Nicko McBrain, the legendary heavy metal drummer who has played with Iron Maiden for the last forty-two years, gave his final performance with the band on Saturday night (December 7) in São Paulo, Brazil. “After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle,” McBrain shared in a statement on Iron Maiden’s website before his final show on Saturday. “I wish the band much success moving forward. Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey!”

McBrain suffered a stroke in 2023, before undergoing rehabilitation that allowed him to join Iron Maiden for their current world tour. “Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer,” said the band’s manager Rod Smallwood. The heavy metal legends announced that Simon Dawson, who plays in British Lion with Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris, will be the new drummer in the band. (Billboard)