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Former Iron Maiden touring drummer Nicko McBrain has praised Simon Dawson’s progress since taking over the drum stool, acknowledging that the transition was not entirely smooth at first but saying that Dawson is now driving the band confidently, in a new interview with Chris Jericho.
McBrain retired from touring with Iron Maiden in December 2024 after more than four decades with the British heavy metal legends. His final concert with the group took place in São Paulo, Brazil, and Dawson was subsequently introduced as the band’s touring replacement.
Dawson was already familiar to bassist Steve Harris through their work together in British Lion. Even with that experience, stepping into one of heavy metal’s most recognizable drumming roles brought considerable expectations.
He started off shaky. He’s got big… And I can say it myself, he had big shoes to fill. But the wonderful thing about the way Simon plays these beautiful tunes of Iron Maiden is he’s put his own fingerprint on it. He’s stuck by what he’s comfortable playing, which is a six-piece drum kit, like maybe half a dozen cymbals, that sort of thing. It’s not a kit like mine. I’m not saying he couldn’t play my kit. I mean, if something, God forbid, had happened to me on ‘The Future Past’ tour, he could have stepped in and the band wouldn’t have lost a show. People would’ve been like, ‘Who’s that drummer up behind that kit? That’s not Nick.’ But we would’ve been able to cover it. But I gave him my blessing, and he’s done a great job. And he’s got now, the second leg, in 2026 now, he’s really at home, and he’s driving the band.
McBrain’s latest comments are supportive of his successor. The veteran drummer has previously emphasized that Dawson should bring his own musical personality to the performances rather than simply copy the arrangements note for note.
Iron Maiden‘s repertoire requires endurance and precision, particularly on the lengthy compositions and fast-paced songs that form the backbone of their live shows. Dawson has had to learn material spanning several decades of the band’s history.
McBrain’s retirement followed a stroke in 2023 that affected his mobility. Although he worked hard to recover and return to performing, he ultimately decided the physical demands of a major international tour were too great.
The drummer has nevertheless expressed interest in remaining involved with Iron Maiden in a recording capacity if a suitable opportunity arises. In recent interviews, he has suggested that contributing to a few tracks could be possible, while recognizing Dawson’s ongoing role.
McBrain joined the group for the 1983 album “Piece Of Mind” and played on landmark releases such as “Powerslave”, “Somewhere In Time”, “Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son” and “Senjutsu”. His playing helped define the band’s rhythmic identity for generations of listeners.
Iron Maiden continue to tour with Dawson behind the kit. Their official website, ironmaiden.com, carries confirmed concert dates and ticket information. McBrain’s encouragement highlights the mutual respect surrounding the band’s first touring drummer change in decades.
