Nicko McBrain Addresses Future with Iron Maiden Amid Touring Retirement
Legendary Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has addressed his potential involvement in future studio albums following his retirement from extensive touring. McBrain, who stepped back from touring in December 2024, remains connected to the band and open to contributing to new recordings.
Retirement from Touring After Stroke Recovery
Nicko McBrain officially retired from extensive touring with Iron Maiden in December 2024, culminating with the "Future Past" world tour in São Paulo, Brazil. This decision was significantly influenced by a stroke he suffered in January 2023, which resulted in partial paralysis on his right side. Despite the challenges, McBrain persevered through the tour but acknowledged that his physical capabilities were not fully aligned with the demands of Iron Maiden's rigorous touring schedule.
Simon Dawson Steps In as Touring Drummer
Following McBrain's retirement from the road, Simon Dawson, known for his work with Steve Harris's British Lion project, was announced as the new touring drummer for Iron Maiden. Dawson made his debut with the band on their "Run for Your Lives" 50th-anniversary tour, which commenced in May 2025. This transition marks a new chapter for Iron Maiden's live performances, ensuring the band can continue to deliver their iconic shows to fans worldwide.
"Still Part of the Family": McBrain's Ongoing Connection
Despite no longer participating in tours, McBrain has made it clear that he remains an integral part of the Iron Maiden family. He continues to be involved with the band's fan club and is actively working on his autobiography, a project he has been developing for over a decade. This demonstrates his enduring commitment to the band and its fans, even as his role evolves.
No Firm Album Plans, But Open to Guest Appearances
In a recent interview on July 18, 2025, McBrain addressed the possibility of a new Iron Maiden album. "There isn't any plans that I know of to do a record," he stated. He recalled previous discussions about a new album that were ultimately "nixed." However, he didn't dismiss the idea of contributing to future Iron Maiden recordings. "If there is a new album in the pipeline, it's a possibility I'll do a couple of tracks on the album. Yeah, who knows? We're all still part of the family, although I'm not playing the shows." This leaves the door open for potential future collaborations, much to the delight of fans.
McBrain's Health and Recovery Journey
McBrain's recovery from his stroke in January 2023 involved intensive therapy. While he made significant progress and was able to complete the "Future Past" tour, he acknowledged that his drumming was impacted. In October 2023, he reported being "85 to 90 percent back to strength," though he still faced some dexterity challenges with his fingers. His dedication to recovery highlights his resilience and passion for music.
"Titanium Tart": A New Musical Venture
McBrain has not ceased playing drums altogether. He has announced and is performing a series of shows in Florida in July 2025 with his new project, Titanium Tart. This band performs Iron Maiden covers, allowing McBrain to continue playing and performing without the exhaustive demands of global tours. Titanium Tart provides him with a platform to express his love for Iron Maiden's music while managing his health and well-being.
Iron Maiden Adapts to Change
Iron Maiden's willingness to adapt is evident in their current "Run for Your Lives" tour, which features a significant shift to digital screens for live production. This evolution, coupled with the introduction of Simon Dawson as the touring drummer, indicates the band's openness to embracing change. This adaptability may also extend to their recording process, potentially paving the way for McBrain's involvement in future albums on his own terms.
