BREAKING NEWS: IRON MAIDEN New Touring Drummer SIMON DAWSON From BRITISH LION, Thoughts? REACTION?

[@bobs3302]

As a 52 year old fan I'm amazed they're still delivering on such a high level, despite cancer, strokes, etc. Bring it on as long as possible. Post-Maiden world scares me.

[@garymitchell5899]

They're doing more damage to their reputation by carrying on with half-hearted performances.

[@bobs3302]

@@garymitchell5899 Maiden hasn't been half-hearted since 1993.

[@garymitchell5899]

​@@bobs3302No, the early Bruce reunion was fine but the last 10 years just not good enough.

[@freddyferrillo9704]

I remember seeing Iron Maiden before Bruce was there. In 1980/81. I was 15 or 16. They opened for Judas Priest. But Maiden became very significant and well liked in the U.S. when they released NOTB in 1982. Bruce's first album with Maiden. And also, Nicko wasn't even there until 1983 for POM album. Although I personally love their first two records. Iron Maiden & Killers are 2 awesome albums. I love all Maiden. Been a fan since 1981 and seen them live many times.... Especially in the 80's! Peace.

[@jonybeam21]

@@garymitchell5899 I can only guess that you either haven't seen them live for a long time or you haven't seen them live whatsoever at all

[@stevenmccormackmusic]

I’d say it’s highly likely that Dawson has been traveling with or on call for Maiden for this whole tour given Nicko’s recent medical history. Large grossing tour would likely require such backup as insurance anyway. He probably already has played a lot of the set and knows the band well.

[@paulturgeon5803]

Maiden don’t want rockstars, they want a British guy, a good guy, a solid working down too earth dude.

[@jazzcatjohn]

Not saying you're wrong, but how do you know what they want? lol

[@chilly6470]

​@@jazzcatjohnIt's the Maiden way. Steve said as much when replacing Bruce with Blaze years ago.

[@noorderyn]

@@jazzcatjohn jazz drummer like Steve Nobble for Maiden

[@maidenaholic]

​@@chilly6470 this is true. I knew an Irish lad that tried out for maiden and they said no because of this fact. And he was amazing.

[@srh361]

If you don't think Maiden hadn't already had all this in place then your crazy.

[@simonmcglary]

They said as much in their statement!

[@Antoner-qz3jn]

I'm 43 years old, I'm from Russia, I started listening to maiden in the mid-90s at a time when the band was consigned to oblivion on the wave of popularity of nu-metal, grunge, alternative, rap.But I believed that the band would regain its former greatness.This is exactly what happened with the arrival of Bruce and Adrian after the triumphant Brave new World.I've been to them seven times, not counting Paul and Blaze's solo concerts. The news of Nico's departure was just unsettling, recently there was only sad news about the death of Dianno.I couldn't hold back the tears when I watched the video of Nico walking with the fans and the band in Sao Paulo.I respect Niko's decision, it's a brave and courageous act, I think he deserved it.But I can't imagine anyone but Clive in his place.I can't imagine when, at the end of the concert, Dickinson won't call his name Mr. Nick McBrain and he won't go out to the crowd and throw drumsticks and a wristband into the crowd.Perhaps the history of the band will continue, but personally I can't imagine how it can be.Up the Irons!

[@austinwoods466]

You may have found them at the best time. As great as being there from day 1 is, you'd be 1) very old and 2) think of everything you'd have to go through. But its been 25 years of pure sunshine since Bruce and Adrian rejoined. An even longer winning streak than they had in the 80s. Congrats and up the irons!

[@Antoner-qz3jn]

@@NeilHawkins-f1l I am in the course of all the news of the group!I wanted to say that these are two legendary drummers in the history of maiden.Nico's departure personally for me is the beginning of the sunset of maiden

[@captainflamson]

This choice makes perfect sense, and I'm sure he will be great, I must admit that I would have loved to see Simon Wright (former AC/DC, Dio) in this position, he is truly one of the great rock drummers, he's English and he deserves another high profile gig like this to bring him back in to the spotlight.

