Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson recently shared his thoughts on the band’s transition to new drummer Simon Dawson. He offered candid insights about performing without longtime drummer Nicko McBrain. His comments were made during an interview on Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern.
Dickinson addressed how the band has adapted to the change. He explained the differences he notices during performances.
When asked if it was weird and surreal not seeing Nicko McBrain sitting behind the kit during the tour, Dickinson said: “It’s not weird from the perspective that what I’m hearing behind me is not Nicko. So I don’t expect to see Nicko because everything about Simon [Dawson, new Maiden drummer] is different. His drums are tuned differently, he plays the songs with a different feel to Nick.”
The vocalist elaborated on the technical differences and how they benefit the band’s performance.
“So because of that, I don’t turn around and go, ‘Oh, shock. Nicko should be there,’ because it’s obvious he’s not there from the sound,” he continued. “The drums are tuned a lot lower, they’re much fatter. And Simon kind of sticks with the program in terms of the tempo of the song and everything. He’s absolutely scrupulous about cutting the right tempo every time.”
Dickinson emphasized how the band members have responded positively to Dawson’s approach.
“So we actually, as a band, really kind of appreciate that,” he said. “‘Cause all the guitarists have big smiles, like Cheshire cats, [and Maiden bassist] Steve [Harris is] the same. ‘Cause everybody’s not feeling, like, ‘Whoa, hey, steady on there, trigger. Whoa, slow down there.’ So that’s what Simon brings to it — there’s stability.”
The frontman concluded by explaining the band’s deliberate choice in selecting their new drummer.
“And he’s doesn’t try to be Nicko. You can’t be Nicko. I mean, there’s only one Nicko; he is unique,” Dickinson noted. “That’s why we didn’t pick a clone. And there were plenty of drummers who could copy what Nicko did, but we don’t want one of those. We wanted somebody that had a different feel.”
Dickinson’s comments shed light on Iron Maiden’s strategic approach to replacing their longtime drummer. They reveal the careful consideration that went into selecting Dawson as McBrain’s successor.
Loudwire reported that Simon Dawson brings over 40 years of drumming experience to Iron Maiden. He has been a British musician from Suffolk, England with a rich background spanning multiple bands. His extensive experience includes work with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal act Deep Switch from the 1980s. This demonstrates his deep roots in the metal genre that Iron Maiden helped define.
The connection between Dawson and Iron Maiden runs deeper than many fans realize. Maiden Fans Forum revealed that Dawson has played with Steve Harris for over a decade in Harris’s side project British Lion. This long-standing musical relationship provided the band with confidence in Dawson’s ability to integrate seamlessly into Iron Maiden’s complex musical arrangements and demanding tour schedule.
The drummer’s versatility and established chemistry with key band members made him a natural choice for the position. Maiden Fans Forum discussions indicated that this existing relationship with Harris was crucial in ensuring a smooth transition. The bassist and primary songwriter could vouch for Dawson’s reliability and musical compatibility with the band’s style.
Dawson’s appointment represents more than just a replacement. It signals Iron Maiden’s commitment to evolution while maintaining their core identity. His stable, precise drumming approach and decade-long collaboration with Harris provide the foundation for the band to continue their legendary live performances with renewed energy and technical precision.
