Longtime Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain announced Saturday that he is retiring from touring. Today’s concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is his last performance with the band.

“After much consideration, it is with both sadness and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of extensive touring life. Today, Saturday December 7th, Sao Paulo will be my last gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success in the future,” McBrain, whose tenure with the heavy metal giants began in 1982, said in a statement.

“What can I say? Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my loyal fan base, you made it all worth it and I love you!”

McBrain added that he will “remain an integral part of the Iron Maiden family and work on a variety of projects” as well as “work on a variety of different personal projects and focus on my existing companies and ventures,” but his days are up behind the kit The band’s tour ends on Saturday evening.

“I look to the future with excitement and great hope! See you soon, may God bless you all, and of course: “Bring on the irons!” he added.

McBrain has struggled with health problems in recent years, including suffering a stroke in 2023 that paralyzed the right side of his body and threatened his career as a drummer. However, after extensive therapy, McBrain was largely able to recover enough to join the group on their “The Future Past Tour,” which ends with the show in Sao Paulo.

In a statement, McBrain’s Iron Maiden bandmates said to their longtime drummer, “Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drums for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer.” I speak on behalf of the entire band when I say that we will miss you very much!”

The band added: “We have had a special relationship with Brazil since Rock in Rio in 1985, so to no longer be touring in front of 90,000 fans over two nights here in Sao Paulo is poetic and you deserve all the accolades I get .” I’m sure these great fans will do you some good at this final show. The band and I all have a thousand great memories from the last 42 years, great performances, numerous platinum and gold records and awards, love from the fans and one beer too many on too many occasions! Such a bond is forever! And as Steve Harris says: “Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family.”

Iron Maiden will begin their Run for Your Lives World Tour in 2025, expected to have a new drummer by then.