Iron Maiden has officially revealed the name of their new drummer following the retirement of the legendary Nicko McBrain: Simon Dawson, known for his work with Steve Harris in the band British Lion. This exciting transition marks a new chapter for Iron Maiden as they continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

The band shared this thrilling announcement on their social media platforms:

As the Future Past Tour concludes after an impressive 81 shows that attracted over 1.4 million fans, spanning from Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley, and from Western Australia to Sao Paulo, Iron Maiden is thrilled to introduce Simon Dawson as the drummer for their upcoming 2025 tour. Many of our fans will recognize Simon as he has been a part of Steve Harris’ rhythm section for the past 12 years with British Lion. Hailing from Suffolk, England, Simon began collaborating with Steve Harris in 2012 and has since participated in various projects, including tracks from the first British Lion album and the critically acclaimed The Burning, along with numerous tours across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and most recently in Mexico and South America.

Mark your calendars: Iron Maiden will kick off the Run For Your Lives Tour on May 27 next year, beginning in Europe, promising an unforgettable experience for fans!

Nicko McBrain Shares Heartfelt Retirement Announcement from Touring

On the morning of December 7, 2024, McBrain made a heartfelt announcement regarding his retirement from touring, revealing that his final performance with Iron Maiden would take place that very day. “After much thought, it is both with sorrow and joy that I announce my decision to step back from the demanding lifestyle of extensive touring,” he stated. “Today, Saturday, December 7, in Sao Paulo, will be my last gig with Iron Maiden. I sincerely wish the band all the success as they move forward.”

In the lead-up to his announcement, McBrain had openly discussed the challenges he faced with drumming after experiencing a stroke in January 2023. After a four-month recovery period, he returned to the stage but admitted he couldn’t give his full performance. He noted that if he encountered parts of songs he struggled to play, they would adapt the setlist, mentioning “Caught Somewhere in Time” as an example of a song that required adjustments.

READ MORE: Fans Share Their Reactions to Iron Maiden’s New Live Drummer

Despite stepping back from touring, McBrain expressed his desire to remain an integral part of the Iron Maiden family, contributing to various projects in the future. He reflected on the incredible journey he has had over the past four decades, stating, “Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been nothing short of amazing. To my bandmates, you have made this a dream come true, and I cherish our time together! I look towards the future with excitement and hope! I’ll see you all soon; may God bless you, and of course, ‘Up the Irons!’”