As Iron Maiden prepares to launch their “Run For Your Lives” world tour on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary, a new chapter begins for the iconic heavy metal band with Simon Dawson officially taking over drumming duties. Following the retirement of legendary drummer Nicko McBrain from live performances last December, both McBrain and frontman Bruce Dickinson have shared heartfelt insights into this significant transition.
Nicko McBrain, who concluded his 40-plus-year touring career with Iron Maiden in São Paulo, Brazil, recently addressed fans in the Iron Maiden Fan Club (IMFC) magazine. He acknowledged the change and urged support for his successor. “It’s going to be a little different,” Nicko admitted. “It’s not me, of course, but every drummer has his own style, and he’s going to leave his mark.” He encouraged the fanbase: “Welcome him: embrace him as part of the family and don’t compare me to him. Let him go his own way, he’s a good musician. And look, he’s been playing with Steve [Harris] for 12 years…” While stepping away from the rigors of the road, the 72-year-old McBrain assured fans he remains involved with the Maiden “machine” through behind-the-scenes projects.
Simon Dawson, a longtime collaborator of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris and drummer for Harris‘s side project British Lion, was already in the wings during the band’s previous tour. Bruce Dickinson, speaking at a recent Musicians Institute’s MI Conversation Series in Hollywood, explained Dawson‘s initial role.
“Simon was tagging along with British Lion,” Bruce said. “But it was kind of insurance for us because we weren’t sure… We were hoping Nick was gonna make the tour, but there were some times when… We were worried. We were, like, ‘We do not want to end up with Nick in hospital, and we do need to have a backup.’”
That backup quickly demonstrated he was more than prepared. Dickinson recounted an impromptu rehearsal session in Portland, Oregon, where Dawson stunned the band by flawlessly playing their entire set without prior specific rehearsal.
“Honestly, I was pleasantly shocked,” Bruce recalled. “We went through the whole set without a break… And it was all there. I thought, ‘My God, we could do a show tonight if we had to. That’s unreal.’”
Crucially, Dickinson emphasized that Iron Maiden wasn’t seeking a replica of McBrain‘s style. Instead, Dawson brings his own distinct feel, which Dickinson found excitingly reminiscent of the band’s early influential drummer, the late Clive Burr.
“If I closed my eyes at moments during that rehearsal, it was like having Clive Burr back in the band,” Bruce shared. “He has all the same influences and everything. And I was just, like, ‘Oh my God. Wow.’”
Simon Dawson will make his official live debut with Iron Maiden when their “Run For Your Lives” world tour kicks off in Budapest on May 27th.
