Nicko McBrain retires

TheMercenary said:
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...
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Mike Mangini is american. I'm convinced new drummer is british.
 
I think we've all been aware of this shutter slowly decending for some time now, but the thud when it finally did hit the ground still came as something of a shock (to me at least).

It's not massively surprising to hear that they've got someone else lined up - they do have extant touring committments after all. I'm sad because I'll miss Nicko: my additional sense of apprehension stems from the knowledge that however long they choose to continue after tonight, they will do it as a different band. The path to follow to the great unknown ...

Anyway, all the best to Nicko for the future - I'm sure he won't be idle and we'll hear from him soon :)
 
To everyone mentioning that Lazarus has touring commitments next year:

Matt Laug had announced touring commitments for summer 2024, but he still ended up on tour drumming with AC/DC for their tour instead.

Not saying its gonna be Joe, but it's not impossible for him to be the new guy.
 
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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50% of their sound if not more ??? Come on. I don't want to look rude, but sadness alters your mind. What about the bass sound, Davey's tone and Bruce's voice ? More importantly, the guy does not write songs, which means that a good drummer will be able to replicate his parts, and certainly with more power and consistance. I hope a new addition will have the same effect Faulkner's arrival had for Priest or Bruce's cancer for Maiden: a big boost. I appreciate Nicko, but he has never been Maiden's best drummer and changes are often welcome.
 
harrisdevot said:
50% of their sound if not more ??? Come on. I don't want to look rude, but sadness alters your mind. What about the bass sound, Davey's tone and Bruce's voice ? More importantly, the guy does not write songs, which means that a good drummer will be able to replicate his parts, and certainly with more power and consistance. I hope a new addition will have the same effect Faulkner's arrival had for Priest or Bruce's cancer for Maiden: a big boost. I appreciate Nicko, but he has never been Maiden's best drummer and changes are often welcome.
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It's a very appropriate moment, for you, to learn that 'silence is gold'.
 
So just before the plane took off for São Paulo, I decided to take one last look on social media, when I read the news about Nicko. I'm still shocked. This will certainly be a special night. I can't believe I'll be there. I'll probably spend half the show crying (to be honest, I've cried a little on the plane).

Thanks for everything, Nicko. Thanks for your incredible dedication, really. A true legend. You can be sure we will scream your name out loud this night. All of us.
 
Jeffmetal said:
It's a very appropriate moment, for you, to learn that 'silence is gold'.
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Yes, next time, I will submit my statements to you before posting, to avoid displeasing you. Remember most of you were discussing his downfall and potential replacement a few days ago. The discussion has just turned more concrete and I voiced my opinion without being rude to anyone, contrary to you.
 
Tonight these three songs will be extra special.

Iron Maiden
The Trooper
He played these on his first Maiden gig. The former ever present, the latter blueprint Harris/Nicko rhythm section Maiden.

Wasted Years
The final song as full-on official Maiden drummer. Such a symbolic one, also lyric wise. I bet the whole band will stand around/before him while playing this.
 
Whoever was the better drummer, Nicko opened up ways for Steve to write different material. With his ride cymbal playing, the Steve/Nicko rhyhtm section will always be the iconic Maiden tandem.

In Maiden the rhythmic section has been more important than in other (big) metal bands. This is a huge change for Maiden.
 
Black Abyss Babe said:
I think we've all been aware of this shutter slowly decending for some time now, but the thud when it finally did hit the ground still came as something of a shock (to me at least).
It's not massively surprising to hear that they've got someone else lined up - they do have extant touring committments after all. I'm sad because I'll miss Nicko: my additional sense of apprehension stems from the knowledge that however long they choose to continue after tonight, they will do it as a different band. The path to follow to the great unknown ...
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This, this is so true for me. I'm so so grateful that the Reunion lineup lasted this long. I can't imagine Maiden without Nicko, I just can't. I don't think I'm excited about next year's tour. The live release from TFP tour will be watched for years to come. Maiden's decision was unexpected and a real surprise, especially because of the some comments in the past. Huge change, the rhythm section is too iconic. End of an era, but not the beginning of a new one for me, just continuation. Nicko has been part of my life for so long.
 
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I feel very privileged to have seen Nicko play with Maiden. He's made an enormous contribution to the band for so long and is going to continue to be a fan favourite. Now the question is...will Sooty retire too?
 
Kalata said:
This, this is so true for me. I'm so so grateful that the Reunion lineup lasted this long. I can't imagine Maiden without Nicko, I just can't. I don't think I'm excited about next year's tour. The live release from TFP tour will be watched for years to come. Maiden's decision was unexpected and a real surprise, especially because of the some comments in the past. Huge change, the rhythm section is too iconic.
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Theres contracts already signed. Steve and Rod can not simply tell that they are not doing anymore. Thats why they decided (mutually probably) to go on with a new drummer. At least for this upcoming tour.

If they will keep going after run for your lives, no one here knows.
 
Nicko is the GOAT. This is hitting me pretty hard though I had suspicions it was coming. Glad to hear he is still going to be involved with the band in some capacity. I'm so thankful I made it to Charlotte so I could see him play one last time. Thanks Nicko for all the great years in Iron Maiden! You're the best!
 
A bit shocked when I heard the news, but many of us expected it. I just want to thank Nicko for sharing all these years of passion for music with us.
 
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