[@RobRockit]

Sorry Simon Wrights not that good. Especially for Maiden. He was ok in AC/DC but that's not the hardest job. Lol

[@noorderyn]

@@RobRockit What about Brann Dailor from the mighty Mastodon? He has 25 years career playing intricate and melodic-tinged metal. He is a huge Maiden fan, is a friend of Nico's, and Mastodon have often opened for Iron Maiden since 2005.

[@martymartin2894]

​@@RobRockitI would have said the same until I see who they have picked. Simon wright plays rings around this guy. Simon is good he played recently with dio deciples and he was very good.

[@RobRockit]

@@martymartin2894 I never heard him in Dio. That would be more challenging

[@RobRockit]

@Дмитрий-с6щ8б Brann is fine where he is in Mastodon.

[@harlandawson8447]

gonna miss Nicko on tour ,saw them in Baltimore a few weeks ago ,as always it was a fantastic show ,absolutely love Nicko ❤

[@Frankamentise]

Actually it was pretty clear yesterday. Nicko is retiring from the road, but is still in Maiden. He can still record albums. Even Bruce said he’s still in the band, just not going to tour. Simon will take care of the live duties.

[@RobertJones-xq1si]

@@Frankamentise Did he say he's still 'in the band'?... Or did he say he wasn't leaving the band? Things announced in the hot heights of a gig to non speaking English audiences don't always read the way we'd imagine. To say 'he's not leaving the band' could be interpreted as he's not quitting to do other things. He's retiring... But they don't like that word. I honestly don't think Nicko will do much. I think any new material is probably already recorded from the Senjitsu sessions and that'll be that, save to say there's a chance he'll play on an encore, kinda like Glenn does in Judas Priest. I suspect he might do something at the London show next year... We'll see.

[@timbrennan8925]

Congratulations to Simon and respect to Nicko. 2025 will be another great Maiden year!

[@FoutstoChandler]

I feel silly for not making this suggestion yesterday. It was the obvious choice.

[@noorderyn]

I would say that Martin Axenrot, former Opeth drummer, could handle Nico's drum parts perfectly, he has a great feel for the fluidity of classic progressive/ heavy metal, he has tasty fills. Also, Bruce has incredible respect for Opeth's work.

[@MR_THINQ]

Simon has been playing with Steve for decades - it’s a perfect choice! Going to be interesting to see if Simon adapts his playing style to match Nicko’s as Simon’s technique isn’t as ‘technical’ as Nicko’s. I remember seeing Simon and Steve play in a pub a few years ago, Simons a great player - WELL DONE MATE!!!

[@phillipbailey2525]

It will be interesting but also the next tour is geared around some of the early material, I suspect it might feature heavily the first 3 albums similar to the “early days” Tour

[@martymartin2894]

He will play straight and boring. If British lion is anything to go by.

[@srh361]

Actually makes a lot of sense since Steven is already comfortable with Simon.

[@matzek.2431]

You are right, there are many good drummers out there, but it also has to fit playing together - so Simon is a very good choice.

[@danzemacabre8899]

Awesome, I'm sure he will be just fine and it won't take him long to get the set down looking forward to hearing him

[@MrSmith-k8u]

You guys are so in tune how Maiden / Harris thinks and i really like that ☺ A comment i noticed was that Niko has taken two "jabs" 🤔

[@s8ns8ns8ns8n]

Simon was absolutely awesome on the Dearly Beheaded albums , he is an amazing drummer

[@Prodicalson-q9n]

Just wondering will Simon's drum kit grow in size?

[@wolfgangkirby6820]

I’d hope Nicko donates a British drum company kit to spec for a proper maiden tour

[@Prodicalson-q9n]

@wolfgangkirby6820 that would be epic. But drum kits and setups are as personal as wearing clothes. They'll either fit and be comfortable, or they won't.

