Iron Maiden, the legendary Heavy Metal band, will have to go on without their charismatic drummer Nicko McBrain after 42 long years.

Nicko, 72, announced his decision to retire from the “extensive touring lifestyle“, as he wrote in a statement posted on the band’s official website.

Nicko McBrain had suffered about a years ago a mild stoke and he had to learn to practically use his hands properly again.

Although he made a full recovery and continued touring with the band, it seems that time, his health and the demanding life of a band that is touring literally around the globe almost every other year had their toll on one of the most influential drummers of our time.

The band’s manager from Day 1, Rod Smallwood, issued a press release on behalf of the band stating the love and gratitude of all the Maiden family but also announced that not only the band will continue, but more importantly, that they have already chosen Nicko’s replacement and he will be announced soon!