Nicko McBrain recently discussed his replacement in Iron Maiden. He revealed the advice he gave to new drummer Simon Dawson, sharing insights from their conversation in an interview with Kerrang.
The former Iron Maiden drummer opened up about his lunch meeting with Dawson. They discussed the technical challenges of playing the band’s demanding material.
When asked “Have you offered any advice to the new guy, Simon Dawson?”, McBrain shared details of their conversation.
“Oh, funny you say that, we had lunch! Simon [Dawson] said, ‘God, your right foot, you play fast!’ I said, ‘Well, look, if you’re having a problem with it, use another pedal.’ He went, ‘I’ve got one on the kit, but I don’t really want to use it,'” McBrain said.
The veteran drummer then offered some practical and encouraging advice to his successor.
“I said, ‘Look, Simon, if you feel that you can’t do it with one, then do it with two – for crying out, no-one’s going to complain! They’re already moaning about your little baby kit anyway’ (laughs). So the two drummers of Iron Maiden had a good laugh,” McBrain continued.
McBrain also praised Dawson’s abilities. He praised his decision to maintain his own drumming identity.
“Simon’s a great player. He’s played with Steve for 14 years now [in British Lion], and he was the right choice to have as my replacement and I’m proud of the fact that he hasn’t tried to emulate my drum set in visual terms, he’s keeping his own identity,” McBrain said.
This conversation between the two drummers comes at a significant moment in Iron Maiden’s history. It marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the legendary metal band.
Blabbermouth.net reported that McBrain announced his retirement from touring with Iron Maiden on December 7, 2024, after 42 years with the band. His final performance took place in São Paulo that same day. This brought to a close more than four decades of thunderous drumming that helped define Iron Maiden’s sound.
The transition to Dawson represents a carefully considered choice by the band. TheRockRevival.com noted that Dawson has served as a session drummer and Steve Harris’s rhythm section partner in British Lion for the past 12-14 years. This extensive collaboration with Iron Maiden’s bassist and primary songwriter provided Dawson with intimate knowledge of Harris’s musical approach and the band’s creative process.
The timing of this drummer change coincides with Iron Maiden’s ambitious touring plans. TheRockRevival.com revealed that the band’s Run For Your Lives Tour in 2026 includes confirmed festival headlining appearances worldwide. Dawson now takes his place behind the kit for these major performances.
McBrain’s decision to step down was influenced by the physical demands of touring, particularly travel fatigue. This marks the end of one of metal’s most enduring partnerships between drummer and band. His encouragement of Dawson to use whatever equipment necessary to handle Iron Maiden’s demanding catalog reflects both his practical wisdom and his genuine support for the band’s continued success.