[@KillerKojak]

Nicko is my TOP IDOL since 1985.... i drum caus of him like many but i always know that he is a GREAT DRUM DOCTOR when he play covers musics from other band, like rock, blues and many style. Now he gonna teach us more of him caus of Rock'n roll rins bigs jams !!!! A great drum teacher with always surprises and creativity not just technic but incredible feels too. ( sorry my english is very average😋) Never boring !! I love you Nicko and i'm gonna watch everything you be on !!! HAAEEEIIYYTT !!!🤞🤟💥THE BOOMER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@danielclemence3689]

Well said guys. Just wanted to add that: just because you can have any drummer you want, doesn't mean you should. Iron Maiden is not Dream Theater. They need someone from a relatively humble background because that's the best fit. Simon is tight and not too "prog". He will give them that solid beat they need and he will not be a guy drawing attention to himself or detracting from the importance of feeling the band unit as a whole. I have faith he will deliver.

[@HTS21]

18:51 "I dont think that Steve would have hired him without hearing him playing the songs" Well, Steve heard the songs with Blaze and with Janick.... and still hired them.... That aside, i believe he is very good, you can tell by his live performances he knows his craft and he has the technique to fit Maiden.

[@drtopus]

Very good analysis guys!

[@lordharry423]

They probably wrote or recorded some of the next album - hence Niko is hanging aound

[@noorderyn]

What about Brann Dailor from Mastodon? He has a 25 year musical career playing highly sophisticated and melodic jazz-tinged metal. He is a huge Iron Maiden fan, is a friend of Nico's, and Mastodon have often opened for Iron Maiden since 2005.

[@MR_THINQ]

Nicko will be playing on the future Maiden studio albums…

[@garymitchell5899]

Very unlikely

[@austinwoods466]

I hope not. I don't want to hear the guy from British Lion replace him but if they got someone great, like when Adrian Smith replaced Dennis Strat that could open the band up for 10 more years.

[@martymartin2894]

Nicko looks very unhealthy I think from footage from the last show. Hope his health hasn't gotten really bad like terminally bad.

[@scot-tish7486]

I was hoping it would be El Estepario Siberiano!! Oh well...

[@BrianLupichuk-tv5mb]

All the best to Nicko but whoever they do get will not be the same

[@UFO1601]

It's possible that next year could be Iron Maiden's last big tour, I'm wondering whether you guys have thought about that. Also, Iron Maiden are a strictly British act and thats the reason why they have only ever appointment British musicians.

[@FoutstoChandler]

@@UFO1601 and could be why they said he’s the drummer for “2025”.

[@petermorgan5405]

Absolute no brainer ! Congratulations Nicko for a fantastic career. Will you be out with Phil Hilbourne again ??

[@RobertJones-xq1si]

What makes you think there's going to even be another Iron Maiden album? Personally, I'm of the opinion that this has been an ongoing plan behind closed doors for a while. Normally, when there was a member leaving, it was for very different reasons. This is entirely down to Nicko's age and health and that being the case, I'm not surprised that they've gone with the guy that Steve has developed a good understanding with for the last 12 years. It could quite easily be that they've already had a run through songs together for a while in between BL gigs and maybe even with the others to see how things went. Maiden are meticulous. Everything is planned very well.

[@martymartin2894]

I totally agree everything is planned ahead by rod. And u remember Bruce saying shortly after the last album that they had nearly enough material for another album already written, I reckon they probably have an album already recorded and in the bag.

[@RobertJones-xq1si]

@martymartin2894 Yes, if there is something it's probably already recorded, due to time off in lockdown etc... since 2020, the tours have taken up so much time and three of them have recorded solo albums and toured them. In addition, the RFYL tour will almost certainly run into 2026 anyway. I can't see them doing it solely in Europe. So in terms of recording a new album or even doing anything with it, surely it's at least three years away? I dunno. All will be revealed in time.

[@seanhannon4669]

I think they are going to to do want Judas Priest did with glen

[@tommyflann]

No mixed signals I don't think and Maiden are not going to go out and get a high-profile drummer they're going to keep it in house at this stage in the band's career..

[@TheMetalBlock380]

I'm thinking they already have a new record in the can and most likely Nicko on drums

[@lylesberg1885]

I was hoping for Lazarus also. Young energy. But never mind on that I guess

[@chuckm6592]

Given Rod Small wood's and the bands attention to detail, I have no doubt that this has been in the works since Nick's stroke. This isn't a quick, spur of the moment decision. Would not surprise me if Nicko told the guys that this was his last tour at the start of the tour and just was not announced at that time to avoid distraction. Given Nicko's age, the lingering affects from the stroke, both of which have caused Nicko to simplify his drumming, ( which had to be killing Nicko), I think Nicko knew it was time to step aside.

