Iron Maiden considered retiring after Nicko McBrain stepped back from touring.
Bassist Steve Harris has revealed the remaining members of the Run To The Hills heavy metal legends debating calling it quits after their longtime drummer – who has been with them since 1982 – played his final show in December 2024 after suffering a stroke the previous year.
Speaking to Rock Candy, founding member Steve said: “To be honest, we didn’t really have a choice and had to make the change after Nicko suffered his health issues.
“It was what it was, and we had a decision to make as to whether we wanted to carry on or not.
“Obviously, we had a tour booked at the time that it happened, and the rest of us all wanted to continue.
“But ultimately, after we got through all that, it was Nick’s decision to step away, and we all respected the fact that he’d decided to do that.”
Nicko suffered a minor stroke in 2023, which left him partially paralysed on his right side, and he wasn’t able to perform at his previous level.
He previously told Metal Hammer magazine: “It was very, very difficult.
“When it first happened I thought, ‘This is it, I’m not going to be able to play. I’ve got a tour coming up in three months time.’
“I had a lot of time for reflection in the hospital. My wife was really my bastion of strength and encouragement and she was with me throughout.
“I did a lot of strength exercises, a lot of stretches with weird weights that they have and I got my stamina back.”
For the group’s live shows, he’s been replaced by Simon Dawson, but he’ll still play drums in the studio for any future releases alongside Steve, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers and Bruce Dickinson.
While he has voiced his support for the new sticksman, he has insisted he cannot be replaced.
Nicko said at a over the summer gig: “Bless his heart. But he’s doing a wonderful job, and I’m glad that you lot have welcomed him to the family.
“And regardless of whether or not he’s me, he’s not – there’s no one that can replace me. I’m not saying to rub my ego or be (like), ‘I am the best drummer for Maiden.’ Not at all.
“So, yeah, thank you for bringing him into the family. They’re doing a splendid job out there, although Bruce (Dickinson’s) timing is a little bit shaky here and there. But there’s nothing new there.”