Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has played his final show after announcing his retirement from touring.
The 72-year-old drummer took to the stage for the last time during Iron Maiden’s show in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Saturday, December 7.
This came after McBrain revealed that morning he would step back from the tour.
“Touring with Maiden for the past 42 years has been an incredible journey,” McBrain wrote in one statement.
“I look to the future with great excitement and great hope,” McBrain wrote. “I wish the band much success going forward.”
Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson acknowledged McBrain’s long career with the band during the show.
“He was a drummer before I was a singer. He was a pilot before me. And now, it’s over,” Dickinson said, according to a YouTube video
McBrain took a bow as the crowd chanted his name.
“I want the rest of the night to be a celebration of Nick,” Dickinson said. “A celebration of the joy that brought everyone around the world.”
McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982, replacing Clive Burr. The drummer has played on all of the band’s albums since 1983’s Piece Of Mind.
Although McBrain will no longer be touring with Iron Maiden, the drummer still plans to make music with the band. McBrain also said he will work on “a variety of different personal projects” while focusing on his existing businesses.
“Thank you for being an unstoppable force behind Maiden’s drums for 42 years and my friend for longer. I speak for the entire band when I say you will be missed immensely,” the band wrote in a statement. “Such a bond forever! And as Steve Harris says, ‘Nicko is and always will be a part of the Maiden family.’
British Lion drummer Simon Dawson will take McBrain’s place in 2025 as Iron Maiden continue to play live, the band announced Sunday December 8.