So in the end, it seems there was quite a bit of truth to the rumors about Dave wanting to hang it up-and there’s a strong possibility that the idea is still on his mind.
From Blabbermouth.net:
"Nicko was also asked about recent rumors that Murray was contemplating retirement from MAIDEN. The drummer said: "Well, yeah. We've all been away from our families, and David's family expanded, and Tasha, his daughter, had a little baby, baby boy, I believe. And he's a granddad. And he's ensconced himself in Maui with his wife, Tamar. And I talk to him about longevity and stuff and how physically demanding it is for us playing our kind of music — I think for anybody at our age playing any kind of music [is demanding], to be honest. [Laughs] Some are a little easier than others. I mean, we are high octane, from start to finish.
Nicko continued: "So, I would probably say that, in my opinion, I think that this is not likely to be the end, but I think if they do go carry on — I know 2027 is a year off for 'em, and that's okay. That's all great. That's like sitting back for a year and going, 'Oh, breathing time. Back to family.' But that's another year older. I mean, Harry [Steve Harris] will be 71. That's okay. I mean, I was 72 [after] I had my stroke … so age catches everybody up. Father time, he's gonna get you in the end. I just think with Davey, he's got more reason to wanna be at home, perhaps. I haven't spoken to him in a couple of years about ideas of retiring. … But, yeah, everybody's got their own thoughts about that, and I can't really speak for anybody else. But I made my decision, and I've been happy about that. I do miss being on stage, looking out and seeing our wonderful fans that we have around the world. I miss that. I miss my little walks with Janick [Gers, MAIDEN guitarist] or on my own and meeting in a coffee shop during our days off or days of the show. I do miss that. I don't miss the travel and living out of a suitcase. That I do not [miss]."