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.

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.

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

Longtime Iron Maiden drummer Nick McBrain has retired from his touring position within the band. Iron Maiden has since announced Simon Dawson as their new live drummer.

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

Iron Maiden’s longtime drummer Nicko McBrain announced Saturday that he is retiring from touring following tonight’s concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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 have announced a successor to recently retired drummer Nicko McBrain: Simon Dawson of Steve Harris ' other band, British Lion. The band posted the following statement to social media: