Just hours after Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain announced his retirement from touring, the band honored the drummer at their final performance together Saturday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“Tonight is a very special evening as some of you, I think probably all of you, will know because this morning we announced that Nicko has announced that he is stepping down to play live drums with Iron Maiden to play,” singer Bruce Dickinson told the audience (via Blabbermouth).

“Nicko has been in this band for 42 years. He was a drummer before I was a singer, he was a pilot before I was a pilot, and now he’s not leaving the band, but he just doesn’t play live with us anymore. So tonight we have a lot more music to offer, and I want the rest of the evening to be a celebration of Nick, a celebration of the joy that he brought to everyone around the world, not just here in Brazil. “

McBrain’s live performance with the band officially ended with a final performance of “Wasted Years” during the encore:

Previously, McBrain – who suffered a debilitating stroke in 2023 but recovered enough to continue performing after extensive therapy – announced plans to retire from touring with the band after 42 years, despite remaining (presumably only in the studio) a member The band would remain the Iron Maiden family.

Iron Maiden will hit the road in May 2025 for their upcoming 50th anniversary tour, and on Sunday the heavy metal legends announced who will replace McBrain on drums.

“Iron Maiden is pleased to announce that behind the 2025 kit is a name familiar to many of our fans – Simon Dawson, a former session drummer and Steve (Harris)’s rhythm section partner for the last 12 years at British Lion (the bassist’s side project),” the band said in a statement on Sunday.