Who is Simon Dawson, taking over drums from Iron Maiden after Nicko McBrain’s last show at SP?

Who is Simon Dawson, taking over drums from Iron Maiden after Nicko McBrain’s last show at SP?


Nicko held a farewell show in the capital of São Paulo this Saturday, 7th, after 42 years on stage with the band; the group already has a tour planned for next year

After the last show Nicko McBrain next to Iron Maidenthe band has announced who will be the new drummer this Sunday 8th. Simone Dawson he was chosen to take over from Nicko, who performed alongside the group for 42 years. The veteran has chosen Saint Paul for a farewell show this Saturday the 7th.

Simon isn’t that unknown to the band’s fans: he’s been part of the group British Lion, a side project of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris, for 12 years. The musician was also a member of other important bands, such as the English The Outfield, known for hits such as Your love AND All the love in the world.

The drummer was born in Suffolk, a county in England. According to Iron Maiden, he joined British Lion in 2012. He has recently been with the band at shows in Mexico and South America.

Simon made his debut in the group on three songs from British Lion’s debut studio album, British Lion (2012). In the group’s second album, The fire (2020), critically acclaimed, he played on every song.

The drummer will join the band next year, when Iron Maiden celebrates 50 years with the tour The race for your life. The tour will start on May 27th in Budapest.

Nicko McBrain withdraws from tour

Drummer Nicko McBrain announced on Saturday the 7th that he would stop touring with the band. In a statement posted on the group’s Instagram, the musician revealed his desire to move away from “long tours” and focus on personal projects, but said he would not sever his ties with Iron Maiden and his colleagues. He surprised fans by saying that the last show with the band would be the same day, in Sao Paulo.

“I wish the band much success from now on,” Nicko wrote in the released note. He toured with the group for 42 years. “To my devoted fans, you made it all worth it and I love you! To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you made it 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!”

In the same publication, the band also shared a statement signed by the group’s manager, Rod Smallwood, on behalf of Iron Maiden. Celebrated Nicko McBrain’s decision to end his touring career in Brazil. It was the fourteenth time the band had come to the country.

“Since Rock in Rio in 1985, we have had a special relationship with Brazil,” he wrote. “So, finishing a tour with 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 in this last show.”

Source: Terra

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