[@brucemcrorie3595]

This band has been part of my life but i feel the timing isnt quite right-- could he not have signed off in london next year-- something tells me his health has taken a sudden dip-- great character so lets hope for the best for him ❤

[@martymartin2894]

He doesn't look very well. From footage I seen from the last show.

[@brentjeralds777]

I have a notion it was going to be the drummer from Dickinson's band

[@gwmarmon1]

Steve Harris controls all things maiden, it was his pick I'm sure someone he is compatible playing with

[@smartrn1]

Aquliles Priester would have been a tremendous fit

[@TImDoyle-k1w]

He's playing with WASP

[@smartrn1]

@ he would have left any band to play with Maiden. Any drummer on Earth would.

[@joeyjag666]

That was my first choice My second was Nigel glockler

[@martymartin2894]

My choice also he would have given them an extra energy he's amazing. His covers on KZbin are amazing.

[@martymartin2894]

If they had respect for Nicko they should have called it quits. Bruce blabbering about the 50th anniversary tour while calling down Nicko to say goodbye during his last show. They haven't long left anyway so why be so greedy, they are all extremely wealthy.

[@thegusb1]

Maiden always keep it in the Maiden family, you're reading too much into this... Simon is there to get them through the tour, if there is another record Nicko will be on it.

[@thebluep0tat0]

Interesting note… If you go look at the run for your lives 2025 tour poster, bottom right where there is a flyer of Eddie’s head, the initials “SD” are above his head. So clearly they knew about this months ago if not a year ago.

[@priestfan81]

That is a 5 and a 0 on Eddie's jacket, because it's a 50th anniversary tour.

[@thebluep0tat0]

@ if that’s what you see then that’s what you see

[@felixtroche2226]

Easy. Maiden doesn’t need a high profile drummer.

[@matyasvarga5137]

Not a bad choice but this is definitely what I was worried about when heard about Nicko's leaving. Let me say a few things first about Nick. He basically redefined heavy metal drumming. His style have always been really exploratory, could not have been compared to any other metal drummers at the time, not to say that what we hear on AMOLAD and on The Final Frontier is such nuanced, dynamic and creative that I could easily say it's a fusion jazz drummer playing if not knowing anything about Nicko McBrain. About the choice: Steve tend to make some decisions that are not serving the band very well about the last 10 years. Many of their stuff is truly amazing, but Book of Souls, Senjutsu, Live Chapter!!!!! not being mixed properly (and not mastered at all) and sounding much worse than any previous one or any other contemporary material are like that in my opinion. Half solutions. This is how I feel about this one choice as well. Simon Dawson is a good drummer but can't even come close to Nicko. He will definitely be able to do the job great and bring a new spark to the band but I definitely think they would need someone that plays on higher level. Simon Phillips, (Priest, Toto, The Who, Michael Schenker Group) or Shannon Forrest (Toto) are such in my view, Crazy to think that I won't see Nicko with them next year, I truly admire his work and have been an endless inspirtion. Looking forward to Run for Your Lives and I hope that I will refuse saying that having Dawson is a half solution by 'Arry.

[@mynameisbondTD]

Nicko will become the studio drummer and they will have a new touring drummer. I dont mind having nicko on drums and not tour .

[@garymitchell5899]

I don't see how Nicko can record for Maiden again. The studio isn't as tough as touring but he's lost almost all of his flair, energy and nuance. Don't know the new guy so can't comment. Personally I don't mind an unknown but I would definitely have gone younger to try and get some energy back in.

[@brionycrawford1421]

You're aware he had a stroke last year and was still able to recover quickly enough to tour a few months later? They're also getting on a bit in life so as per most humans reduced energy comes with age. My first time seeing maiden was in 2016 and compared to then not even bruce has as much manic energy yet they still tour and give a brilliant show

[@garymitchell5899]

@@brionycrawford1421 Yes, yes I know all the history. He's been a fantastic drummer but the just can't do it. I'm not criticising him.

