Simon Dawson is the new drummer

[GhostofCain]

Doing the whole "he's still in the band, just not playing with us (live, but it's not like we're heading into the studio any time soon, so...)" I feel was a bit of a miscalculation, since honestly it sets expectations.

If they never record another album then Nicko is de facto not in the band, as in he's not involved in any way on the drumming side of things. If they do and Nicko can't perform for some or even all of the tracks, we're still at the same or a similar situation where the band has a permanent drummer who barely plays with them at all and a touring drummer who does all or most of the actual drumwork.

It feels wrong. Had they done a clean break, Nicko coming back in some capacity for a studio track or two for example would instead be a massive pleasant surprise to everyone, but now it feels more like the bare minimum. Band shouldn't have emeritus positions.

Agreed. Anyway, I think that Rod's press release following Nicko's exit from the band was just a polite way of addressing him not being able to drum for Maiden anymore.

 

[Nomadd]

Agreed. Anyway, I think that Rod's press release following Nicko's exit from the band was just a polite way of addressing him not being able to drum for Maiden anymore.

Exactly, Rod is an old-fashioned Englishman; he didn't say it straightforwardly from the heart, but we all know the sense.

 

[GhostofCain]

Exactly, Rod is an old-fashioned Englishman Yorkshireman; he didn't say it straightforwardly from the heart, but we all know the sense.

Fixed it for you.

 

[CA Bryers]

It feels wrong. Had they done a clean break, Nicko coming back in some capacity for a studio track or two for example would instead be a massive pleasant surprise to everyone, but now it feels more like the bare minimum. Bands shouldn't have emeritus positions.

While I like the idea in theory that Nick will be the official drummer and this is the final "official" lineup, it all depends on where they go from here. If they record with Simon, Simon should be the replacement, not just a live fill-in drummer. I'd have no problem if Nick did a couple tracks on the new album and they titled it...I dunno, The Majesty of Gaia (feat. Nicko McBrain).

It's weird that a band that's as seemingly unsentimental as Maiden is is doing this weirdly very sentimental thing with Nicko. I get it's a show of respect for his dedication throughout the years, but Nick himself has said numerous times he wanted the band to replace him if he couldn't pull it off anymore.

 

[Mosh]

Doing the whole "he's still in the band, just not playing with us (live, but it's not like we're heading into the studio any time soon, so...)" I feel was a bit of a miscalculation, since honestly it sets expectations.

If they never record another album then Nicko is de facto not in the band, as in he's not involved in any way on the drumming side of things. If they do and Nicko can't perform for some or even all of the tracks, we're still at the same or a similar situation where the band has a permanent drummer who barely plays with them at all and a touring drummer who does all or most of the actual drumwork.

It feels wrong. Had they done a clean break, Nicko coming back in some capacity for a studio track or two for example would instead be a massive pleasant surprise to everyone, but now it feels more like the bare minimum. Bands shouldn't have emeritus positions.

I agree with this, although the jury is still out on a lot of things I guess. We don’t know if RFYL is the last tour, we don’t know if there will be an album, and if there is we don’t know who will play on it. I think the wording is intentionally squishy with that in mind because the band themselves haven’t made those decisions yet about their future.

 

[Yax]

Both of your examples include musicians who perform live with the band though. Unless Nicko records on an album or plays on stage with Maiden in some capacity, neither of which there is any realistic expectation for, he is not the drummer for Iron Maiden.

Well. Glenn Tipton is the guitarist for Judas Priest, and when he's on stage, he essentially just stands there moving his hands, just about inaudible, and there have been at least one occassion where his LAM solo was visibly prerecorded.

I think that's a rather fair comparison.

 

[Mosh]

Well. Glenn Tipton is the guitarist for Judas Priest, and when he's on stage, he essentially just stands there moving his hands, just about inaudible, and there have been at least one occassion where his LAM solo was visibly prerecorded.

I think that's a rather fair comparison.

That’s more accurate than the Kiss and BFMV comparisons I think, also wouldn’t be surprised if Maiden has watched how priest handled the Tipton situation and the fan reception as well. Unfortunately for Nicko I think there’s just more Tipton is able to contribute to Priest due to a bunch of different factors including instrument differences, Tipton being a songwriter, etc.

