Iron Maiden has officially revealed the talented drummer who will take over the role previously held by the recently retired Nicko McBrain: Simon Dawson of British Lion. This announcement comes as the band wraps up their successful Future Past Tour, which has captivated over 1.4 million fans across 81 electrifying shows from locations as diverse as Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley, and spanning Western Australia to São Paulo. Iron Maiden is thrilled to confirm that Simon Dawson, a familiar face to many fans and a seasoned session drummer, will join the band in 2025. He has been a vital part of Steve Harris’s rhythm section for the past 12 years with British Lion. Originally from Suffolk, England, Simon first collaborated with Harris in 2012, contributing to three tracks on the debut British Lion album and the entirety of the critically acclaimed The Burning, along with numerous tours in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and most recently, Mexico and South America.

As Iron Maiden gears up for the highly anticipated Run For Your Lives Tour, set to kick off on May 27 of next year in Europe, fans are eager to see how Dawson will bring his unique style and energy to the iconic band.

Nicko McBrain Shares Emotional Farewell After Retirement from Touring

On the morning of December 7, 2024, McBrain made the poignant announcement of his retirement from touring, marking the end of an era with his final scheduled performance with Iron Maiden. In his heartfelt statement, he expressed a mix of sorrow and joy, stating, “After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy that I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle.” He shared that December 7 in São Paulo would be his last show with the band, wishing them continued success in the future. McBrain’s decision was influenced by his personal health journey, as he had openly discussed the challenges he faced in performing after suffering a stroke in January 2023. Although he bravely rejoined the band four months later, he admitted that he could not deliver the full performance that fans expected, stating, “I hadn’t been able to give you lot 100% of my performance.” To adapt, the band made adjustments to their setlist, often cutting songs or finding creative workarounds, with “Caught Somewhere in Time” being a notable example of such changes.

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Despite stepping away from the touring circuit, McBrain reassured fans that he would remain an integral part of the Iron Maiden family, continuing to contribute to various projects. Reflecting on his incredible journey over the past four decades, he expressed immense gratitude, saying, “Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey.” He further acknowledged his bandmates, stating, “You made it a dream come true, and I love you!” Looking ahead, McBrain conveyed optimism and excitement for the future, saying, “I’ll be seeing you soon. May God bless you all, and, of course, ‘Up the Irons!’”