Why Iron Maiden ACTUALLY chose Simon Dawson? New DRUMMER Bio & Reaction

[@MetalPilgrim]

Gathered all the information (including photos & videos) on Simon's career here - www.patreon.com/posts/simon-dawson-bio-117778515 And what do you think about Iron Maiden's decision to invite Simon behind the kit?

[@Дмитрий-с6щ8б]

Excellence

[@arievanboven1733]

Great choice from Steve! When I read the statement that the new drummer would be announced soon, my first idea was “just take the drummer of British Lion” 😁

[@philipcraig6230]

I hadn't heard of him before the weekend despite having listened to British Lion & seen them live. Good to see that he has such a big & diverse CV - thanks for walking us through it.

[@cms1381]

With Simon opens up the set list discussion to the whole catalog. We could hear some heavy classics!

[@english3082]

Not worth it

[@mikatu]

Simon won't have a problem to step down once or twice, for Nicko to play some special shows during next year, at least a few songs for the DVD recording of the London show.

[@randySliter-ot7eb]

I loved Nico with Trust and Maiden, glad to see Simon with Maiden, miss Burr!!!

[@jimboras3946]

Thanks for the info! we do trust the boss, welcome to Dawson, God bless Nicko, happy retirement from the road, but we can't hardly wait for studio material with Nicko in it

[@supremeghost7950]

Thank you for that very informative video. Didn't know him and his work despite British Lion, and was sceptical at first but thanks to your research I am now confident, that he is a right match.

[@xXxTheAwokenOnexXx]

Steve knows what he's doing, and what's best for Maiden #UpTheIrons \m/ \m/

[@optimalsettings]

eh, thinking of blaze bailey... that was a big mistake

[@WarthDader74]

@@optimalsettings NO, Blaze Bailey was great! Firing Paul Di'Anno, THAT was a big mistake.

[@reeenji]

@@optimalsettings disagree, Blaze Bailey was a good choice

[@manuelsalazar3938]

@@optimalsettings You are, indeed, a big mistake...

[@linkvagar2336]

@@optimalsettingspicking Bayley wasn't a mistake. Refusing to tune down live after picking Bayley was.

[@TOGade-dj6jh]

As long as he gets a huge kit and plates all the classics with style I’m happy 🤘🏻

[@moonchildah]

Thanks. This was long awaited and helped a lot. I trust Steve. Let’s see how it goes. 🤘

[@Mrs.Foster1719]

Great video! Simon is good. Really good. Saw him back in October with BL for the first time and my husband and I even remarked after the show we thought the drummer was very good. Will miss Nicko to bits!.. but looking forward to the next tour to see how it all goes. Keep up the great work Metal Pilgrim! 🤘

[@travisgreen5105]

Crazy, I was watching The Profesor of Rock today, an one of the shows was about The Outfield and their biggest hit. And then 5 hours later I watched this. Simon has an incredible resumé, that is for sure.

[@peterjorge9261]

Sad to see Nicko retire, but the "The Show Must Go On". I'm excited to hear him play with Maiden. Up the Irons

[@CelticHound357]

Well-rounded musical history I can't wait to hear him. And as you say. If Steve likes and trusts him, that's good enough for me.

[@NeilHawkins-f1l]

I’m glad you’ve done this video, because I’ve been debating with other Maiden fans on other social media platforms about Simon Dawson and his suitability as touring drummer for Iron Maiden. Many fans have been very negative about Simon’s appointment as drummer, with some labelling him a session drummer for pub bands, whilst playing with a beer belly. The negativity really is absurd. There are even conspiracies abound about Nicko being forced from the band by Steve Harris. I really cannot understand the mentality of some people, really can’t. Simon Dawson is an outstanding drummer, who not only can thump those tubs with ferocity and precision, but also plays with some serious groove. Simon will do great. Trust me.