 

[GhostofCain]

Well. Glenn Tipton is the guitarist for Judas Priest, and when he's on stage, he essentially just stands there moving his hands, just about inaudible, and there have been at least one occassion where his LAM solo was visibly prerecorded.

I think that's a rather fair comparison.

That is pretty sad.

Why is it so difficult to realise when it's time to call it a day?

 

[onurb]

That is pretty sad.

Why is it so difficult to realise when it's time to call it a day?

It's sad, but that's not the point. The point is that for musicians, the stage is their life. It's one of the ways they find to make themselves feel alive and useful. It must be much worse for them to be at home doing nothing.

Some are ok with finding a moment to stop and others just can't make that move in their careers.

 

[Ascendingthethrone]

That is pretty sad.

Why is it so difficult to realise when it's time to call it a day?

Pride is one hell of a drug.

 

[MindRuler]

And the thrill of being on stage another.
The crowd, the tension, it´s immense.
I remember from my days as a vocalist I lived up to a gig and that first minute on stage and then hear the crowds response is incredible!

 

[Kalata]

IMB - IRON MAIDEN BRASIL on Instagram: "Nicko falou sobre a entrada de Simon Dawson na nova revista do IMFC que saiu hoje. Nicko participou da revista com uma entrevista bem grande, respondendo perguntas dos fãs e colaborando nas outras matérias."

3,958 likes, 87 comments - ironmaiden.brasil on May 16, 2025: "Nicko falou sobre a entrada de Simon Dawson na nova revista do IMFC que saiu hoje. Nicko participou da revista com uma entrevista bem grande, respondendo perguntas dos fãs e colaborando nas outras matérias.".

www.instagram.com

Nicko with a comment about Simon taken from the new IMFC mag. It looks like the interview with him is quite large, hope we can read it. Answering fan questions and collaborating on other topics.

''Simon’s arrival will be a little different. It’s not me, but every drummer has their own stamp, and he’s going to put his own stamp on it. Welcome him: welcome him into the family and don’t compare him to me. Let him express himself in his own way, he’s a good musician. It’s true, he’s been working with Steve for 12 years – it’s a natural progression to choose someone he knows as a rhythm section – it’s essential for a bass player. You’re the foundation, whatever kind of music you play, that’s it, and the chemistry has to be right, so it’s the right decision.''

 

[Kalata]

Both of your examples include musicians who perform live with the band though. Unless Nicko records on an album or plays on stage with Maiden in some capacity, neither of which there is any realistic expectation for, he is not the drummer for Iron Maiden.

There is no realistic expectations for? Not even for the special London Stadium show? Why would Bruce underline he's not leaving the band then? They need to record an album (idk, even just a couple of songs) for that though. Like Glenn's role.

Doing the whole "he's still in the band, just not playing with us (live, but it's not like we're heading into the studio any time soon, so...)" I feel was a bit of a miscalculation, since honestly it sets expectations.
If they never record another album then Nicko is de facto not in the band, as in he's not involved in any way on the drumming side of things. If they do and Nicko can't perform for some or even all of the tracks, we're still at the same or a similar situation where the band has a permanent drummer who barely plays with them at all and a touring drummer who does all or most of the actual drumwork.
It feels wrong. Had they done a clean break, Nicko coming back in some capacity for a studio track or two for example would instead be a massive pleasant surprise to everyone, but now it feels more like the bare minimum. Bands shouldn't have emeritus positions.

We don't if they have plans for the future yet, but I think they wish Nicko to record in the studio.

Anyway, I think that Rod's press release following Nicko's exit from the band was just a polite way of addressing him not being able to drum for Maiden anymore.

I think everyone is hoping, including Nicko, that he can play something in the studio.

It's weird that a band that's as seemingly unsentimental as Maiden is is doing this weirdly very sentimental thing with Nicko. I get it's a show of respect for his dedication throughout the years, but Nick himself has said numerous times he wanted the band to replace him if he couldn't pull it off anymore.

It's obvious they want the Reunion lineup to be remembered as the definitive one.

I agree with this, although the jury is still out on a lot of things I guess. We don’t know if RFYL is the last tour, we don’t know if there will be an album, and if there is we don’t know who will play on it. I think the wording is intentionally squishy with that in mind because the band themselves haven’t made those decisions yet about their future.

