BREAKING: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain C…read more.
The lights were low, the room was electric, and for a moment, time stood still. Then came the familiar thunder of drums and just like that, Nicko McBrain was back.
In his first live performance since officially retiring from touring with Iron Maiden, McBrain took to the stage in a packed London venue this weekend, and it wasn’t just any show it was a powerful, deeply personal celebration of music, memory, and the fans who have stuck by him through decades of heavy metal history.
Now 73, McBrain had stepped away from the rigors of touring two years ago following a minor stroke and a heartfelt farewell during Maiden’s Future Past World Tour. But on this night, he showed that the fire still burns brightly. This wasn’t about a grand reunion or commercial spectacle it was about heart. And Nicko wore his on his sleeve.
“I didn’t know if I’d ever do this again,” he told the crowd with a warm grin and a crack in his voice. “But the music kept calling. And honestly… I missed you lot.”
The evening’s setlist was something special. Rather than revisit the usual Iron Maiden classics, McBrain dug deep playing covers of songs that Maiden, for all their epic discography, never played live. It was a gift to fans, and a look into the music that shaped the man behind the drum kit.
From the fiery “Burn” by Deep Purple to Rainbow’s mystical “Stargazer,” each song carried a personal connection. McBrain’s drumming was full of energy, precision, and a youthful spark as if no time had passed since Maiden’s early days. One of the most powerful moments came during a passionate version of “Child in Time,” with the crowd singing every word back in unison.
Fans laughed when Nicko joked, “I finally got to play it without Steve [Harris] giving me the side-eye!”
But it wasn’t just the music that made the night memorable it was the atmosphere. There was something beautifully raw about it all. No pyrotechnics, no giant stage sets just McBrain, a tight group of musicians, and a room full of people who grew up on his rhythms.
As a surprise to everyone, Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith stepped on stage during the encore. The two old friends shared a hug before launching into a reworked, blues-tinged version of “Flight of Icarus.” The cheers were deafening.
By the end of the night, McBrain stood and bowed, visibly moved.
“Thank you for not forgetting me,” he said quietly.
And how could they? Nicko McBrain isn’t just a drummer he’s a piece of rock history. And on this night, he reminded everyone why he’ll always be one of metal’s most beloved souls.
Setlist Highlights:
- Burn (Deep Purple)
- Lights Out (UFO)
- Stargazer (Rainbow)
- Child in Time (Deep Purple)
- Wasted Years (jazzy version)
- Flight of Icarus (with Adrian Smith)
A night of rhythm, soul, and pure magic.