[@bongo_baggins]

Idk what pages you're seeing this negativity on, all the reactions I've seen across different platforms are positive to neutral, reticent at worst. I agree though, I'm excited to see and hear his playing 🤘

[@WildMike1234]

I'm sure Dawson will be will be a fine replacement, but I fear these are probably the same 'fans' that routinely give Janick a hard time because he throws his guitar around and wasn't part of the 'Classic' line up. I suspect Dawson's in for the same treatment, especially if he's ever seen twirling his drum sticks in his fingers! There are some that just won't (or can't) move on.

[@NeilHawkins-f1l]

@ open your eyes. The negativity has been on KZbin, Reddit, Instagram and Facebook.

[@NeilHawkins-f1l]

@ yeah, that’s a good point actually.

[@CraygK_15]

i think people are thinking more like "its not nicko so it sucks" instead of actually giving dawson a fair chance

[@biorythmicshifter]

I trust Steve’s judgment. Nicko is irreplaceable but at the same time it’s exciting to imagine what new blood will bring in to Maiden’s sound. Makes sense Steve would use someone he has a working relationship with.

[@chrisl2466]

Like we trusted when he hired Blaze to replace Bruce.

[@cms1381]

He knew who the band needed when Clive needed to step back from touring. Only makes sense to work with someone one of them have a relationship with in one of their many side projects. Makes most sense, it be a guy Steve works with.

[@cms1381]

​@@chrisl2466everyone deserves a mulligan.

[@dougdougw]

​@@chrisl2466 Oh be quiet. Whoever replaced Bruce was only ever going to be 'fine'. And Blaze was 'fine'.

[@biorythmicshifter]

@@chrisl2466 Blaze is a great singer. His solo albums back up that claim. No one would be able to replace Bruce so even a sound alike would have brought negative criticisms much like Ripper when Priest replaced Rob. It was a losing situation all around but Blaze had his own thing which brought a new angle to the band. Personally I thought X Factor was an amazing album and it still ranks as one of my favorite Maiden albums and I’m an old school fan. Replacing a singer is much different than replacing a drummer, it’s much more difficult. You’re a fan of Maiden too because of the choices Steve made.

[@stephanfuchs7891]

Interesting background. Welcome to the family, Simon!

[@ioannisbelantakis4731]

Simon Dawson will be a great drimmer for Iron Maiden, I'm excited to watch him live! Nicko's desicion to retire is quite brave and he has a lot of stuff to do in the future! I also would be excited to see a European tour of Titanium Tart in special places where Iron Maiden is difficult to play, such as clubs, islands, small towns etc!

[@AndyTheRoo]

Thanks for this video, really eye-opening. I can't wait to see how he goes next year!!

[@AnthonyAnthony-tk4ye]

Well he better get a bigger drum kit….. I don’t wanna see or hear any 5-piece bullshit in Maiden!!!

[@bjarnejohansson8415]

Exactly 🥁🥁🥁🥁💪💪💪💪

[@brunorosa306]

Totally agree

[@burkkis]

Great video! I trust Steve's judgement, and can't wait for the rfyl tour!

[@James_Russell]

Good stuff, Vlad. Thanks for putting this together! The Outfield. I’ll be damned. Who knew? 🤘

[@RobertEleuteri-fj8fp]

This decision makes total sense. I’m pumped for Dublin & Madrid! 🤘🏼

[@BeavisoPaulaner]

Can't wait to the first Budapest show. I was rather low on excitement regarding the setlist (as opposite to 2023), but now I am curious to see Maiden with Simon on the drums, whatever the setlist will be!

[@ottoparnarson6381]

I must admit I did not know who he was untill I googled him and wowz, what an awesome profile he has 🤘🤘 I was hoping for a guy called David Winter but lets trust the boss and Im looking forward to see them in july next year 🤘🤘

[@GregoryMerritt-o1f]

The new bloke's background is very unexpected, but it absolutely makes sense.

