In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, the legendary Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain shared insights into his current status with the band after his decision to retire from touring last December. He candidly addressed his situation, stating, “Yeah, I’m not touring.” He further emphasized that there are no known plans for a new record, mentioning a discussion from a few years back that ultimately did not materialize. McBrain reflected on how the pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives, saying, “Everybody’s got that much older. We all lost about a year and a half, two years from that stupid pandemic. That affected everybody’s psyche as well.”

Despite stepping away from live performances and passing the drumsticks to Simon Dawson, McBrain reassured fans that he remains an integral part of the Iron Maiden family. He is actively engaged with the fan club and has been working on a personal project; “I’m writing a book — actually, I’ve been writing a book for 10 freaking years. It’s about time I finished it, you know?” His ongoing connection to the band and its community illustrates his enduring passion for music and storytelling.

Nicko McBrain Shares Insights on His Memoir and Future Possibilities with Iron Maiden

Delving deeper into his memoir, McBrain explained, “I’ve got 21 chapters, and that’s one chapter per year of my life, so it’s gonna be a marathon book. I’m only up to when I went pro.” He mentioned collaborating with a ghostwriter but expressed a strong desire to complete the project himself, showcasing his commitment to share his unique journey. This memoir promises to be a comprehensive exploration of his life in music, capturing the essence of his experiences in the rock scene.

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McBrain also hinted at the potential for him to make special guest appearances with Iron Maiden in the future. “It’s a possibility that when they come over here [to the U.S.], I might end up doing a show with them, just getting up and doing a song or two, or just being there,” he mentioned. He expressed optimism about possibly contributing to any new album, stating, “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 openness to future collaborations keeps fans excited about the possibility of seeing him back on stage.

The Critical Moment That Led Nicko McBrain to Step Back from Touring with Iron Maiden

Reflecting on his health and career, McBrain, who experienced a stroke in 2023, recounted a pivotal moment that made him realize it was time to step back from the touring life with Iron Maiden. He described a particularly challenging performance during a second night in Sydney, Australia, where he felt he struggled significantly. “I thought it was a really bad performance,” he recalled. After confiding in Bruce Dickinson about his difficulties, he learned that his struggles were noticeable, with Dickinson expressing concern for his health. This moment of vulnerability underscored the importance of well-being in the demanding world of rock music.

Additionally, McBrain faced personal challenges, including the tragic loss of a close friend who drowned while Iron Maiden was rehearsing for their tour. “That really, really affected me,” he shared, highlighting how such events can weigh heavily on an artist’s mind. He acknowledged that everyone experiences stress differently, and for him, it led to a period of depression. “I’m not making excuses for myself, but that was the time when I thought, ‘Hmm, maybe it’s time. I’ll finish the tour and I think I’m gonna hang it up.'” This candid admission illustrates the pressures that musicians face and the importance of prioritizing mental health.

Currently, McBrain is back in action with a brief tour in Florida alongside his Iron Maiden cover band, Titanium Tart, demonstrating his enduring love for performing and connecting with fans.