Black Sabbath legend Bill Ward writes open tetter to retired Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward pays tribute to his Iron Maiden colleague Nicko McBrain.

“Dear Nicko, as you retire, I wish you a safe journey towards new horizons,” Ward poetically writes in his Facebook update. “I think it’s truly respectful and valuable that your drum throne is free for future Iron Maiden recordings. Anytime. That thought maintains both the groove and the spirit.” “Respectfully, Bill Ward,” the drummer concludes.

72-year-old McBrain announced his stepping down from Iron Maiden‘s live lineup after the conclusion of “The Future Past” tour. On next year’s “Run for Your Lives” tour, Simon Dawson, known from British Lion, will be working behind the drum kit.