Nicko McBrain Explains Why He Quit Touring with Iron Maiden: “I Thought I Was Really Struggling”…

Nicko McBrain Explains Why He Quit Touring with Iron Maiden: “I Thought I Was Really Struggling”

 

After more than four decades behind the drum kit for Iron Maiden, legendary drummer Nicko McBrain has officially stepped back from touring with the iconic British heavy metal band. In a candid new interview, McBrain opened up about the physical and emotional toll that led to his difficult decision, saying plainly: “I thought I was really struggling.”

McBrain, 72, suffered a stroke in January 2023, which left him with partial paralysis on the right side of his body. Despite making what many consider a remarkable recovery, the drummer said he was never able to fully regain the speed, precision, and stamina that Iron Maiden’s demanding live performances require.

“I worked really hard in rehab and with my trainer,” McBrain explained. “But I could feel there were nights where I just couldn’t keep up with the pace I used to. I had to admit to myself that I wasn’t playing at the level I expect from myself.”

Though he initially returned to the road with Iron Maiden for their Future Past Tour in 2023, McBrain said that by early 2024, the cracks were starting to show. A performance in Sydney, Australia, became a turning point.

“I remember coming off stage and saying to Bruce [Dickinson], ‘I’m really struggling tonight,’” McBrain recalled. “He said, ‘Yeah, I could see it—I was worried about you.’ That really hit me. I didn’t want to be the weak link in the chain.”

Adding to the emotional weight, McBrain had lost a close friend shortly before the tour, which added to the strain on his mental health. “It was a dark time. I was dealing with grief, pressure, and trying to hide my limitations. I knew I couldn’t go on like that.”

McBrain made the decision to step away from touring after discussing the matter with bassist Steve Harris and the rest of the band. According to McBrain, the conversation was supportive and understanding.

“They said, ‘If this is what’s right for you, we support you 100 percent.’ That meant the world to me,” he said.

Despite stepping back from live performances, McBrain emphasized that he’s not retiring from music completely. He plans to stay involved with Iron Maiden in other ways and hopes to continue working on personal projects, including his music store, side projects, and a possible autobiography.

“I wish I could still be out there on stage with the guys. I miss it already,” McBrain admitted. “But at the end of the day, my health has to come first.”

McBrain’s decision marks the end of an era for Iron Maiden, but fans continue to express gratitude for his decades of thunderous drumming and unshakable spirit. As he steps into this next chapter, McBrain remains a beloved figure in the metal world—and an inspiration for how to bow out with grace.