"After careful consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the extensive touring life", writes McBrain on the band's website.
McBrain adds, however, that he will remain a "fixed part of the Iron Maiden family" and work on some other projects together with the band.
McBrain, 72, who has been the drummer for Iron Maiden for 42 years, has been struggling with major health problems in recent years. Last year, he suffered a stroke that left the right side of his body paralyzed.
But after extensive rehabilitation training, McBrain was still able to complete the band's "The Future Past Tour", which ended with a performance in Sao Paulo.
