Iron Maiden - The Future Past Tour 2023-24

[Powerage5]

5 hours ago, James Bond said:

As many predicted, today's show has come with an announcement of Nicko stepping down:

https://www.loudersound.com/news/iron-maiden-nicko-mcbrain-stops-touring

It's bittersweet to me. I'm not happy to see Nicko go - I wouldn't be happy to see any member of the band go. But it was clear he's been struggling more and more. I know many wanted the end of this lineup to be the end of Maiden, but ultimately as long as the departing member and the rest of them want the band to continue, I think that is their decision to make. It will be hard to adjust to somebody new behind the kit, I've never known a Maiden without Nicko, and a vast majority of people have never seen the band live without him. The only thing I'm disappointed about is the timing of the announcement - I wish it had been made sooner, so that all of the fans could feel liek they had a chance to properly say goodbye to Nicko. 

The last line of Rod's statement about the matter is interesting - teasing that "Maiden always get their guy" would logically indicate that the new drummer is an established name, not a relative unknown like Joe. 

[The Dissident]

I've had the privilidge of seeing Maiden 4 times (should be 5 but I was dumb and didn't buy Book Of Souls tickets as I was just getting into them). Twice on LOTB, and Twice on TFP tour, the first TFP was on the brief pre-Power Trip Canadian leg right after Nicko announced that he had a stroke. All 4 shows were amazing, and the fact that Nicko had a stroke and within 6 months was touring was nothing short of incredible. The man finished the tour, and took a final bow with very little advanced notice, I have massive respect for that move. It makes sense, and frankly it gives Maiden more longevity,but at the same time it is a significant loss for the band. Bruce did specify that he just isn't touring not necessarily leaving the band which brings hope for a new album. 

[Cosmo]

I read it’s gonna be British Lion’s Simon Dawson from now on.

[James Bond]

Bruce giving a nice little speech, with the interesting note that "he's not leaving the band - he just won't be playing live anymore."

14 hours ago, Powerage5 said:

It's bittersweet to me. I'm not happy to see Nicko go - I wouldn't be happy to see any member of the band go. But it was clear he's been struggling more and more. I know many wanted the end of this lineup to be the end of Maiden, but ultimately as long as the departing member and the rest of them want the band to continue, I think that is their decision to make. It will be hard to adjust to somebody new behind the kit, I've never known a Maiden without Nicko, and a vast majority of people have never seen the band live without him. The only thing I'm disappointed about is the timing of the announcement - I wish it had been made sooner, so that all of the fans could feel liek they had a chance to properly say goodbye to Nicko. 

The last line of Rod's statement about the matter is interesting - teasing that "Maiden always get their guy" would logically indicate that the new drummer is an established name, not a relative unknown like Joe. 

I was so torn about it earlier this year, and especially more concerned when the new tour got announced and thinking "how is he going to do it?"

Had it not been for the stroke I think he would have been around until the end of the band, even at his advancing age. Bittersweet is the perfect word for it. I agree that it should have been announced sooner - perhaps, at the very least, ahead of this year's dates. That definitely would have swayed me for the Toronto gig, and I'm sure many others who were just on the fence about going in general.

What are your thoughts on it being Simon and not Joe Lazarus? I feel like Simon, in many ways, makes more sense. Both his age and his history with Steve. It'll no doubt be strange without Nicko, but I'm actually looking forward to it. Simon's got groove for days. His takes on the songs will be very interesting to hear, especially the Clive stuff.

[Powerage5]

46 minutes ago, James Bond said:

Bruce giving a nice little speech, with the interesting note that "he's not leaving the band - he just won't be playing live anymore."

I was so torn about it earlier this year, and especially more concerned when the new tour got announced and thinking "how is he going to do it?"

Had it not been for the stroke I think he would have been around until the end of the band, even at his advancing age. Bittersweet is the perfect word for it. I agree that it should have been announced sooner - perhaps, at the very least, ahead of this year's dates. That definitely would have swayed me for the Toronto gig, and I'm sure many others who were just on the fence about going in general.

What are your thoughts on it being Simon and not Joe Lazarus? I feel like Simon, in many ways, makes more sense. Both his age and his history with Steve. It'll no doubt be strange without Nicko, but I'm actually looking forward to it. Simon's got groove for days. His takes on the songs will be very interesting to hear, especially the Clive stuff.

I’m actually excited about Simon - I had not considered him as an option. The big advantage to me is he and Steve are already a rock solid rhythm section, the two of them can lock into a groove among the best rhythm sections at British Lion gigs. I also think Simon will be faithful to both the Clive and Nicko material, without being a carbon copy (Which was the closest thing I had to a concern about it being Joe). All that said, I do hope it’s a decision that the whole band is happy with, and not just Steve deciding this himself. 

[Fitha_whiskey]

Sad to hear… the time clock will run out on us all in the end… unless we are caught somewhere in time. Nicko 🍻💀👍