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  3. Replacement lined up, so I’m guessing it was expected after the stroke. Nicko wanted to get back as soon as possible and got back to a level of playing sooner than anyone expected.
    There were some parts he just couldn’t do, and although the band sought to accommodate those parts, the frustration may have got to him.
    All the best Nicko, and thanks for the 42 years

  4. One of the very best of that genre. Pretty unique in that he stuck with a single bass-drum set up for so long, giving him a rhythmic ‘tic’ which has marked Maiden out as the spearhead of Metal for the past 40 years since he joined.

    All of their on the road documentaries are enriched by his humour and good nature. A top, top bloke.

    Enjoy whatever comes next, sir.

  5. When Bruce Dickinson replaced Paul Di’Anno, it set Maiden on the path to becoming the huge band they are now.
    Nicko replacing Clive Burr a year later was an equal contribution in my ears.

  6. I was a bit worried when I saw that headline above and was unaware he’d suffered a stroke a little while back.
    A lovely bloke and a fine musician.
    Not a fan of Maiden’s music, or indeed that whole Metal genre, but I had the pleasure of his company on a few occasions (mutual friend) and he was indeed great company.
    Glad to hear he’s reasonably recovered now. Hope he’ll enjoy his retirement.

  7. I wish him all the very best. Not a Maiden fan but nevertheless find myself drawn to their concert vids just to watch them all play. They all can.

    For someone who purports not to know any theory but play entirely by ear bassist and head writer Steve Harris can gallop.

    And, yes, Nicko himself always comes across as a proper card and a gent. I wish him all the very best.

  8. Before we get carried away with all the metal and big hair, let us also remember that Nicko played with Chapman & Whitney’s Streetwalkers, when they first got the band together after Family’s demise. A versatile and funky drummer…

  9. Sad, but understandable. Watching Maiden live videos, he always seems to be having the time of his life. His whole face regularly seems to be saying, “Can you believe I get to do this for a living? Me neither!!!”

    I hope he enjoys his well-earned retirement just as much. Rock on, Mr McB.

  10. Saw Maiden a couple of months ago. Nicko was very low key, which was unusual. The cameras were barely on him and there was a distinct lack of hanging over his kit and making faces at the camera. Still a powerhouse drummer though.

    I first saw Maiden 40 years ago and they still put on a great show. My wife says they just the right amount of Spinal Tap in them. It doesn’t seem at all odd to have a 66 year old Bruce firing lasers at a cyborg Eddie.

    • I saw British Lion once at a small local venue, a warm up for some festival dates, but we made a swift exit due to the sheer volume. I’ve already got tinnitus from loud gigs and could do without it getting any worse, thanks.

  14. I admire the classy way that he, the band and management have handled his departure. They are a class act. I’m not a fan of their music so far, but I might dive in. Up the Irons!

  16. I first came across him when I saw Trust supporting Iron Maiden and always assumed he was French too. It was only quite recently when I heard him speak that I realised just how wrong I was. According to his Wikipedia entry, he also played on one of the first records I ever bought – Nice One Cyril by The Cockerel Chorus!

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