Iron Maiden announces new drummer after Nicko McBrain departure

Iron Maiden has announced a new drummer after the recent departure of their long-serving member Nicko McBrain.

The percussionist joined the legendary metal band in 1982, replacing Clive Burr, and has played on all of their albums since 1983’s ‘Piece Of Mind’. He did, however, suffer a minor stroke, or transient ischaemic attack, in January 2023 which left him partially paralysed on his right side from the shoulder down.

As their ‘The Future Past’ world tour draws to a close, McBrain confirmed that yesterday’s (December 7) show in Sao Paulo was his last with the band – his decision being that of taking “a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle”.

Now, the heavy metal band have revealed the newest addition to their line-up: Simon Dawson, who plays in British Lion, the hard rock project of Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris.

Dawson first joined the band as it solidified during the making of Harris’ 2012 solo album also titled ‘British Lion’. He played on three tracks on that album, and performed as a band member on their 2020 album ‘The Burning’.

He will join Maiden for their 2025 ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour, which begins in Budapest, Hungary on May 27. See the full list of dates here and find tickets here.

McBrain added in his initial announcement: “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!”

“I look into the future with much excitement and great hope!” he concluded. “I’ll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course, “Up the Irons!”

Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood wrote a statement on behalf of the band: “Nicko, And we all love you too!! Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak on behalf of all the band when I say we will miss you immensely!”

“The band and I all have a thousand great memories of the past 42 years, great gigs, copious platinum and gold discs and awards, love from the fans and one beer too many on too many occasions! Such a bond is forever! And as Steve Harris says, ‘Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family’.”

Following his stroke, McBrain underwent 10 weeks of “intensive therapy” in an effort to get back to full strength, and within months he was ready to start rehearsals with the rest of the band, ahead of their ‘The Future Past’ tour.

He did admit earlier this year, however, that there were some songs that he “can’t play” in the way he had previously done.

In an interview with Metal Hammer in December, he described the experiences as “very, very difficult”.

“When it first happened, I thought, this is it, I’m not going to be able to play. I’ve got a tour coming up in three months’ time. I had a lot of time for reflection in the hospital. My wife was really my bastion of strength and encouragement and she was with me throughout.”

In October, Paul Di’Anno, the band’s singer from 1978 to 1981, died at the age of 66.