Nicko McBrain Retires From Touring With Iron Maiden

[@christophermiller5145]

I’m happy I got to see him back in November.

[@sconni666]

The guy played the shit out of those songs for years. Good for him.

[@SWEETFA24]

You knew it was coming . Nicko was very dedicated to Maiden and a class act. Thanks for the 41 years .

[@timepoet77]

He's earned his rest. Nicko's the glue that keeps Iron Maiden whole.

[@stanlee-eq7lu]

I was always a Clive Burr fan. But when I heard Nikko's drum intro on Where Eagles Dare off the Piece Of Mind album, I immediately embraced him. Loved him since. You gotta be good to stay in sync with Harry. The bass and drums are THE most important part of any band, not some flashy dude that plays faster than a swarm of pissed off hornets.

[@Toonhead]

AMEN 🙏🏽

[@journeyintothebible]

Maiden was my 1st concert. Dec. 13 1984 in SLC at the Salt Palace. One week shy of 40 years later... This is a shock. I haven't cared much for their later albums but I'm glad they made it to this point.

[@titaniabell6680]

Loved him ever since he joined iron maiden in 1982. What a character. Sad to see him leave the band. Thank you Nicko for all those years of music. ❤ Godspeed Nicko

[@stanlee-eq7lu]

I wish Nikko all the best. Thanks for all the best being in my all time favorite band. Up The Irons, Nikko from Paterson, NJ!

[@gregjohnson298]

Enjoy your retirement Nicko,thanks for the fantastic drumming!

[@FuturesquashArchive4Concerts]

An absolute legend of human being, one of the greatest drummers to ever grace the kit. I feel lucky that I was able to see him last month. I think I speak on behalf of everyone in the Metal community when I say, we love you Nicko, thank you for everything you’ve done for Iron Maiden and heavy metal 🤘🔥🙏

[@MichaelRowe-cv3oq]

Greetings from the UK...My very first ever gig was Rush,February 13th 1978-Leicester here in the UK,i was 17...My very first Iron Maiden gig was October 6th 1979 at The Boat Club here in Nottingham.I`ve been a lifelong fan of both bands since those days and seen both bands live at least 140 times each...When Rush retired i thought the whole world had ended,when Neil Peart died i was even worse and it was if an old friend had died..I pretty much feel the same about Nicko retiring but at least he`s not retired from recording so there is still hope...All the best Nicko,we love you.

[@dimebagdave77]

All the very best to the BACKBONE of The Beast🤘🤘🤘 thanks Doc, he left his mark on this big world..

[@WillowbeeJim]

I met up with iron maiden in 1985 in Hawaii. Nico just dove into the water snorkeling at Hanama Bay. I missed a photo opportunity with my fav drummer but met Steve Harris and got a pic! As a drummer myself, I do prefer Burr over Nico album wise.

[@kennethpiet2079]

One of the best drummers of all time ! He's definitely up there with the all time greats !

[@bcancun123]

Nicko is awesome Happy Retirement!

[@j.t.cooper2963]

Farewell Nicko. Thanks for all of the great albums.

[@johnkatsoudas4767]

This one did not shock me at all. I am surprised he played with Maiden as long as he did. He earned his retirement. Rest easy Nicko Iron Maiden/ Judas Priest have been my favorite bands for close to forty years. UP THE IRONS!

[@Sighdaball]

Rest easy? He's not dead yet! 😂

[@johnkatsoudas4767]

Didn't mean that way. Meant to just relax. English is not my first language

[@codygittins4652]

I saw the Seattle gig (Tacoma dome) a few months ago, it was amazing… I am so happy I had the chance to see him perform one last time. As a drummer that was a special evening for me. It was pretty packed! , It was probably 3/4 full. Still an incredible crowd , and amazing set! The tempo was a lot slower , but good on them for accommodating him and letting him adjust to it. Going forward I’m excited to see the new future of the band! Cheers and up the irons!

[@Club_Lang]

Knew it was coming, but I really hoped it’d be after the 50th anniversary tour next year. Nicko, it’s been a privilige listening to your drumming for the past 4+ decades. I have nothing but the utmost respect for this decision. Congrats to your career and thanks heaps for your persona and for flying where eagles dare! "Tiiiime, isn’t always on your siiiiiide" 😢❤️

[@Jaake-my2rq]

The entirety of the drumming community in every form and style recognizes Nicko as one of our greatest ambassadors the world over. And while we lament the end of one long, storied, and glorious chapter in drumming history, we look forward to standing with Nicko as he continues to educate, inspire, and entertain players old, new, and all points in-between in the way only Nicko can. Godspeed to your health my good man, and what a run! -J. 🤟✊

[@guilty-of-being-right]

Hail , to Nicko 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@g-pa-Rok-n-Tok]

Nuthin but love and respect for Nico! Besides kickin ass behind the kit, he's a good human. Take care of yourself brother! Up The Irons 🤘

[@RMCPMark]

I believe you are correct about Nicko appearing in Number of the Beast video. He also was the Grim Reaper in the Flight of Icarus music video

[@viking_2112]

I expected this but still hurts. Glad i got to see him live in 2018 and also got to meet him last year. Nothing but respect for him still being able to play and do a two year tour after suffering a stroke. One of my favourite drummers and i wish him all the best and i look forward to who maiden gets to replace him as they won't exactly be shoddy

[@zoostew8354]

Down to earth guy...Buddies from work run into him down at the car races in Detroit/Belle isle/Michigan speedway..n he always has no problem shooting the shit n taking pics with them.......Happy Retirement Nikko...👍✌️

[@musicmanstu4427]

Nicko is a legend he will be missed love the story he went for a swim during Rime of the ancient marriner got back had to put towels on the pedals they were slippery 😂 He can relax have a beer play some golf might end up on the pro tour causing chaos.

