Musician who also played with Outfield and several other names, replaces Nicko McBrain, now retired from live commitments
It didn’t take 24 hours for the Iron Maiden confirm the name of the substitute Nicko McBrain. The drummer, a member since 1982, will retire from touring activities.
Simone Dawson take your place. The expert English musician stands out for two works: British Lionside project of the Maiden bassist, Steve Harris; AND The Outfieldsuccessful band “Your love” with whom he played between 1989 and 2009 — initially as a studio musician, then officially hired.
Dawson will tour with the band on their next tour, “Run for Your Life”which starts mid-2025 Read the press release (via Igor Miranda’s website):
“An Iron Maiden commercial
With The Future Past Tour concluding after 81 shows in front of more than 1.4 million fans, from Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley and from Western Australia to Sao Paulo, Iron Maiden are pleased to announce that in 2025 they will take over with a new name. familiar to many of our fans: Simon Dawson, former session player and Steve’s partner in the rhythm section for the last 12 years with British Lion. Originally from Suffolk, England, Simon first collaborated with Steve Harris in 2012. He debuted on three tracks on British Lion’s first album and throughout their critically acclaimed second album “The Burning”, as well as many subsequent tours in the United States, in the United Kingdom. Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and, more recently, Mexico and South America.
Iron Maiden will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year with the Run For Your Lives tour, which kicks off in Budapest on May 27.”
As well as British Lion and Outfield, he played with Simon Dawson Dirty Deeds, Deep Switch, Deary Headed, Airrace AND Communion of the dead soulamong others. Most of his work was as a studio musician.
Check out this photo on Instagram
Nicko McBrain leaves Iron Maiden
Read Nicko McBrain’s statement on his withdrawal from the Iron Maiden tour below:
“Statement from Nicko McBrain: After much consideration, it is with sadness and joy that I announce my decision to step away from the routine of the touring lifestyle. Today, Saturday, December 7, in Sao Paulo, will be my last show with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success from now on.
However, I will remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family, working on a number of projects that my long-time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me. I will also be working on a variety of different personal projects and will focus on my existing businesses and ventures including The British Drum Company, Nicko McBrain’s Drum One, Titanium Tart and of course Rock-N-Roll Ribs!
What can I say? Touring with Maiden for the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fans, you were worth it and I love you! To my devoted wife Rebecca, you have made everything infinitely easier and I love you! To my sons, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences and I love you! To my friends who are always there for me, I love you! To my bandmates, you made a dream come true and I love you!
I look to the future with great enthusiasm and great hope! See you soon, God bless you all and of course Up the Irons! – Nicko”
The band also spoke out, in a message from the manager Smallwood Auction. Light:
“Statement by Rod Smallwood on behalf of Iron Maiden:
Nicko,
And we all love you too!!
Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the Maiden drums for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak for the entire band when I say that we will miss you immensely!
Since Rock in Rio in 1985 we have had a special relationship with Brazil, so finishing a tour in front of 90 thousand fans here in Sao Paulo for two nights is poetic and you deserve all the honors that I’m sure these wonderful fans will give you. give you in this latest show.
Phantom looks forward to many more years of working with you on the projects you mentioned and I’m sure we can develop more special projects around the Maiden family and the fan club!
The band and I have a thousand great memories from the last 42 years, great shows, many platinum and gold records and awards, the love of the fans and an extra beer on many occasions! This bond is forever! And, as Steve Harris says, “Nicko is and will always be part of the Maiden family.”
Rod, Andy, Steve, Bruce, Davey, Adrian and Jan
PS Maiden always choose their men and our new drummer will be announced very soon.”
The health of the drummer
It is known that Nicko McBrain has been suffering from health problems as of late. In early 2023 he suffered a mini-stroke and had to undergo a long recovery process. In interviews, the 72-year-old musician admits that he can no longer play like he used to and needs to adapt his performance.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
