Iron Maiden announces new drummer after Nicko McBrain departure

nme.com:

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.A post shared by Iron Maiden (@ironmaiden)McBrain added in his initial announcement: “What can I say?