[@IggyBing]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="436">7:16</a>. OK, I am not worried at all. Haha, that's blazing! And I know he has tons of groove from zillions of other clips. Exciting.

[@keithnielson7797]

Hell yeah, I am the 666th like of this video 🤘🏻!! Totally enjoyed the video as I do every one of them. Thanks for your opinions and being one of the faithful and passionate metal heads out there!!! Nicko will be missed dearly by the hordes of Maiden fans all over the world!!! I am blessed to have seen him do his thing many times and feel lucky that I saw him play I guess last tour in Portland Oregon USA!!!!

[@Adios66]

Great video!

[@19mangas83]

I'm curious to see how Iron Maiden's sound will evolve with the new drummer. I miss the poppier snare drums like on *Fear of the Dark*. Maybe they'll make a comeback!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Nicko leaving was a huge thing. And it all happened so fast. Fans didnt have the time to process the announcement before the new name came up. So there is a lot of feelings going on. Naturally. When it comes the new touring drummer there is little or no quality videos out there to show his skills to the fans. Not everybody are fans of the Harris side project and way of doing things there neither. So many are a bit sceptical. We all want the very best for Maiden

[@flavio_spqr]

Simon wasn't the first name that popped to my mind when I read about Nicko, but all things considered, and with the context that you provided, he is actually the only logical choice.

[@Дмитрий-с6щ8б]

Sometimes the fans know better which musician would fit in the lineup better. They should have taken someone younger and more creative, former drummer Martin Axenrot from the outstanding band Opeth, which Bruce greatly respects, Des Kensel or an amazing English jazz drummer Will Glaser.

[@roybell8470]

I think its an awesome choice. Thanks for the indept information on Simon. Maiden wouldn't risk not for 1 minute there live shows. This guy has been around the block and has the chops to cover . Up the Irons. We love you Nicko. Still sad.

[@Ships818]

That’s crazy his range is dope!!!

[@s8ns8ns8ns8n]

Great Video

[@manbearpig3507]

Steve might know what he is doing but we will never forget the Blaze era this video gave me a lil comfort that Simon can step in n do the job but no1 will ever replace Nicko. imo Nicko didn't/couldn't "replace" Burr they were different drummers, Nicko brought his style to the band n elevated them hopefully Simon can do the same

[@pedroschwartsburd237]

You made the homework! Please, show this to those who does not understand

[@GabAssbreaker]

Deep Switch is such and underrated band, is good to see an actual NWOBHM veteran and not some random young dude behind Nickos kit.

[@MrKSGrundy]

He'll be great! 🤘

[@mr.timebombman2230]

I knew his work from Dearly Beheaded. That Temptation album is great. Produced by Colin Richardson. Heavy af.

[@wolfgangkirby6820]

I think arry is comfortable in a rhythm section with Simon even though everyone including the band knows Lazarus is the Nicko clone

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@defrere1910]

Steve has led Maiden to almost unfathomable levels of success, I’m sure he thought about this very carefully, I trust him. No one could ever replace Nicko however

[@justahusk8151]

There's one element of the choice I think people, fans and commentators don't talk about nearly enough, and that is the social aspect. Iron Maiden are at thet part of their career where they don't have to prove themselves to anyone, and only, ONLY, keep going because they enjoy it. They get to travel the world with their best friends playing to millions of fans. If they didn't like it they would stop. So, when replacing Nicko as a live drummer, I think ability to play the songs was important, but which a lot of drummers could have done. I think a large part of the desicion was social, and that makes picking Simon Dawson over Joe Lazarus make a lot of sense. Dawson is 66 and have had a long career in music himself, and go back to the 90's with Steve. They know they work socially together. Lazarus is really, really good, but he's 38. He could be their kid. I don't know if the next tour will be their last, or if we get more after that, but regardless they are in their ending years. In your career, would you rather spend your swansong with a friend, or with a hired hand nearly half your age?

