Member of iconic 70s rock band shocks fans by announcing his ‘last show’-Brooke Ivey Johnson-Entertainment – Metro

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has announced plans to take a step back from touring (Picture: Getty Images)

The drummer for Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain, has shocked fans by sharing he is taking a break from touring.

McBrain joined the metal band in 1982, replacing Clive Burr, and has played on all of their albums since 1983’s Piece Of Mind, cementing himself as a fixture of the iconic group.

In 2023, the revealed that he was left paralysed on his right side from his shoulder down after he suffered a stroke in January.

As the band’s world tour draws to a close, the drummer has confirmed that Saturday’s (December 7) show in Sao Paulo will be his final show with the band that continues to fill arenas all over the world.

‘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,’ he wrote in a post on social media. ‘I wish the band much success moving forward.’

‘I will, however, remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects,’ he continued.

A businessman as well as a musician, he told fans that he will continue to work with The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, Titanium Tart, and Rock-N-Roll Ribs.

He concluded: ‘What can I say? Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile and I love you! To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you made it infinitely easier and I love you! To my kids, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences and I love you! To my friends that are always there for me, I love you! To my bandmates, you made it a dream come true and I love you!’

The percussionist – real name Michael Henry McBrain – said he worried his career would be over after he had the medical episode in 2023, known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

After 10 weeks of what he described as ‘intense therapy,’ the rocker said that it was almost time for him to start rehearsals for Iron Maiden’s The Future Past Tour 2023.

The drummer has been with the band since the 80s (Picture: Gene Ambo/Mediapunch/REX/Shutterstock)

In a statement posted to Iron Maiden’s social media accounts before the tour last year, he wrote: ‘In January I had a stroke, thank the Lord it was a minor one referred to as a TIA.

‘It left me paralysed… with the love and support from my wife, Rebecca and family, my doctors, especially Julie my OT (Occupational Therapist), and my Maiden family I was able to bounce back to somewhere near 70% recovered.’

He added: ‘I feel it’s important to let you know about this now instead of earlier as I was mainly concerned with doing my job and concentrating on getting back to 100% fitness.

The band are known for their heavy percussion use (Picture: kpa/United Archives via Getty Images)

‘I’m not there yet but by the grace of God I’m getting better and stronger as the weeks go by.

‘Thank you all for a most wonderful and magical tour so far, you have all been so amazing.

‘Well that’s it from me. God bless you all, stay safe and well and I look forward to seeing you all somewhere in time.’

While the drummer’s return to the stage was a triumph, fans are devastated to see him say goodbye.

Instagram user xmanuelso wrote: ‘Can’t believe that!!!’ on the post sharing the news.

While bira.correio.xt commented: ‘Your legacy will live on forever! Thanks Nicko!! Thanks for changing lives, including my own!’

The drummer suffered a stroke last year that left him partially paralyzed (Picture: Everett/REX/Shutterstock)

@sennatheking wrote on X: ‘We will miss you, Nicko.’

@TheOBG agreed: ‘This man was pure genius at the drums. Paved the way for many people. His music will be missed. May Iron Maiden live on for future generations.’

@Acadian25 posted: ‘I understand his decision but still comes as a surprise. One of my favorite drummers ever. He always had a big smile while playing for the past 40+ years giving some incredible drumming and a great personality. Wishing him all the best.’

It remains to be seen who will take on the daunting task of filling the iconic drummer’s shoes, but fans everywhere are holding their breath hoping its someone worthy of the role.

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