QuoteStatement from Nicko McBrain:
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 course, 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 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! 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
Statement from Rod Smallwood on behalf of Iron Maiden:
Nicko,
And we all love you too!!
Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak on behalf of all the band when I say we will miss you immensely!
Ever since Rock in Rio in 1985 we have had a special relationship with Brazil so to bow out of touring in front of 90,000 fans here in Sao Paulo over 2 nights is poetic and you are deserving of all the accolades I am sure these marvellous fans will give you on this last show.
Phantom look forward to many more years of working with you on the projects you mentioned and I am sure we can find a few more special ones around the Maiden family and FC!
The band and I all have a thousand great memories of the past 42 years, great gigs, copious platinum and gold discs and awards, love from the fans and one beer too many on too many occasions! Such a bond is forever! And, as Steve Harris says, 'Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family'.
Rod, Andy, Steve, Bruce, Davey, Adrian & Jan
P.S. Maiden always get their man and our already chosen new drummer will be announced very shortly.
It was only a matter of time after the stroke, I'm surprised that he came back at all TBH. The end of an era anyway.
Any guesses who the replacement is? It'll be someone English anyway.
That explains why Tommy Lee has just left the Crue again.
Clive burr was better anyway
Definitely. I don't think he's available though.
Lars?
But seriously, wasn't Nicko's son a consideration?
It's probably the guy from British Lion.
Or The Raven Age.
Fair play to him for managing the few tours after the stroke, what a trooper
Smallwood should definitely take any decision making out of Harris' hands anyway..every decision that man has made since 1988 has been appalling
I wonder will he play on any future albums, the language of the statement is vague in that respect and only really mentions touring.
I didn't know he'd had a stroke. All the best to him. It must be some change going from endless world tours to watching Corrie with the family.
Quote from: Carnage on December 07, 2024, 06:30:35 PMI wonder will he play on any future albums, the language of the statement is vague in that respect and only really mentions touring.
I suspect he'll stay on as a member 'officially' at least. Whether he actually does anything in reality is a different matter - can see them using a 'ghost drummer' for recording.
Quote from: Eoin McLove on December 07, 2024, 08:15:40 PMI didn't know he'd had a stroke. All the best to him. It must be some change going from endless world tours to watching Corrie with the family.
He lives in Florida and has what seems to be a fairly successful BBQ restaurant on the go there for years so he'll have enough to keep him busy! Always struck me as a guy who knew the value of life TBH, and appreciated his time off with friends and family.
Must raise again the question of the band as a whole calling it a day - although I think Nicko was the oldest, perhaps even by several years?
He is, but not by much - Harris is 68, Murray, Smith and Gers are 67, Dickinson is 66.
What age is Nicko?
Quote from: Carnage on December 07, 2024, 08:22:56 PMHe is, but not by much - Harris is 68, Murray, Smith and Gers are 67, Dickinson is 66.
68 and still playing like that. He must have some serious routine to keep himself match fit.
Fair fucks to him for keeping it going for so long.
Wonder who'll they get in, a young buck or a veteran?
Gonna take a guess at Mikkey Dee.
Nah, he's on a good earner with Scorpions. Harris will bring young blood in, 'cos (going by his hair 'colour') he's still a young lad himself. It'll be the British Lion lad.
At last night's concert Dickinson said in part "He was a drummer before I was a singer, he was a pilot before I was a pilot, and now he's not leaving the band, but he's just not playing live with us anymore." This is a similar reading to that of Nicko himself, that he's doing a Glenn Tipton, but Smallwood's comment implies he's gone.
A possible replacement name doing the rounds is Joe Lazarus, a young buck who can play just like him and apparently Steve's nephew. But surely Harris would want someone with his own style, assuming they intend more new music.
Quote from: Polaris on December 08, 2024, 06:42:43 AMA possible replacement name doing the rounds is Joe Lazarus, a young buck who can play just like him and apparently Steve's nephew. But surely Harris would want someone with his own style, assuming they intend more new music.
Judging from the last few albums I'd say the last thing Harris wants is a change in the sound
His replacement would have to be someone younger, surely!
I mean, who has enough of a profile to fill the spot that is still playing and even available?
I heard a rumor that Vortex is coming out of retirement for the gig.
Wonder if the first recording with the new drummer will be a live album.
Quote from: Eoin McLove on December 08, 2024, 09:38:04 AMI heard a rumor that Vortex is coming out of retirement for the gig.
Wow..... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Oh my god...... Judas as well I'd assume! what a band! Slattery's back in nam.
Quote from: KingHostile on December 08, 2024, 10:02:16 AMQuote from: Eoin McLove on December 08, 2024, 09:38:04 AMI heard a rumor that Vortex is coming out of retirement for the gig.
Wow..... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Oh my god...... Judas as well I'd assume! what a band! Slattery's back in nam.
Judas is taking over for Bruce.
Now if I told you I had seen Judas driving a mini with a coffin on top would you believe me! what a moment!
The mask that spat blood was brilliant......
Maiden could well be a real metal band with this line up....
It's the British Lion fella.