[@davyjones922]

Wish it woulda been joe Lazarus

[@nonsuch]

Steve most DEFINITELY knows what he's doing and would never do something willy nilly so to speak. If he chose Simon Dawson, he chose him for a reason and that reason is good. You can bet your last dollar on it. Nobody has to worry about how "he will do" on the tour. He will be a great fit and bring the drums in Iron Maiden up a notch since Nicko's health has declined enough to affect his drumming. Just go with the flow and enjoy the show!

[@ThePezzGleeson]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="67">1:07</a> what song is this??

[@DannStephen]

Was on a recent flight from San Antonio TX to Mexico city and Simon was sitting behind me. He mentioned changes were due next year, although at the time that could have meant either BL ir IM. Seen him with BL 33 times and think he is up to the job.

[@rhino_force7679]

you are possibly the biggest British lion fan in the world and the only one in the comment section.

[@DannStephen]

@@rhino_force7679 The thing is I know people who have seen them many more times than me, some over 100 times

[@BeavisoPaulaner]

@@rhino_force7679 Not the only one! ;)

[@DmitriiNazarenko]

Спасибо, очень хорошо пояснил. up the irons

[@fallandbounce]

While working construction in the ''80's, the Outfield were always welcome when they popped in on the on site boombox, breaking up the same repetitive rock songs played over and over every day. I'm looking forward to Simon's tenure, hoping they tour the States.

[@rhino_force7679]

you helped building iconic skyscrapers that today grace our eyes. thank you.

[@thiagodamatta79]

Steve is one of the most intelligent man that ever lived in this world. Period. It will works perfectly!

[@Дмитрий-с6щ8б]

Steve Austin from the iconic metal band Today Is The Day is smarter than Harris. And Bruce Dickinson is really smart, he could fly the most complex airliner, give lectures and even date women.

[@DiveMonster]

He plays since a decade with Steve. All that Vloggers now click-baiting, where the answer is clear. *Steve knows him, his qualities and his personality* , so that is the answer of the click-bite title in a sentence. Who really cares about his history before. After watching the video, nobody will remember any of that bands mentioned.

[@patrickginart1780]

I'm way happier with this choice tbh. Would rather have someone who's adaptable and will bring their own nuances to the songs and one that has proven he can compliment Steve's playing. Joe Lazarus just seems like the option you'd pick if you want a carbon copy of Nicko

[@TOGade-dj6jh]

Steve Harris knows what he’s doing. Well, maybe not with Blaze, but on the whole he knows his shit. Remember all that talk about a new album when they were all in France? What if they were there to play with him and see if he would fit in with the rest of the band, Nicko included. 🤔

[@chadtarrington6057]

...and don't all forget, I'm sure Nicko is just a head turn away to help him nail any set required 🤘

[@BLCKRDR]

Steve's decisions throughout Maiden's career: Adrian Smith after Dennis Stratton - win Bruce Dickinson after Paul DiAnno - win Nicko McBrain after Clive Burr - win Janick Gers after Adrian Smith - not sure lol Blaze Bailey after Bruce Dickinson - loss Bruce and Adrian back to band - win More wins than losses; let’s see if Simon will be another win. I was expecting more, honestly.

[@haywoodyoudome]

35 years and the jury's still out on Janick...lol

[@jimmyhowe7883]

The jury can eff off. Janick was always the perfect choice. So jury, …eff the eff off 🖕🏻

[@MetalGildarts]

Makes sense, if Simon can play literally anything.

[@DrScott666]

Look I was hoping for a HUGE name like Mike Mangini or something but this guy already locks in w Steve for a few years now.

[@kenfrederick6223]

Simon is more than qualified.

[@enriquesoto6534]

Joe Lazarus, was my number one pick. However, this seems like a rather good choice, at least for the time being.

[@perezpepito104]

Always thought the outfield was Canadian. Interesting.

[@arrikn.5152]

Simon Philips would have been a better pick.

