Legendary Tub Thumper for Metal Gods Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain has announced his retirement from touring with the band.

After suffering a stroke recently, an let's be honest, impressively coming back from that to playing live again, at 72, he's decided he can't continue with the hectic and physically demanding life on the road and playing their lengthy and energetic sets any more.

While this is sad news for fans of the band and Nicko I think we all accept that when the time comes, you've got to put your own health and neeeds first.

Touring is a full on, physically demanding job; if you know in your bones that your body isn't up to it, that you can't deliver 100% for the rest of the band and the fans, calling it a day is the only option for you and everyone else.

Crashing into our earholes on the Piece of Mind record and his blistering opening drum salvoe on Where Eagles Dare, Nicko quickly cemented his place as one of Rock and Metal's drumming greats and larger than life personalities.

A master of his craft with a light touch and chops to burn, and player of EVERYTHING on one of the biggest and most impressive kits out there, he redifined Hard Rock drumming and the role of the drummer in the band. More than just keeping time, he was an artist who drove the music along in tandem with the metronomic and inspirational bass work of Steve Harris, building on the work of Clive Burr who occupied the throne before him.

I think everyone in the Rock and Metal community, players, fans and crews alike will miss him but we all wish him the best and a happy, relaxing retirement.

Up the Irons!! ⚒️

Head on over to the Iron Maiden Artist Page to get your hands on the Just The Riffs bass tabs for this legendary band.