Nicko McBrain retires

Nicko is THE Iron Maiden drummer for almost all generations of Maiden fans. This was expected, but still sad to se. I am so blessed to have seen him on his last ever European gig, even though nobody knew that at the time.

He said he retires from touring, so hopefully this means he will be part of a new album, if it happens.
 
Trevoire said:
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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Having to pace yourself for almost two hours to make it through each night is a very different scenario than being able to play something demanding and then take as much time as you want to take a break.

They certainly have the means to take the time in studio. If they'll actually go down that route is obviously a different discussion though.
 
I don't think next year's tour will be Maiden's last. I mean, they are replacing their drummer since 1983! Their touring career will be expanded, but I'm not that sure because I never expected such decision by Maiden. And they for sure knew it before announcing the new tour. Some of the band members have solo projects, but Maiden is Maiden after all.

Considering the statement, I understand that Nicko is retiring from extensive touring, but he will still be part of the Maiden family. They have to release a new album at some point, I mean new music is everything for a musician, so it will/should be with Nicko in the studio. Otherwise it would be wrong. He will be in shape by playing with his solo band. Although it won't be an easy work in the studio too, it still would be tough for him. What a warrior.
I will say that they won't record an album without him.

I also expect him to make ''guest'' appearances next year and on future tours.

Key quotes from Nicko:

I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle. I wish the band much success moving forward.

I will, however, remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects, my long time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I’ll also be working on a variety of different personal projects...

I look into the future with much excitement and great hope! I’ll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course, “Up the Irons!”

I mean, it's obvious. Variety of projects which Maiden managers have in mind for him is not just family and business stuff, right?

Also Rod: Phantom look forward to many more years of working with you on the projects you mentioned and I am sure we can find a few more special ones around the Maiden family and FC!
 
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Vaenyr said:
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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In the studio everything! Live, the whole RIR concert. The end of Hallowed with Dave and Nicko having fun. Every times he does a kit ride and cymbals hits. Also, always been happy playing. I love his fast playing and drum fills.
 
The new drummer,

Rod said they always get their man, so I think it won't be a big name and it will be someone they know. Englishman.

The pressure will be huge and he will never replace Nicko, but I think it should have at least a little bit of his feel with his own style ofc. I don't think that's possible. You can try to copy someone, but it will never be the same. And I really hope he doesn't use a small kit! I really do.

Joe Lazarus is probably the first name, the BL drummer, I don't think he can do it.
 
I hope the new drummer retains some of the classic Nicko sound, but still has a style of their own. We don’t need a carbon copy (Joe), in my opinion. I’d like to hear relatively fresh versions of classic songs.
 
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Vaenyr said:
Having to pace yourself for almost two hours to make it through each night is a very different scenario than being able to play something demanding and then take as much time as you want to take a break.

They certainly have the means to take the time in studio. If they'll actually go down that route is obviously a different discussion though.
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There's also studio editing which can help mask any problems.
 
Love Nicko and he did the right decision. It's sad but this was also something that must have been going ever since the stroke early last year and he was recovering.
At this time and his age, I can sincerely hope the best and that he can enjoy his retirement days.
It must have been easy and also very hard thing to decide..
 
What about Mike Mangini ? He was a part of Dream Theater that is a band that loves Iron Maiden and did some covers with Mike Portnoy. Mike Mangini is currently unemployed, he has no band. So, he could be a possibility.

But, Nicko's decision to leave the touring with the band is quite shocking and devastating for me as I ever considered him as the soul of Iron Maiden with Steve Harris. He gave the golden era classic sound to the band and an irreplaceable groove. It's once again a sad day for Maiden community two months after the loss of Paul Di'Anno...
 
AncientMariner_Essex said:
I fearWow, gonna be strange seeing them next year now without Nicko.

I totally get his reasons for this but it has come as a bit of a surprise as I always imagined the band would bow out together, ie if one of them stops they all stop.

I can only imagine that as the run for your lives tour has already been booked it would have caused a lot of financial pain to cancel it so I’m fully expecting any new drummer will be filling in for this tour then the band will all stop. Steve and Bruce and Adrian will all carry on with their solo/side projects and that will be the end of Maiden.

Fitting way to go out after the 50th anniversary. Can’t see another tour after Run for your lives without Nicko nor another album without him.
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I fear and strongly take into account with the same (this Maiden family and projects business does not sound like he will do another Maiden album), although I would still hope for another album, with Nicko. ("The wish is the father of all thoughts")

Thank you Nicko for being part of my whole Maiden fanhood. You will be missed, as a drummer and as an integral person on the stage.
 
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