I highly doubt RFYL will be the last tour with a new live drummer, there should be at least one more album (who will play is another matter). I think it's telling that they have no plans, mentioning that Simon will play this year, and not adding the next year.

 

[Helmuth Von Moltke]

It's obvious they want the Reunion lineup to be remembered as the definitive one.

I think this is quite important, January 1999 - December 2024, 26 years!

We discussed Tipton, and the other analogy Maiden will want to avoid is AC/DC. Where members are dropping like flies (RIP Malcolm) but they keep it going using the Angus - Brian double act.

If Nicko remains a band ambassador and very involved ...come on Shack and Rod, find a good podcast concept and make Nicko host! If the rest of the reunion lineup keeps going for 3 or 4 years, Nicko cheerleading from the side, the spirit of the reunion lineup can be preserved.

 

[Brigantium]

In legal or business contractual terms, he probably still is in the band. Of course should there be another album he won't get as high a cut, and goodness knows where that leaves him with the tour. If he's still a company director, though, he stands to get a share if any profit.

Simon will be under a specific contract.

Edit: Nicko is still involved with Iron Maiden LLP and Iron Maiden Touring LLP. Simon isn't. Iron Maiden Holdings doesn't involve any member of the band, just Rod and Co.

 

[2M2M]

In legal or business contractual terms, he probably still is in the band. Of course should there be another album he won't get as high a cut, and goodness knows where that leaves him with the tour. If he's still a company director, though, he stands to get a share if any profit.

Simon will be under a specific contract.

Edit: Nicko is still involved with Iron Maiden LLP and Iron Maiden Touring LLP. Simon isn't. Iron Maiden Holdings doesn't involve any member of the band, just Rod and Co.

I"m assuming you found that info via Companies Registry? - I had looked there a while back and was wondering if Simon would show up anywhere, but as you say, he'll 100% be on a contract. Even if he does an album with Maiden, I'd say he will be credited as performing drums on the album, but will still be a contract member... I think the idea is that, this late in the career, there is absolutely no harm in keeping Nicko as 'the drummer' even if it is 'in spirit'. I liken it to how David Paich is no longer touring/performing with Toto (I think he might do local LA/North American shows..), but is still a full time member of the band.

Sometimes at this level, being in the band is more than just performing. And Nicko is still A drummer. So he can be drummer for Iron Maiden as long as he wants in my books, and Simon can be touring/fill in, to keep the band going, live and hopefully on record.

 

[matic22]

In legal or business contractual terms, he probably still is in the band. Of course should there be another album he won't get as high a cut, and goodness knows where that leaves him with the tour. If he's still a company director, though, he stands to get a share if any profit.

Simon will be under a specific contract.

Edit: Nicko is still involved with Iron Maiden LLP and Iron Maiden Touring LLP. Simon isn't. Iron Maiden Holdings doesn't involve any member of the band, just Rod and Co.

Yeah, it all points to Simon being a touring hired gun for now and Nicko remaining an Iron Maiden member and will likely be paid through Iron Maiden LLP.

What is more interesting is that Rod resigned as Iron Maiden Limited director in 2023, which likely marks his semi-retirement as IM manager.

 

[Helmuth Von Moltke]

Yeah, it all points to Simon being a touring hired gun for now and Nicko remaining an Iron Maiden member and will likely be paid through Iron Maiden LLP.

What is more interesting is that Rod resigned as Iron Maiden Limited director in 2023, which likely marks his semi-retirement as IM manager.

I didn't know that, but having checked Rod's personal companies house listing I found the following. He still is in charge of Phantom and Sanctuary. But in 2023-24 Rod also resigned from no less than 23 companies. Many Maiden related, the main ones of course being Iron Maiden Holdings and others we recognise.

 

[cyanopsis]

I didn't know that, but having checked Rod's personal companies house listing I found the following. He still is in charge of Phantom and Sanctuary. But in 2023 Rod also resigned from no less than 23 companies. Many Maiden related, the main ones of course being Iron Maiden Holdings and others we recognise.

The man is 75. I don't think anyone in Maiden are planning to go the Rolling Stone route.

 

[Brigantium]

Yes it's all on Companies House. They regularly change company names and directorship, but it's standard business stuff, moving money from place to place I guess.

Nicko still has the same status as all the others, including in what appears to be the tour side of the business.