McBrain Hopes to Join Maiden's Next Album
The 74-year-old former drummer says he would love to record on another Iron Maiden album if one is made.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Metal
Nicko McBrain said he would love to play on another Iron Maiden album, though he noted touring a new record would be challenging. He made the remarks on Berlin's Star FM while Iron Maiden extends its Run For Your Lives World Tour.
Why it matters
McBrain has appeared on every Iron Maiden studio album since 1983's Piece of Mind, so his comments signal interest in a potential follow-up to 2021's Senjutsu. He suggested the band may be holding off on a new album because of the pressure to tour it.
McBrain has played on every Iron Maiden studio album since Piece of Mind in 1983, and the band's most recent studio release was Senjutsu in 2021. Whether a further studio album will follow has not been confirmed.
The players
Nicko McBrain
McBrain is the longtime Iron Maiden drummer who has played on every studio album since 1983 and stepped away from touring in 2024.
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band formed in London in 1975 and known for its long-running catalog of studio albums and world tours.
Steve Harris
Steve Harris is the bassist and principal songwriter of Iron Maiden and a co-founder of the band.
Simon Dawson
Simon Dawson is the drummer of British Lion who now serves as Iron Maiden's touring drummer in place of Nicko McBrain.
The details
McBrain quit touring with Iron Maiden in 2024 after suffering a mini-stroke, and Simon Dawson of British Lion now plays touring drums for the band. Steve Harris visited McBrain's Florida restaurant in February or March of this year, but the two did not discuss a new album during that visit.
Timeline
2021: Iron Maiden releases Senjutsu, its last studio album.
2024: McBrain quits touring after a mini-stroke.
February or March of this year: Steve Harris visits McBrain's Florida restaurant.
Next year: Iron Maiden plays further shows in the US.
2027: Iron Maiden had originally planned to take a year off from touring.
Track Record
Iron Maiden's most recent studio release, Senjutsu in 2021, remains the last entry in a catalog McBrain has contributed to since 1983. McBrain's comments suggest a possible successor album has not yet been ruled out by the band.
Fans can currently see Iron Maiden on its extended Run For Your Lives World Tour, with further US shows scheduled next year. Whether a new album arrives that listeners can buy or stream has not been announced.
The takeaway
McBrain's willingness to record a couple of songs despite touring concerns suggests a new Iron Maiden album remains possible. Fans should watch for official band announcements, which have not yet confirmed any studio release.
Further reading
For more on the band's history and recent releases, explore the Metal section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Music News.
