Simon Dawson will be the new drummer for Iron Maiden's live shows. The band announced this yesterday following the decision of Nicko McBrain, member of the band since 1982, to retire from the scene due, similarly, to some health problems. The communication arrived on Saturday 7 December on the occasion of a Maiden concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil (part of the Future Past tour).
«I've thought about it a lot, and it is with joy and sorrow that I announce my decision to take a step back from the hardships of life on tour. Today in Sao Paulo, Saturday 7 December, will be my last performance with Iron Maiden. I wish the band all the best for what's to come.”
McBrain's message continued: “What can I say? It has been an incredible adventure touring with Maiden for the past 42 years. To my devoted fan base I say: it was all for you, I love you! The musician added that he “will remain a stable part of the Iron Maiden family, and will work on a series of projects”, including personal ones.
In 2023, McBrain had suffered a heart attack that paralyzed him on the right side of his body, threatening his career as a drummer. The band shared an affectionate message for their traveling companion: «Thank you for being the inexhaustible force behind the drums of Maiden for 42 years, and thank you for being our friend for even longer. We will miss you immensely.”
The honors continued Saturday night during the concert. Bruce Dickinson (the band's lead singer) spoke of McBrain in these terms: «This is a special night. As some of you, or probably all of you, know, this morning we announced Nicko's retirement from Maiden live shows. Nicko has been with us for 42 years. He joined as a drummer before I became the singer, he was a pilot before I was a pilot, and now he's not leaving the band, he's just not going to perform live with us anymore. But now we have more music to play, and I want the rest of the night to be dedicated to celebrating Nick, and celebrating the joy he brought to so many people around the world, not just here in Brazil.”