[@YogijiClamzananda]

Steve isn't nor has he ever been interested in double bass drumming for his sound, if you listen to Simon's right foot in British Lion, he has been playing Nicko's parts for 12 years... that is why Steve chose him... Nicko BTW should be remembered as one of the all-time greats, and here is why... I doubt even John Bonham could have consistently played with the speed and control of Nicko's right foot!

[@lightdancedesigns]

Simon has quite a resume' so I see why he was picked. Still can't picture anyone but Nicko behind the kit. 😞

[@sgt_slobber.7628]

His foot was already in the door via Brittish Lion!!!!! So the choice was obvious!!!!!:/ I’m sure he’ll do just fine!!!!!\M/

[@edwayward]

Simon Dawson, from the branches to the Headquarters, haha!

[@danielflores9479]

I think Mackey dee would have been a great fit for the best band in the world. UP THE IRONS FOREVER

[@anthonybrewer3413]

It's not what you know, it's who.

[@ericp3573]

looks like he can handle the drum parts and he's a UK bloke........had to be a UK drummer =)

[@Jowi-d7s]

Nicko is a legacy drummer because of the combination of his skills and his 42 year membership in an innovative 50 year old legacy metal band. But there are new blood which has the least skills and health as a younger Nicko. And I’m sure that Steve and the band know who they recruit.

[@aaronb6727]

I coulda answered your "why" in 11 seconds, not 11 minutes

[@SantosNascimento-hd1ki]

Joe lazarus is fantastic ..

[@danorth5153]

Maiden will most likely call it after fulfilling the 50th tour.

[@gastonyoung6391]

Because Steve Harris doesn't search that far away

[@oscarn8482]

But can he adopt to the Mcbrain Drum-setup? Cant have Maiden with a low flat drum kit😆

[@themadmattster9647]

Now maybe they’ll also get a new producer?

[@hekztheband]

Great video MP - I’m excited to see Simon onstage with Eddie and the boys next year. Nice to see Joe get a nod here 🙌 He’s a top bloke and a phenomenal drummer. Before the announcement, I thought for sure he’d be getting the call🔥

[@cehson]

If Simon will be visible infront of his drum set then its not going to be good :). I wished they called Aquiles Priester to do the job, as he is younger and really a powerhouse, but i guess Mr. Simon is familiar with them and Steve knows he can do the job. Nicko will be missed for sure as no one is like him on the drums.

[@achillesalexander5327]

I Think Steve Harris has done an excellent job choosing Iron Maidens Members, Steve Chose Paul Di'Anno who was great, Dave Murray who is great, Clive Burr who was great, Adrian Smith who is great, Bruce Dickinson who is great, Nicko Mcbrain who is great, Jannick Gers WHo is good, Steve Knows what he is doing, He chose all the Members of Iron Maiden, He knows he needs Musicians with larger than life personalities ex Nicko Mcbrain

[@iRemol]

Haha still no one mentioned his age in any video ;) probably 1962 or less probable 1958.

[@s8ns8ns8ns8n]

Dearly Beheaded are due to have their two albums re-released on spotify by Sony Music in 2025

[@dragonseye00]

Joe Lazarus... I guess the issue is his age. 'the boys' are in their mid 60s, so Simon is a better fit already age wise. And he is a que good drummer as well. Snap, Joe's father comments just go to show that Steve took the right decision. They want no drama at this stage of their career.

[@sam_uelson]

It wouldn’t surprise me if Steve has understudies in mind for everyone in the band.

[@jonatanhedlin3992]

I have never heard Simon apply any swing to his drumming. Nicko did it tons and even Clive was a swinger, so to speak. So, all support to Simon Dawson but add to this a couple of teaspoons of rather concerned salt.

[@AndyReinke]

We didnt get michael kiske after bruce lets hope were not getting ringo starr after nico

[@2410-s9l]

People complain that it's not a name drummer like Mike Portney, Nicko wouldn't want some hotshot replacing him.

