Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain played his final show with the heavy metal band just hours after announcing 'a step back from the grind' of touring.

Iron Maiden have just shared a thank you tribute to longtime drummer Nicko McBrain, who officially retired from touring with the band over the weekend.

After announcing his intention to retire from the live stage, McBrain played his last show with Iron Maiden over the weekend

The legendary drummer's final performance with the iconic rock band is scheduled for Nov. 7 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Tributes from rock and metal legends have poured in, celebrating Nicko McBrain 's incredible 42-year career in Iron Maiden. The 72-year-old drummer announced over the weekend that his final show with the band would be that very night at the conclusion of The Future Past tour in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

After 42 years, Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is retiring from the road, and will conclude his stint tonight with a show in Brazil.

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain will retire from touring with the band after a final show with the British metal legends in Sao Paulo.

As Nicko recalls: “Rod calls and says, ‘Nicky, are you sitting down? I said, ‘As a matter of fact I am.’ He said, ‘I’ve had a call from ITV with a request from Matthew Corbett, who does The Sooty Show. And you've been asked to go on the show.’ I said, ‘Okay, now I get why you asked me if I was sitting down!’

Iron Maiden has announced a successor to recently retired drummer Nicko McBrain: Simon Dawson of British Lion.

Longtime Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has sadly announced his show with Iron Maiden tonight, December 7 will be his last with the band. McBrain notes that he's still a part of the Iron Maiden family and that he's looking forward to the future.