Dave Murray reflects on Iron Maiden’s legacy and the right time to stop

Once upon a time… no, wait! Somewhere in time, there once was a British heavy metal band that has been one of the most influential, prolific and everlasting of the whole industry. I’m obviously referring to Iron Maiden! However, as the majority of their members age, the topic of how much time they have left over has started to come up. The recent news that drummer Nicko McBrain was retiring only confirmed one thing: they will eventually have to say goodbye. Time doesn’t stand still, I’m afraid. Despite the looming reality of that truth, Iron Maiden members have continued to defy the clock. Guitarist Dave Murray stated in a Music Radar interview that the band’s attitude of indifference is primarily based on the idea that they will know when it’s time to end things.

To me, there’s nothing worse than seeing a band you like on stage and they look like they shouldn’t really be there doing it. We’re nearly hitting the seventies mark now, but I think we will all know when it would be time. It would be a mutual decision. I think there’s a time and a place to bail out with dignity and grace — as opposed to dragging it outs,” he continued. “If you can leave it at that high level, and then bow out gracefully, I think it would be satisfying for us. And not just flog a dead horse, when you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.

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