[@paisteplayer1040]

Nicko isnt arrogant like tht

[@2410-s9l]

@paisteplayer1040 It's not a matter of arrogance.

[@leatherbound4233]

Disappointed. Sure he's a talented drummer and as you say quite diverse but no more than a session drummer. The issue is the small kit he plays, all the rolls and fills Nico played are all going to be dumbed down and the songs will sound very different. He can hit the drums as many times but the diversity of tones will not be there, i.e. a guitarist with only 2 strings. I was really hoping for Aquiles Priester for the job as some one who's compatible to Nicko in style.

[@craigstanton2376]

Should have got Thunderstick

[@fclefjefff4041]

HUR HUR

[@johnpaul492]

Doesn't matter what we think. Iron Maiden already made their decision.

[@johnpaul492]

No one plays like Nicko!

[@seanmcdonagh9154]

Steve should of got micky dee

[@JamesTheGoatJamerson]

"Trust Steve and his Judgement" ? - The one who gave us Blaze to replace Bruce ? - We will see in time - Dawson has a great background but he is not Nicko - I dont hear the "Swing" in Dawson. Nicko is not just a "Straight" drummer. Time will tell and best of luck to Dawson - UP THE IRONS !!!!

[@scottblack9213]

At first I thought that Joe Lazarus was much better as he was younger and could inject some, let's be honest, some energy to the band. Seeing Joe Lazarus father going on social media has led me to come to the conclusion the Steve was RIGHT to ask Simon. Can you imagine the nerve of Joe's father banging on social media that he thought his son was better suited? What an absolute pillock. If anything, Joe didn't get the gig because of his father's interference. Steve's the guvnor. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.

[@BeavisoPaulaner]

Yep, Steve Laz did not hold the pressure in his pants... Two days later he cancelled that post with even more pathetic comments.

[@XAMS]

Simon Dawson is a very strange choice to me given his age is 66. Not that much younger than Nicko so it doesn't really extend the life of the band much. Could be a sign that next year's tour really is the last?

[@DannStephen]

I heard he was born in 1962, which would make him 62. That was recently, from a close friend of his.

[@alexandremaireno-ni4ec]

There might be one more studio album and tour, then maybe a farewell tour around 2030

[@BeavisoPaulaner]

I spoke to him several times in last 2-3 years and even if he is 60+ he has definitely an energy of a roaring 30 lol

[@Mechanix360]

The band doesn't have much more time left, and I mean that sincerely as a maiden fan. I'll say probably 2/3 more years. Hopefully I am wrong.

[@XAMS]

@@Mechanix360 Perhaps 2-3 years of extensive touring but I could see them doing 1-2 more albums easily. If Priest is still putting out albums Maiden can continue as well. Not sure if they get to 20 albums though.

[@NEALBABBITT]

I don't think he's near as flashy as Clive or Nicko.

[@RolanRoyce]

Ahh, sweet normal face drummer, not flat at all. Why did it take so long?

[@Yngwiedis]

Please please please, try to correct your pronunciation of the word "thousand". Thank you.

[@javimarulu4247]

66 years old drummer. Bad decision

[@demodick]

I would have taken Nicko at 66. I mean come on. Maiden doesn’t have many years left.

[@MrMurUK]

(Speaking as a drummer) I can't say I like the look of his technique, if I am honest. Seems very wooden and "from the arms" as it were. Nicko is a very fluid drummer. In that respect, a big contrasst. Nicko's style is something quite specific to him. Anyone decent can learn the fills but it still wouldn't have the feel.

[@fclefjefff4041]

Oh no, some random goober in the KZbin comments “doesn’t like the look of his technique” 😆

[@Дмитрий-с6щ8б]

Outsiders know better which musician would fit in better with Maiden. Steve is too arrogant and restless in his decisions. They should have taken the former Opeth drummer or the great English jazz drummer Will Glaser.