Yep, he's already listed as a member on MA :laugh:
No wasted time in announcing that.
Maiden are brutal with that stuff if anyones ever read run to the hills.
I'd say Nicko got a soft exit because of his years of service but I reckon that decision was made for him
I wonder if he'll be allowed ride in the limo with the rest of the band.
The bit from Ron Smallwood seemed very business like, almost like thanking someone for working in a company for all those years.
Sure I've no idea what it's like behind the scenes but he seems like a cunt.
What am I basing it on? Nothing.
Out of all of them Nicko and Dave seem the ones who could be the most down to earth .
Quote from: Carnage on December 08, 2024, 02:32:59 AMNah, he's on a good earner with Scorpions. Harris will bring young blood in, 'cos (going by his hair 'colour') he's still a young lad himself. It'll be the British Lion lad.
You were correct sir. :)
Quote from: Pagan Saviour on December 08, 2024, 03:05:50 PMMaiden are brutal with that stuff if anyones ever read run to the hills.
I'd say Nicko got a soft exit because of his years of service but I reckon that decision was made for him
Yeah, I'd say he was politely asked to leave. I'm no expert but I seen commentary on Maiden gigs since his stroke that he wasn't as good as previously, an Maiden being such a successful band and 100% professional in every way just couldn't take the risk of "carrying someone" on their live performances. It's sad but everyone has their time, and I don't think anyone who bought a Malahide ticket will be asking for their money back because Nicko is not there.
Quote from: Uinsion on December 08, 2024, 09:33:25 PMQuote from: Carnage on December 08, 2024, 02:32:59 AMNah, he's on a good earner with Scorpions. Harris will bring young blood in, 'cos (going by his hair 'colour') he's still a young lad himself. It'll be the British Lion lad.
You were correct sir. :)
I wish I was as lucky when I do the Lotto.
Quote from: Circlepit on December 08, 2024, 08:06:03 PMThe bit from Ron Smallwood seemed very business like, almost like thanking someone for working in a company for all those years.
Sure I've no idea what it's like behind the scenes but he seems like a cunt.
What am I basing it on? Nothing.
Out of all of them Nicko and Dave seem the ones who could be the most down to earth .
He's definitely a complete wanker, just even by the stuff I read about Derek Riggs ending his relationship with them.
The way they fucked out Adrian Smith back in the day was crazy. The guy seemed to be just gathering his thoughts after a few hectic tour cycles but they made the decision for him.
You have to give Nicko his due for (last year) coming out on tour at 71 years of age, 6 months after a stroke, and trying to knock out Caught Somewhere In Time every night.
Quote from: DaveG on December 09, 2024, 09:51:08 AMYou have to give Nicko his due for (last year) coming out on tour at 71 years of age, 6 months after a stroke, and trying to knock out Caught Somewhere In Time every night.
exactly, nothing but respect for the man and the music he's made over the years. Fair play to him, obviously not easy to just stop being in one of the biggest bands ever.
Something about Harris' control freakery really rubs me the wrong way. But I guess it works. He reminds me of a chancer wedding band leader...getting his nephew in to cover the gigs. "Shouldn't we try him out, play a few tunes and have a pint? It was 42 years after all. What about feel and personality and..."
"He'll be fine, get in the van Adrian"
:laugh: :laugh:
Yeah sad to see Nicko done but it's the right time. I can't expect the band to be able to keep going for many more years in reality.
Also Maiden have always been known to be cold and harsh when it comes down to business. It definitely helped in the early days when they were making a name for themselves and establishing the band as a top act but there's no need for Harris to be so cut throat and involved in every little thing for the last 20 years. Smallwood is also to blame.
Quote from: Barrytron on December 09, 2024, 10:20:59 AMSomething about Harris' control freakery really rubs me the wrong way. But I guess it works. He reminds me of a chancer wedding band leader...getting his nephew in to cover the gigs. "Shouldn't we try him out, play a few tunes and have a pint? It was 42 years after all. What about feel and personality and..."
"He'll be fine, get in the van Adrian"
I don't think it works. Same noodly shite intro/outros that add 15 unwanted minutes per album, same shite idea that they're a prog band, same shite production on every single album since BNW. For one of the biggest heavy metal bands on the planet (that features three guitarists to boot), they've got one of the worst guitar tones going.
Maiden has been little more than a marketing platform since AMoLaD. Fuck Harris.
Quote from: Ducky on December 09, 2024, 03:45:09 PMQuote from: Barrytron on December 09, 2024, 10:20:59 AMSomething about Harris' control freakery really rubs me the wrong way. But I guess it works. He reminds me of a chancer wedding band leader...getting his nephew in to cover the gigs. "Shouldn't we try him out, play a few tunes and have a pint? It was 42 years after all. What about feel and personality and..."
"He'll be fine, get in the van Adrian"
I don't think it works. Same noodly shite intro/outros that add 15 unwanted minutes per album, same shite idea that they're a prog band, same shite production on every single album since BNW. For one of the biggest heavy metal bands on the planet (that features three guitarists to boot), they've got one of the worst guitar tones going.
