Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
NICKO MCBRAIN On Next IRON MAIDEN Album: ‘I Would Love To’ Play ‘A Couple Of Songs On It. Why Not?’
Nicko McBrain says he would welcome playing a few songs on a future Iron Maiden album, despite retiring from the band’s touring and recording line-up. The former drummer has not discussed recording with bassist Steve Harris, and says there is currently no plan for a new album.
McBrain retired in December 2024 after 42 years with the band, following a stroke in 2023 that left his right side partially paralysed. He says he adapted parts for two tours but could not manage several songs planned for the 2025–26 “Run For Your Lives” tour; he also noted that making an album would likely mean a further two-year world tour. Simon Dawson has replaced him as drummer.
In short
- McBrain hopes to play a few tracks on a future Iron Maiden album.
- The band has no current album plan, he says.
- A stroke led him to retire after 42 years.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Having Nicko McBrain play on a few tracks could honour his long history with Iron Maiden and let him contribute in a way suited to his abilities. If he wants to take part and the band can arrange the sessions around his health, the collaboration could be meaningful for him and for listeners.
The case against
Iron Maiden may reasonably choose to keep its recording line-up consistent with its current touring line-up, especially after Simon Dawson has taken over on drums. A new album could also bring pressure to tour for years afterwards, so the band might avoid a commitment that risks placing physical or emotional demands on McBrain or creating expectations he cannot meet.
Explained simply
Iron Maiden are a British heavy metal band formed in 1975, with bassist Steve Harris as a founding member and a main songwriter. Drummer Nicko McBrain joined in 1982 and played with the band for 42 years.
McBrain had a stroke in 2023 that partly paralysed his right side. He later retired from the band’s touring and recording line-up, and drummer Simon Dawson took his place. The band’s albums are often followed by long world tours, which can shape decisions about recording new music.
A future album featuring McBrain would involve him recording alongside a band whose current drummer is Dawson. McBrain has said he has not discussed recording with Harris, and no new album is planned; any such collaboration would depend on the band’s plans and his ability to play.
Celebrity Entertainment Europe Music World