British heavy metal icons Iron Maiden have introduced their new touring drummer, Simon Dawson, a former session drummer and longtime bandmate of bassist Steve Harris in British Lion, will step in to replace Nicko McBrain.
On December 8, Iron Maiden gave the following statement: “As ‘The Future Past Tour‘ concludes after 81 shows to over 1.4 million fans, from Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley and from Western Australia to Sao Paulo, Iron Maiden are delighted to announce that stepping in behind the kit for 2025 is a name familiar to many of our fans — Simon Dawson, a former session drummer and Steve‘s rhythm section partner of the past 12 years with British Lion.
“A native of Suffolk, England, Simon first teamed up with Steve Harris back in 2012. He debuted on three tracks on the first British Lion album and all of the second critically acclaimed ‘The Burning‘, plus the many subsequent tours in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand &, most recently, both Mexico and South America.
“Iron Maiden celebrate their 50th Anniversary next year with ‘The Run For Your Lives Tour‘ starting in Budapest on May 27th.”
Nicko McBrain announced on Saturday, December 7, that he is retiring from touring with Iron Maiden after 42 years. The 72-year-old British drummer, born Michael Henry McBrain, shared the news through a statement on the band’s website and social media. He also revealed that Saturday night’s performance at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil, would be his final show with the legendary rock group.
McBrain expressed the following in his retirement announcement: “After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle. I wish the band much success moving forward.”
“What can I say? Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile and I love you!” McBrain added.
Although he is retiring from touring, McBrain stated that he will stay closely connected to Iron Maiden, contributing to various projects with the band while also dedicating time to personal endeavors and his existing businesses.
“I look into the future with much excitement and great hope! I’ll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course, ‘Up the Irons!'” he added.
Saturday’s concert concluded Iron Maiden‘s ‘The Future Past‘ world tour, which kicked off in May 2023.
