Iron Maiden contemplated retirement following drummer Nicko McBrain’s live departure, says Steve Harris

Iron Maiden contemplated retirement following drummer Nicko McBrain’s live departure, says Steve Harris

 

 

 

 

Longtime Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, who had been with the band since 1982, suffered a minor stroke in early 2023 that left his right side partially paralysed. Although he recovered enough to rejoin Maiden for subsequent touring rehearsals and performances, McBrain later acknowledged that he could no longer perform to the standard he expected of himself. On December 7, 2024, in São Paulo, he played his last concert with Iron Maiden; after that show, he officially announced his retirement from touring.

According to bassist and founding member Steve Harris, this was a difficult moment for the band, because McBrain had been such a cornerstone. Harris revealed in an interview (with Rock Candy, as reported via Louder Sound) that McBrain’s health issues forced them into a situation where they had to consider whether to continue. “We didn’t really have a choice,” Harris said. They were already committed to tour‑dates when McBrain’s stroke surfaced, and the rest of the band very much wanted to go on.

Still, the band seriously debated disbanding rather than continuing without him. Harris said that after seeing what McBrain was going through, and coming to terms with the changes, the question of whether Iron Maiden should “carry on or not” had to be asked. Ultimately, McBrain himself decided to step away from touring, and his decision was respected.

However, McBrain did not leave Iron Maiden entirely. The band has confirmed that, while he’s retired from the rigours of live touring, McBrain remains part of Iron Maiden in other capacities. He will continue to be involved in studio material and band‑related projects. For the live‑shows going forward, Simon Dawson (from Steve Harris’ side project British Lion) is serving as Maiden’s touring drummer.

Looking ahead, the band has already scheduled new tours. In 2025‑26, the Run for Your Lives world tour is underway, covering Europe and beyond. Despite the emotional weight of McBrain’s departure from touring, the band seems committed to moving forward in his legacy. Steve Harris made clear they aren’t just trying to exist, but to continue being a massive band, playing big stages and staying true to what Maiden represents.