The drummer for a legendary rock band is retiring from touring after 42 years.

Nicko McBrain, who first joined Iron Maiden in 1982, announced that Saturday would be his last concert with the heavy metal group. The drummer suffered a stroke early last year, but returned to performing just four months later and the band reportedly revised their setlist to accommodate him.

“After much consideration, it is with both sadness and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of extended touring life,” McBrain said in a statement. “I wish the band much success for the future.”

McBrain, 72, said he will continue to be “part of the Iron Maiden family” on a variety of projects, as well as personal projects and business ventures, including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, Titanium Tart and Rock-N- Roll ribs.

“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! …To my bandmates: You made a dream come true and I love you!” McBrain added. “I look to the future with excitement and great hope! See you soon, may God bless you all, and of course: ‘Up the Irons!’”

The final concert of Iron Maiden’s The Future Past Tour 2024 took place on Saturday. Blabbermouth reports that a new drummer was announced on Sunday for the band’s upcoming 50th anniversary tour.

Simon Dawson, a former session drummer, will replace McBrain in the touring line-up. Maiden fans probably knew Dawson best as bassist Steve Harris’s long-time bandmate in side project British Lion.

Iron Maiden is a hard rock/heavy metal band from England led by Harris, singer Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Dave Murray. The group’s hits include “Run for the Hills,” “The Trooper,” “2 Minutes to Midnight” and “The Number of the Beast.”

Paul Di’Anno, the singer on the band’s first two albums, died in October.