Iron Maiden Reveal Nicko McBrain's Replacement

Iron Maiden have announced that they have recruits Steve Harris' British Lion bandmate Simon Dawson to take over on drums after beloved drummer Nicko McBrain played his final show with the band on Saturday (December 7th).

McBrain shocked fans with the surprise announcement Saturday morning that he would be retiring from touring following the band's concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil that evening after 41 years with the legendary metal band.

The group shared on Sunday morning, "As The Future Past Tour concludes after 81 shows to over 1.4 million fans, from Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley and from Western Australia to Sao Paulo, 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.

"A native of Suffolk, England, Simon first teamed up with Steve Harris back in 2012. He debuted on three tracks on the first British Lion album and all of the second critically acclaimed 'The Burning', plus the many subsequent tours in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand &, most recently, both Mexico and South America.

"Iron Maiden celebrate their 50th Anniversary next year with The Run For Your Lives Tour starting in Budapest on May 27th."

Iron Maiden Marking 'Live After Death' 40th Anniversary With Special Release

Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson Tapped For LA Kings Opening Night

Iron Maiden's Steve Harris Reflects On Nicko Leaving The Group For Cover Story

Iron Maiden Reveal First Dates For 2026 Run For Your Lives World Tour

News > Maiden