[@garymitchell5899]

@@NeilHawkins-f1l Well I'm not. The reason he's retiring is he's acknowledged he can't do it anymore, is he criticising himself? You got your ar$e slapped over Blaze let's not do it again yeah..

[@garymitchell5899]

@@NeilHawkins-f1l You were making some hasty editing and then you buggered off, so yeah I did win it. But anyway, off you trot again.

[@austinwoods466]

13:05 Yes. I'm certainly less inclined to see them with the British Lion drummer lol. Sad end of the year for Iron Maiden fans. I have doubts. Like can Simon play Where Eagles Dare? He's got a simpler drum kit. Why replace the 72 yearold with a 66 year-old. Grim.

[@garymitchell5899]

Nicko played WED on someone else's kit which only had one tom.

[@kevincassels]

WHY DO YOU GUYS THINK THERE’S GONNA BE A NEW ALBUM?? Steve recently says there are no plans to do so. For years he’s been saying it’s time to wind it down. I think the 50th anniversary was planned to be the last one and it was planned years in advance and Nicko was expected to do the dates and can’t. This guy will fill in and the band will wrap it up in 2026. Why does everyone think there’s a new album? There’s no evidence of that happening.

[@NeilFoord]

Let's be honest about this. This is a re-run of the Blaze Bayley era. He was never accepted by the hardcore fans and anyone who dares to step onto the drum riser will be subjected to the same negativity as Blaze received. Of course, i could be wrong.

[@priestfan81]

Well, you will absolutely be wrong because a drummer is infinitely easier to replace than a singer. You could literally use a tape. Now Nicko was a phenomenal driver of the band, I hope Simon is up to that role. Nicko having to change so much of his performance following his stroke was sad and somewhat jarring to hear, even though it was absolutely understandable. If Dawson plays the classic Nicko runs, fills and drives the tempo and keeps everyone in the pocket the way Nicko did, he will be a roaring success. There will only ever be one Nicko. He was a once in a lifetime band member and personality.

[@NeilFoord]

@NeilHawkins-f1l He wasn't crap, just different. Iron Maiden and Mr Harris are a bit too stubborn for my liking. Iron Maiden were much better in the earlier days, in my "PERSONAL" opinion. Would you have called Doogie White crap if he'd been chosen instead of Blaze?

[@priestfan81]

​@@NeilHawkins-f1l Blaze was awesome in Wolfsbane, had had a stellar solo career and wrote some good stuff in Maiden. His live performances were an issue because steve harris didn't give a shit and just wanted someone else in the band. I love Steve but he has a terminal case of main character syndrome.

[@NeilFoord]

@NeilHawkins-f1l I'm not a Blaze hater, and Doogie White should have got the job, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. Steve chose Blaze, and that's it. Let's just see who is chosen to step up to the drum riser without any ill informed and groundless conjecture

[@iglesiasmarco]

If Simon Dawson came to your surprise, then you don't know the band.

[@martymartin2894]

Did you already say this on here before it was announced. If not then don't talk like it was so obvious.

[@jeffsimon9594]

Yep, thuss Kiwi wuth the goofball acceent uz the No.1 authority on thuss breaking deveeloppmunt.

[@austinwoods466]

I'll have to see it to believe it. I'm not blown away. This sounds like Blaze Baily already again. Nicko should only go if theyre getting someone exceptional to replace him. Iron Maiden are my favorite band and British Lion are decidedly not. Bruce's current solo drummer would have been great. We'll see. I predict a luke-warm reception. For every good Steve choice there's a bad one (Blaze Bailey got the gig because he was a pal and good at soccer, the albums are no longer mixed or mastered so theyre not properly mixed or mastered. Etc. At least its only for 2025. This sounds weak because it is weak.

[@garymitchell5899]

Blaze was the best upcoming UK rock singer at the time, same as Bruce was. That's why he got the gig.