Maiden has been little more than a marketing platform since AMoLaD. Fuck Harris.
Spot on!
That's the weird thing about Maiden's latter day progressive music: they could theoretically structure songs any way they want, and yet everything is so painfully predictable. Was even listening to the song 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' the other day and it was wonderful that the whole second half was effectively instrumental and didn't repeat the intro.
Quote from: Ducky on December 09, 2024, 03:45:09 PMQuote from: Barrytron on December 09, 2024, 10:20:59 AMSomething about Harris' control freakery really rubs me the wrong way. But I guess it works. He reminds me of a chancer wedding band leader...getting his nephew in to cover the gigs. "Shouldn't we try him out, play a few tunes and have a pint? It was 42 years after all. What about feel and personality and..."
"He'll be fine, get in the van Adrian"
I don't think it works. Same noodly shite intro/outros that add 15 unwanted minutes per album, same shite idea that they're a prog band, same shite production on every single album since BNW. For one of the biggest heavy metal bands on the planet (that features three guitarists to boot), they've got one of the worst guitar tones going.
Maiden has been little more than a marketing platform since AMoLaD. Fuck Harris.
Wouldn't disagree with any of that. They would have been savaged by the press for releasing any of the post amolad albums in the 90s, but every review is 9 or 10 out of 10.
Harris is without doubt the worst thing in maiden at the moment and has been for a long time. If you put Dickinson , Gers, Smith and Murray in a room and locked Harris out in his barn the 4 boys would bang out a belter of an album without him sticking his wannabe Sgt Major beak in
:laugh: gotta make that happen
Can we lock Janick out as well? Please?
There was a documentary that came with Dance of Death, I believe, and Smith strongly suggested he and Dickinson would go to Harris with completed songs that both are happy with, and Harris deconstructs them and adds his own parts.
Sure he'll only be dancing around doing star jumps anyway
Quote from: Polaris on December 09, 2024, 09:13:39 PMThere was a documentary that came with Dance of Death, I believe, and Smith strongly suggested he and Dickinson would go to Harris with completed songs that both are happy with, and Harris deconstructs them and adds his own parts.
Definitely. Listen to the song Face in the Sand - Harris almost certainly just grafted on the same intro as Blood Brothers.
Quote from: Polaris on December 09, 2024, 09:13:39 PMThere was a documentary that came with Dance of Death, I believe, and Smith strongly suggested he and Dickinson would go to Harris with completed songs that both are happy with, and Harris deconstructs them and adds his own parts.
Are his parts Em C & D over and over again for 14 odd minutes by any chance?
Quote from: Trev on December 07, 2024, 06:22:13 PMFair play to him for managing the few tours after the stroke, what a trooper
Well, after the stroke I guess the writing was on the wall....
Quote from: The Ancient Ones on December 07, 2024, 08:20:23 PMAlways struck me as a guy who knew the value of life TBH, and appreciated his time off with friends and family.
Beer at the park....beer at the park!!
Quote from: Trev on December 07, 2024, 06:22:13 PMFair play to him for managing the few tours after the stroke, what a trooper
Indeed, but his time-keeping seemed to be all over the place. There's only so much physio can do to tame a hand.
Quote from: Polaris on December 09, 2024, 11:44:25 PMQuote from: Trev on December 07, 2024, 06:22:13 PMFair play to him for managing the few tours after the stroke, what a trooper
Indeed, but his time-keeping seemed to be all over the place. There's only so much physio can do to tame a hand.
You could say he was for sure caught somewhere in time.
Quote from: jpm4 on December 09, 2024, 06:24:13 PMQuote from: Ducky on December 09, 2024, 03:45:09 PMQuote from: Barrytron on December 09, 2024, 10:20:59 AMSomething about Harris' control freakery really rubs me the wrong way. But I guess it works. He reminds me of a chancer wedding band leader...getting his nephew in to cover the gigs. "Shouldn't we try him out, play a few tunes and have a pint? It was 42 years after all. What about feel and personality and..."
"He'll be fine, get in the van Adrian"
I don't think it works. Same noodly shite intro/outros that add 15 unwanted minutes per album, same shite idea that they're a prog band, same shite production on every single album since BNW. For one of the biggest heavy metal bands on the planet (that features three guitarists to boot), they've got one of the worst guitar tones going.
Maiden has been little more than a marketing platform since AMoLaD. Fuck Harris.
Wouldn't disagree with any of that. They would have been savaged by the press for releasing any of the post amolad albums in the 90s, but every review is 9 or 10 out of 10.
I remember a conversation along these lines on the old forum when The Book of Souls releasd - the likes of Slayer, Metallica, etc. are usually derided for their new material, so how does Maiden get the free pass for the last fifteen or so years of material, much less the stellar reviews?
Because they're generally seen as group of nice old chaps who are sound with the fans, don't air dirty laundry, and still put on decent shows?
He got a good send off from the São Paulo crowd anyway:
Quote from: Polaris on December 09, 2024, 09:13:39 PMHarris deconstructs them and adds his own parts.
And we all get bored😂