Nicko McBrain is a tough guy.

Don’t you believe it? Check out his story. Iron Maiden’s 72-year-old longtime drummer suffered a stroke in January 2023 and returned to touring with the band after just a four-month break.

But there comes a time when even the toughest guys need to take a step back and rest, and so McBrain retires.

“After much consideration, it is with both sadness and joy that I announce my decision to retire from the hustle and bustle of extensive touring life,” he wrote on the band’s website. “Today, Saturday December 7th, Sao Paulo will be my last performance with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success for the future.”

McBrain had been with Iron Maiden since 1982, when he first appeared on the band’s “Piece of Mind” album, according to Loudwire.

The website said that McBrain said he had not fully recovered from his stroke when he returned to the stage, but that his bandmates had changed their setlists to accommodate his inability to play some of the more complex songs.

Loudwire said that McBrain promised to “remain an integral part of the Iron Maiden family.”

“Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey,” he wrote. “To my bandmates: you made a dream come true and I love you! I look to the future with excitement and great hope! See you soon, may God bless you all, and of course: ‘Up the Irons!’”