Nicko McBrain Opens Up About Retirement From Touring With Iron Maiden

After more than 40 years as the powerhouse drummer for Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain has officially stepped away from touring. The 72-year-old musician announced his retirement on December 7, 2024, marking the band’s concert at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil, as his final live performance. Now, nearly two months later, McBrain has opened up about his decision, his health, and what the future may hold in an exclusive interview with Chaoszine.

A Difficult but Necessary Decision

Reflecting on his retirement, McBrain admitted to having mixed emotions about leaving the road behind. “Making the decision to step back from touring was easy at the time, towards the end of the tour,” he explained. “I had already made up my mind when we got to North America and spoke with the boys, mainly Steve Harris, and then the management. Everyone understood, given my condition after my stroke. But there are days when I wake up and think, ‘I’m going to miss the next tour. I won’t be able to go out on the road.’”

Though McBrain described it as the right choice, he still wishes circumstances were different. “It was an easy decision, but I wish I could still play with the guys. I wish I had my full fitness,” he confessed.

The Physical Challenges of Touring

McBrain suffered a stroke in 2023, which significantly impacted his ability to perform at his usual high level. The drummer admitted that the physical demands of Iron Maiden’s rigorous touring schedule took a toll on him, especially during The Future Past Tour.

“This tour followed the usual pattern—gig, travel day, gig, travel day, gig, then one or two days off,” he explained. “It started getting to me. I managed in 2023, and it was still doable in 2024, but I felt like I wasn’t giving 100%, particularly on songs like ‘The Trooper.’ We made it work, but I didn’t feel I was driving the band the way I wanted to.”

Determined to push through, McBrain employed a personal trainer towards the end of the North American leg of the tour. His regimen focused on mental agility, coordination exercises, and yoga-based stretching rather than heavy weightlifting. “We worked on reactivating the synapses in my brain, improving coordination, and rebuilding my strength. It was helping, but it was still a struggle. I thought, ‘At my age, it’s time to step back and let someone else take the reins.’”

Retirement: The Right Choice

Despite the struggles, McBrain emphasized that completing the tour was never in question. “No, not at all. When you’ve been doing something for 50 years, and then suddenly you’re faced with a physical challenge like a stroke, it’s frustrating. I was fortunate to have amazing therapists who helped me through it. But mentally and physically, I knew it was time.”

The idea of retirement had been on McBrain’s mind since 2023, but he wanted to finish one last tour before making a final decision. “I considered announcing my retirement after the 2023 tour but decided to wait until The Future Past Tour was over. Once we got to North America, I knew it was time to call it a day.”

Though stepping away was not easy, McBrain remains confident it was the right choice. “I have good days and bad days. The bad days hit when I realize I won’t be out on stage anymore, seeing our amazing fans. But in the end, I didn’t step away because of that—I stepped away because it was simply too much for me.”

A New Chapter: A Potential Autobiography?

While McBrain’s days of global touring may be behind him, he hinted at a new project on the horizon—his own autobiography. When asked if he planned to tell his life story in book form, he responded, “Yeah, we’re on the cusp of that. It’s been talked about. Watch this space.”

For now, Iron Maiden fans can reflect on McBrain’s incredible legacy behind the drum kit, knowing that while his touring days may be over, his impact on music remains timeless.