Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain has announced his retirement from touring.
The drummer confirmed this news, more than a year after he had revealed that he was "somewhere near 70% recovered" from a stroke he suffered in January 2023, which left him paralysed on his right side from the shoulder down.
Nicko, whose real name is Michael Henry McBrain, has stated that he will continue to be part of "the Iron Maiden family" through a "variety of projects".
The musician had first joined the band in 1982. He will be replaced by former session drummer, Simon Dawson.
Posting on social media, McBrain announced his plans to retire from the touring lifestyle.
"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", he began.
"Today, Sat, Dec 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden", he continued. "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."
"What can I say? Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey!", the musician added.
"To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile and I love you!".
He added: To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you made it infinitely easier and I love you! To my kids, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences and I love you!
"To my friends that are always there for me, I love you!".
He carried on: 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!'".
Iron Maiden have been playing shows from their Future World Tour since 2023, with their last show from the tour and incidentally McBrain's last show, taking place last Saturday, in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The band will begin their Run For Your Lives Tour next year, where they will perform in England, Scotland, Norway, Hungary, France and Germany.
Back in October, the band mourned the death of their singer Paul Di'Anno, who died aged 66. More on that here.
