Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden reveals more insight about Nicko McBrain leaving the band

Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith discussed his thoughts on drummer Nicko McBrain’s departure in December 2024 —Maiden’s first lineup change in 25 years—in a recent interview with Metal Hammer, as per Blabbermouth.

I think the Maiden drumming gig is one of the toughest, for sure. It’s very, very physical. And Nick, he had this stroke… He had a sort of a — not a full recovery. And that, unfortunately, really affected his playing. But thank God he’s doing okay now. But, yeah, it’s a serious thing. And this is life. And let’s face it, we’re not kids anymore.

It was very difficult. Very difficult. I mean, he tried the tour before last we did, Nick did his best [to keep playing with the band], but he knew himself that he couldn’t do what he used to do. So, we had to make the change for the band to continue. And it was heartbreaking, really. Nick was such a big — and he still is, really — a big part of the band, and he always will be. He just had a massive presence. And people love him. We all love him. And he’s an incredible drummer.

Upcoming shows:

MAY 2026

23 – Athens, GREECE – OAKA (Anthrax)

26 – Sofia, BULGARIA – Vasil Levski Stadium (Anthrax)

28 – Bucharest, ROMANIA – Arena Națională (Anthrax)

30 – Bratislava, SLOVAKIA – Národný Futbalový Štadión (Anthrax)

JUNE 2026

02 – Hannover, GERMANY – Heinz von Heiden Arena (Megadeth)

10 – Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS – Ziggo Dome (Evergrey)

17 – Milan, ITALY – San Siro Stadium (Trivium)

22 – Paris, FRANCE – Paris La Défense Arena (Evergrey)

28 – Lyon – Décines, FRANCE – Groupama Stadium (Anthrax)

JULY 2026

07 – Lisbon, PORTUGAL – Estádio da Luz (Anthrax)

August 2026

29 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena *

September 2026

03 Montréal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau *^

05 Harrison, NJ – Sports Illustrated Stadium *^

09 Boston, MA – TD Garden *

11 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live *

12 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion *

15 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium *

17 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival

19 Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater *

22 Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre *

25 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium *^

29 San Antonio, TX – Alamodome *^

* Megadeth ^ Anthrax