As The Future Past Tour concludes after 81 shows across the globe, bringing heavy metal magic to over 1.4 million fans, Iron Maiden announces a momentous shift for 2025. The band celebrates their incredible legacy while preparing for a new chapter with the Run For Your Lives Tour, coinciding with their 50th Anniversary.
Nicko McBrain, the legendary drummer and an integral part of Maiden for 42 years, performed his final show with the band last night, Saturday, December 7th, in front of 90,000 fans in São Paulo, Brazil.
Nicko McBrain’s Statement:
“After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle. Yesterday marked my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.
I will remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family, working on various projects with my long-time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor. I’ll also focus on my personal ventures, including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, Titanium Tart, and Rock-N-Roll Ribs!
Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, my family, and my bandmates—thank you for making this dream come true. I love you all and look into the future with much excitement and great hope! I’ll see you soon, and of course, ‘Up the Irons!’”
Statement from Rod Smallwood on behalf of Iron Maiden:
“Nicko, thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for 42 years and my friend for even longer. We will miss you immensely. To bow out of touring in front of 90,000 fans here in São Paulo is poetic, and you are deserving of all the accolades these marvellous fans will surely give you.
Phantom Music looks forward to working with you on new projects, and we all cherish a thousand great memories. Such a bond is forever, and, as Steve Harris says, ‘Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family.’”
New Drummer Announcement
Looking ahead to 2025, Iron Maiden is delighted to welcome Simon Dawson as their new drummer. A longtime collaborator with Steve Harris in British Lion, Simon is no stranger to Maiden’s music. His experience and talent promise to bring a fresh energy to the band’s live performances.
The Run For Your Lives Tour begins on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, celebrating Maiden’s 50th Anniversary and ushering in a new era for the band.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in wishing Nicko McBrain the very best as he steps into the next chapter of his incredible journey.
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
