S Poddar
Nicko McBrain, the last brick in the Iron Maiden’s foundation since 1982, has bid farewell to touring with the legendary heavy metal band. The drummer, who joined the group to replace Clive Burr, played his final live show with the band last Saturday (December 7) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, marking the end of an era in one of the most iconic line-ups in metal history.
The band marked the emotional night by posting a video of the night’s highlights, including speeches, backstage moments, and the electric energy of a crowd paying tribute to the legendary musician. McBrain’s retirement announcement earlier in the week set the stage for what was an unforgettable evening at Allianz Parque stadium, filled with nostalgia, celebration, and gratitude.
Taking the stage, Iron Maiden delivered a powerhouse setlist spanning decades of their career. The night culminated with a stunning performance of their 1986 classic, “Wasted Years,” a fitting send-off for a man who has spent over four decades shaping the band’s sound and legacy.
Bruce Dickinson frontman spoke to the audience when the band took to the stage, welcoming them into an exceptional evening. He even made an emotional speech regarding McBrain and how he had enriched the music with the lives he has touched. This video reports “Tonight is a very special night,” he began:. As some of you, I think probably all of you, will know, because this morning we announced, Nicko announced that he is stepping back from playing live drums with Iron Maiden. For 42 years, Nicko’s been in this band.”. He was a drummer before I was a singer, he was a pilot before I was a pilot and now he’s not leaving the band, but he’s just not playing live with us anymore. So we have a lot more music to get to tonight and I want the rest of the night to be a celebration of Nick, a celebration of the joy that he’s brought to everybody around the world.
As Dickinson spoke, the packed audience roared in appreciation, cheering as his words echoed through the venue. The camaraderie between the band members was evident as they took turns embracing McBrain on stage. The moment was punctuated by chants of his name from the adoring crowd, a testament to the profound impact he has had not just on the band but on heavy metal fans globally.
The sendoff was equally poignant behind the scenes. The shared video gives glimpses of what transpires in the band’s backstage, from lighthearted photoshoots to candid conversations. McBrain also took time to thank the crew that have supported Iron Maiden’s monumental live performances over the years. He made this statement, in his typical sincerity blended with a dose of humor: “Thank you so very much for all the work you’ve done for us… and I’m sure you all appreciate that I hate you all!
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McBrain quit touring as a result of health problems he encountered during the past year. In January 2023, he suffered from a transient ischaemic attack, commonly referred to as a minor stroke, which left him partially paralyzed on his right side from the shoulder down. This setback called for intensive therapy, and he took 10 weeks to recover his mobility and strength. Despite this setback, McBrain’s passion and determination ensured that he re-joined rehearsals with the band in preparation for their ‘The Future Past’ tour.
While his recovery was nothing short of miraculous, McBrain earlier this year confessed that there were some songs he could no longer play with the same elan as before. This realization and the health issues led him to decide against live performances. However, McBrain has assured fans that his decision to stop touring does not mean he will be leaving Iron Maiden. He is an integral part of the band’s creative journey.
The shared video is strong tribute to the legacy McBrain, which underlies a deep bond he shares with his friends. Throughout all these years, his energetic drumming style together with his warm personality have become the identity of Iron Maiden, elevating their music and live performances to legendary status.
Fans from all corners of the globe have flooded their appreciation and adoration for McBrain after the announcement, celebrating his indelible contributions to the band’s storied career. From his first album with Iron Maiden, 1983’s Piece of Mind, to their most recent work, Senjutsu, McBrain has left an enduring mark on the heavy metal landscape.
As the Sao Paulo crowd witnessed the end of an extraordinary chapter, they also celebrated the beginning of a new era for the band. Iron Maiden continues to inspire with their resilience and passion, while McBrain’s influence will undoubtedly resonate in their future endeavors.
It was a farewell to a bandmate but a celebration of a legend in Iron Maiden’s video. As fans, crew, and the band themselves united to honor McBrain, the night was a testament to the power of music to forge connections and create memories that last a lifetime.
While the drummer may no longer be a fixture on the live stage, his rhythm, spirit, and legacy remain forever intertwined with Iron Maiden’s history.
