Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood recently confirmed that drummer Nicko McBrain is in “good shape” with an upcoming book and a European tour, sharing updates during an interview with Radio Futuro.
Smallwood, who has managed Iron Maiden for 47 years, discussed McBrain’s decision to retire from the band in December 2024 due to health issues, reflecting on their long-standing friendship and McBrain’s current activities.
“I met Nicko about 10 years before he was brought into Maiden,” Smallwood said. “And we’ve been friends for a long time before then. And he’s an amazing character.”
He then addressed McBrain’s health and his current projects following his retirement.
“It’s so sad his career was curtailed a bit by the stroke,” Smallwood continued. “But he’s still very active. He’s got his book coming out soon. He’s doing a speaking tour of Europe, which he started last weekend. So he’s in good shape.”
McBrain’s speaking tour and book release mark his continued activity following his departure from the band.
Smallwood’s update arrives nearly two years after McBrain stepped away from the touring lineup, and it places the drummer’s current activity in the context of a career that has stretched well beyond the drum stool.
McBrain announced on December 7, 2024 that he would stop touring with the band after more than four decades behind the kit, while remaining involved with the group in other capacities. The band named Simon Dawson as its touring drummer, bringing an end to a tenure that began in 1982, when McBrain joined what became one of the longest-running lineups in heavy metal.
The decision followed a serious health scare. McBrain suffered a minor ischemic stroke in January 2023 that temporarily affected the left side of his body and required rehabilitation. He continued performing after the stroke, but later acknowledged that it had affected his drumming and contributed to his decision to retire from touring.
