Iron Maiden contemplated calling it quits following long-time drummer Nicko McBrain’s retirement from touring, bassist Steve Harris has revealed.
- READ MORE: Iron Maiden – ‘Senjutsu’ review: an imaginative instant classic
In 2023, Nicko McBrain – who has been with Iron Maiden since 1982 – suffered a minor stroke, which left him partially paralysed on his right side from the shoulder down. Following the stroke, McBrain revealed that he wasn’t able to perform at the caliber required of him, and in December 2024 played his final show with the band.
In a new chat with Rock Candy, per Louder Sound, bassist and founding member Steve Harris revealed that McBrain’s medical setback and subsequent retirement from touring led the rest of the band to ponder if it was time they called it a day.
“To be honest, we didn’t really have a choice and had to make the change after Nicko suffered his health issues,” Harris shared. “It was what it was, and we had a decision to make as to whether we wanted to carry on or not.
“Obviously, we had a tour booked at the time that it happened, and the rest of us all wanted to continue. But ultimately, after we got through all that, it was Nick’s decision to step away, and we all respected the fact that he’d decided to do that.”
Following McBrain’s retirement, Iron Maiden confirmed that the legendary drummer has not left Iron Maiden, and will still track drums in the studio for any future Iron Maiden material. As for the live shows, he’s been replaced by Simon Dawson, and the band have recently announced a number of new shows.
Last month, the band announced a 2026 European tour, with shows in Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France and Portugal. They’ve also announced a massive UK date at Knebworth for next summer, with support from The Darkness, The Hu and others.
They’ve since been announced as one of three headliners for Austria’s Nova Rock 2026 alongside The Cure and Bring Me The Horizon.
