Iron Maiden have picked Simon Dawson as their new drummer after Nicko McBrain announced his retirement from the band on Saturday.
McBrain played with the metal legends from their 1983 album Piece of Mind until playing his last gig with the group this December.
“After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle,” he announced in a statement on the Iron Maiden website. “Today, Sat, Dec 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.”
Shortly after the identity of their new drummer was revealed, with Simon, who already played with Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris in his side project project, British Lion, taking the sticks.
“Iron Maiden are delighted to announce that stepping in behind the kit for 2025 is a name familiar to many of our fans – Simon Dawson, a former session drummer and Steve’s rhythm section partner of the past 12 years with British Lion,” Iron Maiden’s announcement read.
