Iron Maiden has unveiled their new touring drummer, following the recent decision by their long-standing percussionist, Nicko McBrain, to bid adieu to the band's live performances. The heartfelt news of McBrain's departure broke on Saturday, December 7th, revealing that the 72-year-old music virtuoso had decided to hang up his drumsticks for the road, marking the concert at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil, as his final bow with the iconic rock ensemble.
In a poignant statement posted on Iron Maiden's website, McBrain expressed, "After much deliberation filled with both melancholy and elation, I hereby announce my decision to step away from the relentless pace of extensive touring." He further wished the band continued success in their future endeavors.
McBrain joined Iron Maiden's ranks in 1982, succeeding Clive Burr, who had contributed to the group's initial three albums. Intriguingly, McBrain's departure from Trust to embrace his role in Iron Maiden led to Burr taking over as Trust's drummer, essentially swapping roles between the two musicians. Despite his two-decade-long tenure, McBrain was second only to guitarist Janick Gers, who joined in 1990, as the most recent addition to the band's lineup.
On Sunday, December 8th, Iron Maiden issued a statement unveiling Simon Dawson as their new drummer. Dawson, who has previously collaborated with co-founder Steve Harris on his British Lion project, will now helm the drum kit for the band. "As The Future Past Tour draws to a close after 81 shows across the globe, from Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley, Western Australia to Sao Paulo, Iron Maiden is thrilled to introduce Simon Dawson, a seasoned session drummer and Steve's rhythm section partner for the past 12 years with British Lion," the statement read.
A native of Suffolk, England, Dawson first joined Steve Harris in 2012, contributing to three tracks on British Lion's debut album and the entire critically acclaimed 'The Burning'. He has since accompanied Harris on numerous tours across the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and most recently, Mexico and South America.
While McBrain is stepping back from touring, he assures fans that his bond with the band remains unbroken. He intends to stay engaged in "a myriad of projects" with Iron Maiden while focusing on personal endeavors and his existing businesses. "I embrace the future with boundless enthusiasm and optimism! Until we meet again, may God bless you all, and of course, 'Up the Irons!'" he enthusiastically concluded.
Iron Maiden is gearing up for The Run For Your Lives tour in 2025, a grand celebration marking the band's 50th anniversary. The tour will kick off in Budapest on May 27th, with 32 additional dates currently lined up across Europe.
