floating in studio too, but that's Kevil fault he does nothing with that - good example is Stratego intro.
Ruflux
Ancient Mariner
You know that's kinda funny, since that song's pace has always slightly bothered me. It feels oddly rigid compared to just about every other song on the album, especially the post-solo section chorus which has a super weird feel. Never thought enough of it to look the documentary or any interviews up, but it's funny that apparently it really is ever so slightly off on account of all life getting quantized out of it.
Makes the band's insistence on live tracking, no click, nothing extra also a bit more silly in retrospect since they've also recorded songs in sections and to a click over the years, not to mention Face in the Sand's bass drum part being fixed up in ProTools or most solos being medleys of multiple takes. Or a few instances of autotune here and there...
Dick Brucinson
The TRUE Dick Brucinson
I think they will leave the decision to record a new album or not open by seeing how playing with Simon will develop throughout the upcomng tour. Don't get me wrong, I adored Nicko, but his time with Maiden is over and we should learn to accept that. For me personally the shock of Nick's retirement has gone in big parts now, so I am not negatively biased by the change of drummer anymore. Taking a look at the entire Maiden history all over the past 50 years: The band ALWAYS profited from ANY line up change in the past - and this even includes Blaze (though I don't like his vocals). I am sure Simon will be no exception here, and I am looking forward.