Nicko McBrain retires

Somehow I'm not really surprised. Nicko has had a legendary career and delivered an enormous amount of excellent performances throughout the years. His sound shaped Iron Maiden and fundamentally influenced hundreds of bands. He definitely deserves to step down and enjoy his retirement on his own terms.

It's sad seeing him go of course, but I can't help being a bit excited about Maiden's future. I hope, that if they'll record another album, Nicko will be part of it. But for future tours this decision literally buys them more time and they could continue a few more years. That's a discussion for another time though.

What are some of your favorite Nicko moments? I've always loved his insanely fast single pedal gallop (like in Caught Somewhere In Time for example) and him pulling that off on Rock In Rio during Dream Of Mirrors is such a hype moment.
 
srfc said:
very likely, but Rod's statement about Maiden always getting their man sounds like a name drummer.
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If you look at the last times members were replaced (Janick, Blaze) they “got their man” and it was not a big name but someone who was already in the Maiden family in a way. I reckon it’ll be the same in this case, which points to Lazerus.

Also, if they already picked someone I’m not sure how logistically they would have been able to try someone out (especially a big name) in the last year without stuff leaking. It would have to be someone who is already part of their touring entourage.
 
I think we all had our fears and suspicions that this day could be coming soon, but I'm still sorry to hear it confirmed.

I can only commend Nicko on all the years of service he has put into the band. Clive of course will always be a huge part of Maiden's legacy but Nicko for me is THE Iron Maiden drummer, not only his immense technical skill but his signature feel, his enthusiasm, his personality, his obvious love for the band and playing live are unsurpassed. It's incredible that he was able to hit the road, complete two gruelling tour legs of complex material after suffering from his health problems. Raise a glass to Nicko, nothing but respect for this absolute legend.

Whoever steps up has some major shoes to fill, I wish the chosen one all the luck in the world. I hope Nicko comes out to do a song or two in London next year.
 
Mosh said:
If you look at the last times members were replaced (Janick, Blaze) they “got their man” and it was not a big name but someone who was already in the Maiden family in a way. I reckon it’ll be the same in this case, which points to Lazerus.

Also, if they already picked someone I’m not sure how logistically they would have been able to try someone out (especially a big name) in the last year without stuff leaking. It would have to be someone who is already part of their touring entourage.
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Lazarus is part of their touring entourage?
 
Vaenyr said:
Somehow I'm not really surprised. Nicko has had a legendary career and delivered an enormous amount of excellent performances throughout the years. His sound shaped Iron Maiden and fundamentally influenced hundreds of bands. He definitely deserves to step down and enjoy his retirement on his own terms.

It's sad seeing him go of course, but I can't help being a bit excited about Maiden's future. I hope, that if they'll record another album, Nicko will be part of it. But for future tours this decision literally buys them more time and they could continue a few more years. That's a discussion for another time though.

What are some of your favorite Nicko moments? I've always loved his insanely fast single pedal gallop (like in Caught Somewhere In Time for example) and him pulling that off on Rock In Rio during Dream Of Mirrors is such a hype moment.
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His drumming on Paschendale, especially the live version, will always be my favourite performance.
 
Nicko! <3

I can't believe it, I thought he was going to be part of the big celebration tour next year, but given the circumstances. I respect him, he earned everything. It wasn't an easy decision for him for sure and I thought the band would rather retire, but I feel Nicko (like he had said before) kind of insisted they keep going. It's sad but I'm grateful Maiden is still going, although it will never be the same. He is irreplaceable.

I just can't say how much I love Nicko. Big LEGEND and the best drummer with a unique feel. Thank you for everything, the most handsome one. All the memories will live on. Special band, special man. Maiden are what they are also because of him.
 
Rob77 said:
A great shame but age catches up with us all. Maiden being hyper professional will choose a good replacement.

Maybe Simon Dawson as Steve has played and recorded with him in Lion? I am sure there are other technical drummers who could do the job.
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That'd be my guess as well.
 
Sad news. Needless to say, the band would not be the same without Nicko, who is a key part of the classic Maiden sound.

On the other hand, I am glad he has decided to bow out gracefully when he could still play at a very good level.

Thanks Nicko for all those years of awesome drumming!
 
Although it was possible, I'm still shocked. Glad that Nicko retired in his own terms and I'm really thankful for having saw him in his last tour, an absolute legend. I also think the replacement will be Joe Lazarus, with another possibility being Simon Dawson. I hope that the new drummer, whoever it is, plays on Nicko's kit for the next tours, it already feels like part of the Maiden stage show for me, it would be so strange seeing a smaller kit behind the band.

Poto said:
I wonder if that’s it for Maiden as a studio band. Live, no problem, the songs are there and this extends their career. But making new music without the guy who makes up 50% (maybe more) of their sound sounds wrong.
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Nicko's statement says he will take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle but still remain part of the Iron Maiden family. That leaves the door open for him being the drummer in a possible future studio album, imo.
 
Mosh said:
I thought he had been on standby the last few tours in case Nicko couldn’t perform.
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I thought that too, but as I can see at his FB profile, this autumn he's been on tour with Twin Atlantic.
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Joe Lazarus Drummer

Joe Lazarus Drummer. 17,440 likes · 73 talking about this. Session Twin Atlantic, Vennart (Biffy Clyro), Phil Mogg (UFO), GUN, Kavus Torabi (Cardiacs/Gong), The Last Internationale
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I don't know about Nicko recording in the future. Just because he's in a studio rather than a stadium doesn't bring his drumming ability back.

If there's a new drummer then he should be THE drummer for Maiden. Not someone who plays the live gigs but gets sidelined when they record.
 
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