Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith Announced Nicko McBrain…read more.
In a candid new interview, Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith has opened up about the “heartbreaking” decision to replace longtime drummer Nicko McBrain. Smith revealed that the move was a mechanical necessity for the heavy metal legends to continue their career following McBrain’s health struggles.
Nicko McBrain, a cornerstone of the band since 1982, officially stepped back from touring in December 2024. His final performance took place in São Paulo, Brazil, concluding a storied 42-year run behind the kit. The transition came after McBrain suffered a stroke in early 2023, which resulted in partial paralysis and significantly impacted his physical ability to perform the band’s demanding repertoire.
The Physical Toll of the Maiden “Gig”
Speaking with Metal Hammer España, Smith emphasized the sheer physical intensity required to play Iron Maiden’s music live. “I think the Maiden drumming gig is one of the toughest, for sure,” Smith noted. “It’s very, very physical. And Nick, he had this stroke he had a sort of a not a full recovery. And that, unfortunately, really affected his playing.”
Despite McBrain’s best efforts to power through subsequent tours, both he and the band eventually realized the limitations were too great. Smith admitted the difficulty of the situation:
“It was very difficult. Very difficult. I mean, he tried the tour before last we did, Nick did his best, but he knew himself that he couldn’t do what he used to do. So, we had to make the change for the band to continue. And it was heartbreaking, really.”
A New Era with Simon Dawson
To ensure the band could fulfill its ambitious 50th-anniversary plans, they recruited Simon Dawson. Dawson is a familiar face within the Maiden family, having served as the drummer for bassist Steve Harris’s side project, British Lion, for over a decade.
While the lineup change the band’s first in 25 years marked a somber milestone, Smith made it clear that McBrain remains a vital part of the Iron Maiden family. “Nick was such a big and he still is, really a big part of the band, and he always will be. He just had a massive presence,” Smith said. He added that McBrain has given Dawson his full blessing, even checking in to wish the band luck on their current endeavors.
Looking Toward the 50th Anniversary
Iron Maiden is currently in the midst of their massive “Run For Your Lives” World Tour, which celebrates five decades since the band’s formation in 1975. The tour, which spans through late 2026, features a setlist comprised of material from their 1980 debut through 1992’s Fear of the Dark.
Though McBrain is no longer on the drum riser, he remains active in the “Maiden universe,” focusing on his personal businesses and potential future studio collaborations. For Smith and the rest of the band, the priority remains honoring their legacy while moving forward. “It’s nice to keep the music alive,” Smith concluded. “It’s bigger than all of us.”