[@not_yer_boy_nick]

Well deserved. Thank you for the great music, Nicko!

[@rjg2112]

Enjoy your retirement Nicko, you earned it!

[@carterpevoto]

This is Sad to see Nicko go but man he went out on Top!!!!! So greatfull to have seen the reunion lineup 5 times.

[@arnyarny77]

god bless you nicko thanks for all the great years , what a charmed life

[@joebrezel]

Man... I found out when I woke up 6 hours ago, & Idk when I'll stop being sad. No time this weekend. At least I got to see him for the last time just a few weeks ago. And it's not a shock at all.. just sad. He made the right decision for himself, & I'm happy & sad for him. The end of an era. He gave us A LOT of great years. Up The Irons!!! 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@lokiluck3216]

Love & homage!!!

[@jayjaytee9944]

Being 73 and suffering the effects of a stroke it is understandable. Sadly it had to happen, he just can't cut it anymore. if Maiden want to seriously pay tribute to their past next tour, they need somebody who can play all of the songs. I saw Maiden a few months ago and Nico was missing a lot of fills and struggling to keep up with the faster tempo songs. Nico is a legend and I'm sure we all wish him well in his retirement.

[@jamesbrennan4163]

Sad to hear Nikko retires due to health issues...unfortunately Sammy Belcher Hagar has not retired due to sucking.

[@stanlee-eq7lu]

I think Sammy sucked more than a porn star and still does.

[@kennethpiet2079]

Hahaha hahaha

[@kenedie4646]

He's one of my favorites .

[@jamescon55]

Wow...41 years behind the kit....For the SAME band, as well........Just....wow....Lol. UP them IRONS, been listening to em just a few years IN , to them being a band. 😎 🤘🔥🤘

[@Sighdaball]

42 years holy crap!! And Steve Harris saying that says a lot

[@philipholmes5884]

I hope it's not got anything to do with him being sick...another Charlie Watts situation would be devastating...hope he's stays healthy and happy 🙏🏻

[@MKmarcos97]

LONG LIVE TO NICKO, a fucking legend!!!

[@MorbidThrasher666]

Nicko is great but Clive is my drummer just like Paul Dianno and may he and Clive Rest in Power 🤟

[@lancecrocket2391]

I wish him well, and hope his health is good to him, but still miss clives playing even more

[@jeffsimon9594]

Let it go man

[@mikewilson3581]

Drums are the one instrument I wouldn't want to play. Just because of the physical toll it tales on the body. I couldn't imagine doing it for four decades.

[@1000poundsguitar]

Keep Rock N Roll Ribs open!!!! Please!!!

[@youtoo2233]

All these guys around 70 years old playing metal on long tours year after year for all these years, i just don't know how people do it, you have to REALLY love what you're doing. Always liked Nicko! I cut my Maiden teeth on Powerslave when it was new, then that next year Live After Death came out and i really preferred his drumming over Clive on some songs, especially Phantom of the opera, seemed to be more in a groove or something, less rushed, its hard to explain. But anyway, wishing Nicko all the best!

[@sarcastanaut]

Piece of Mind was the first Iron Maiden album I bought as a new album, so I hadn't gotten used to Clive Burr yet. Nick was always Maiden's drummer for me. I am a bit younger than you, Ralph. He deserves a good retirement. 🤘

[@neilpye6089]

As a brit I will be putting on his records with streetwalkers and pat Travers band especially making magic.

[@jeffsimon9594]

Yes! Back in New Zealand I briefly knew Charles Tumahai, Nicko's bassist in the band McKitty.

[@AtticusLex]

Last of the great British drummers.

[@Kinger1625]

Saw him in 2019….what a drummer, and what a great guy! Nikko is the man! Maiden Rocks! Nikko Rocks and Dar Fukk Rocks! SCHAMAKAMAGOB !!!

[@deathmetalrob7]

I got to meet Nicko mcbrain had a drum Clinic down there in South Florida. I think he's lived down in Boca Raton for a long time, at least 25 years. I like him better than Clive Burr. I got to see Iron Maiden with Nico at the sportatorium on the Somewhere in Time tour in Fort Lauderdale

[@michaelhalford9709]

Let's hope they go the way Priest did when they got Scott Travis. Nicko was a step down from Clive Burr.

[@acorn-yy1gi]

I love Nicko's playing ad wish him well; though I agree on Clive Burr. Clive is in my Top Three drummers of all time.