[@garymitchell5899]

@@NeilHawkins-f1l It doesn't make sense to you because if it's correct it means Steve doesn't know what he's doing, which he obviously does. Plus the rest of the band and management ofc. Blaze was the best upcoming UK rock singer at the time, which is why he got the gig. Same as Bruce.

[@garymitchell5899]

@@NeilHawkins-f1l You're talking as though Steve ordered coffee instead of tea - oops my mistake. You're also saying Rod let him do it, despite having his own suspicions. The same ruthless Rod who pushed Bruce originally and then wouldn't let Steve sack Bruce. There's no way Rod would risk a major band and significant investment by taking someone who couldn't cut it. No way.

[@garymitchell5899]

@@NeilHawkins-f1lYes definitely, because Rod has always had an "ok whatever" attitude. Your argument is getting increasingly weak.

[@garymitchell5899]

@@NeilHawkins-f1l Who did Rod prefer BTW?

[@stevelazarus3615]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWWbeZWHf8mBfs0

[@markgreene1162]

I understand what you guys are saying, but I disagree 100%. There are a few reasons. First, this is the most vanilla and boring pick ever. Nobody knows who this guy is. A star band requires star power. Most of us would want to see a Mike Portnoy play Iron Maiden songs, and nobody would play them better. Also, it would be a dream for Mike Portnoy to play drums for Iron Maiden, and I don't think he would turn the offer down. Just my opinion. ✌️

[@robertleckenby3819]

I wouldn’t have had Portnoy he is to egotistical everything’s all about him

[@mr.timebombman2230]

They wouldn't even have him anyway. You'd never see an American in the band regardless of how good they are.

[@maidenaholic]

I don't think this dude is going to be good enough. I think he won't be able to handle where eagles dare, or any of the triplets that nicko can do.

[@2410-s9l]

They just won't play where eagles dare. They'll play Hell is from here to eternity, Weekend warrior, songs like that...

[@pauliescott]

IM Should retire after this tour. Who agrees????

[@jonasandersson3684]

Why would they need a new dummer? Why not just quit?

[@2410-s9l]

What i heard of that drummer, he's loose. He has to play Nicko and Clive songs. Could be embarrassing. Safe but boring choice sorry, but that's just me. Who knows , could be the greatest maiden drummer in history.

[@The_Necrogeddon]

As a 46 years old fan since ever, Iron Maiden should finish with all their live show obligations and call it quits. Neither their music is interesting anymore nor I want to see and hear a drummer I don't even know and will be filling the slot out of necessity

[@garymitchell5899]

Yes, sadly I agree about stopping live, it's just not the same. The new drummer could have given them a big lift on stage but it doesn't look like they will.

[@thevirtualmarky]

then stay home and let the rest of enjoy them

[@perrinwolfson2790]

@@garymitchell5899why do you assume a “known” drummer would give them a lift, and an “unknown” wouldn’t? It’s not about celebrity, it’s about fit.

[@perrinwolfson2790]

You’re entitled to your opinion, but It’s just that. I’m also a long time fan and DO find their new music interesting, and find the new possibilities interesting.

[@The_Necrogeddon]

@@thevirtualmarky does my opinion even affect you and you felt like replying?

[@hall2ify]

Just seen a bit of him doesn't look great

[@austinwoods466]

This sucks... we lose Nicko because he can't do it and we get a pub drummer? To replace one of the all time greats? This is Blaze Baily all over again. Fans will savage this full on tour if he isn't a drum genius. That is what he is replacing after all.

[@priestfan81]

😂😂😂 wtf are you talking about?

[@GG-ml3vr]

Pub drummer😂

[@garymitchell5899]

Last night Nicko was playing bum-tish bum-tish and at the wrong tempo, so the new guy has got to be better.

[@GG-ml3vr]

@@garymitchell5899 Bit of respect please.

[@garymitchell5899]

@@GG-ml3vr Nicko was the best metal drummer for a generation and most of his playing in Maiden is incredible, some of it unbelievable. Without him they wouldn't have been half as good. Also, last night he was playing bum-tish bum-tish and at the wrong tempo.

[@EzraDarrow-p5j]

Dave Lombardo is overrated beyond belief, and for people to throw his name out there is absolutely ridiculous.