Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain announces his retirement from touring

Iron Maiden drummer, Nicko McBrain, who has been a member of the group since 1982, has announced that tonight's show in São Paulo, Brazil, the conclusion of "The Future Past World Tour",   will be his last with the band.

McBrain shared the following:

After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle. Today, Sat, Dec 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.

I will however, remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects, my long time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I'll also be working on a variety of different personal projects and focusing on my existing businesses and ventures, including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain's Drum One, Titanium Tart, and of couse, Rock-N-Roll Ribs!

What can I say? Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile and I love you! To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you made if infinitely easier and I love you! To my kids, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding absences and I love you! To my friends that are always there for me, I love you! To my bandmates, you made it a dream come true and I love you!

I look into the future with much excitement and great hope! I'll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and of course, "Up The Irons!"

-Nicko