[@drpaulmasonphd]

I credit Iron Maiden with having the integrity not to debase their reputation by avoiding the exploitation of Nicko’s departure to sell concert tickets. Regarding the timing of his announcement, like the Irons (West Ham), I see the band as a team. I’m sure he didn’t want to turn this tour into a 'Nicko Farewell' jaunt, which, to me, demonstrates the same degree of class Rush displayed when bringing down the curtain on their career.

[@zoostew8354]

Lol..Eric in a Nikko mask....nice 1lol

[@johnfoster5295]

Today also would have been the Anniversary Party at Rock and Roll Ribs had he not been on tour. I heard it is rescheduled though.

[@michaelr.4878]

I think we all knew that this was coming after his stroke. He made it back..but he had to alter his playing. Some of his trademark, long fills were altered and I'm sure that really bothered him. It would bother me,..knowing that it was impossible to be at the top of my game. But even before his stroke was announced, there were rumblings in the 'Maiden World', that one of the members didn't want to continue touring like they had been. I always assumed it was Adrian..but it was probably Nicko.

[@rejeanroy216]

Yes,Clie B was the first drummer and in my favorite maiden album ( the number of the Beast) but for me Nicko.M is Iron Maiden drummer. Too bad he leaving but hey it's the way of life 🤘 Nicko .M 🤘

[@samuelgirard1407]

So glad I got to see them last month one final time with Nicko! Took my 23 year old Son with me for his first Maiden concert. I wish Nicko all the best! ...Eric Singer!! LOL!! :) If Steve Harris & Rod Smallwood were anything like Gene & Paul they really would go all the way with something like that! Maybe pay for Eric to get a nose job so he could look more like Nicko! HaHa!!

[@danooch1137]

I will take a guess and say the new drummer will be that guy from south america who auditioned for Dream Theater when Portnoy left the band.

[@JasonWorstenholm]

Maiden always kicks ass live but the last ( and best) album they ever did, i think, is , somewhere in time in 86, every record after ( and i bought most of them when they came out) is pure, rehashed, rambling, bloated shite!!!!!! Im glad they are still around but, jesus, maybe its time to finially pack it up!!! Steve, please put it to bed

[@jeffsimon9594]

Poor taste you have there IMO, SSoaSS is one of their absolute best. I agree the quality dipped in early '90s.

[@kennethwilliams-ks5zt]

Well said damm uhis got hes health and family thats your band now bless u

[@pauld378]

I liked burr’s drumming a lot more as I feel he had more of a swing/grove to his drumming but what do I know. I don’t play drums and I am a bigger fan of early maiden.

[@williamboyle8918]

Smallwood said a new drummer has been chosen,. Nicko is quite a finesse player....I hope they bring in hard hitter,. New drum set up, new drum sound . Paiste will not change 1000%

[@jeffsimon9594]

No doubt they will, and lose much of their uniqueness in the process. The band is not for much longer anyway given the others are not far behind Nicko in age.

[@rjg2112]

Eric Singer, lol 😝

[@Markotto09]

Out with Nicko, in with Mikkey Dee!

[@zandig666]

Perfect drummer for galloping music !! Clive burr didnt fit Steve Harris' future vision of every song sounding the same 😂😂 needing the same beat😂😂 Stay heavy !! Ralph and Wadzilla rule and may or may not have met your mother 🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@JanaWright-ii6qz]

Damn, how many other bands still had original members since 1983? I get it, health issues, age, rigors of touring. Our scene coming to a close. Maiden is a bit younger than Priest or Scorpions but how many big-ticket headliners are left? They’re getting Slipknot, Korn, Powerwolf, to headline the big summer festivals in Europe and the rest are mostly unknowns that play bars. Sorry, I’m not paying $800 to see AC/DC in a stadium with sh@“‘ty acoustics. That’s my rant

[@richevans609]

That stinks. I hope he can adjust to being retired.

[@victorblack6995]

[@bobs3302]

Same as when he announced he had the stroke last date of 2023. Doesn't want attention on him.

[@wmcruz8502]

I hope Nicko does still do the records with maiden It not who is better the years wit nicko they changed a lot musically And don’t forget he played on the WHO CARES with Iommi and Gillian And the documentaries Of maiden that I have seen To me. Nicko was more of the “face or spokesman More interesting than Bruce or Steve Even thou he was just the drummer

[@joebarrera9741]

SPEAKING OF DEAM THEATRE ....MIKE PORTNOY SHOULD BE THEIR DRUMMER ...MY NEXT GUY IS TOMMY ALDRIGE FROM OZZY FAME ....BLACK ARKANSAS

[@zoostew8354]

Yeah...they came to LCA last year..(Little Cesars Arena)..that venue sux...absolutely no atmosphere, vibe..its just a money trap..they always used to play Pine Knob..which is the best venue...i hope they go back to pine knob this next stop...i didnt see them this last time JUST bcuz of them playing at LCA..fk that...300-400 a ticket fk that

[@thomasnewby9288]

Well, hopefully, they will give Phil Rudd the gig.

[@waynekozik525]

Clive Bure was so much better than this one trick pony.