dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
Someone told me that simon d. Will play just for one tour? That sounds like retirement is close
Nicko McBrain retires
- Thread starter Night Prowler
- Start date
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
The official announcement specifically states that he'll play in 2025, even though we know that the tour will go up to 2026. That either means that he is a temporary replacement and someone else might fill in for the second half of the tour, or they simply phrased it weirdly and he'll play in 2026 too.
I don't think they'd go through the trouble of finding a replacement this late in their career if the idea is to stop after the next tour. Also, Bruce went out of his way to say "Nicko's still part of the band, he's not out, he just won't play with us live anymore" which could mean everything from Nicko being involved in behind the scenes stuff to him appearing on another potential album.
I'd say absolutely nothing is certain right now.
srfc
Ancient Mariner
Would be very surprised if it was anything other than this.
I think if he was actually only playing for the 2025 tour they would have stated this more explicitly.
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
Wow, but at the same time I wouldn't be surprised. Maybe that could explain the weird wording that only mentions 2025 (but it doesn't make sense to use 2 drummers for 1 tour, but why only the mention of the 1st leg...? But both legs were announced so it should have been planned), they have contracts, but nothing is certain. Like I said, it's hard to believe you will replace your classic drummer after 42 years for one tour. And ofc Simon couldn't refuse the offer. They just don't want to plan in advance anymore, right.
They clearly wanted to continue with Nicko, maybe his decision was indeed revealed late (I mean, they said they wouldn't play songs he can't play anymore, also Adrian was grumpy when Nicko played faster which is not something you do if you know a family member retires) and probably some members want to retire or just miss Nicko to the point they don't wan't to continue. . The family talk. Steve choosing a drummer of their age could also imply that. Then again, Bruce mentioned that Nicko is retiring from playing live, so he can potentially play on a new album. But Bruce also said that they have plans until 2026, and if they don't plan new music then it's possible. But again, Steve said recently that they have no plans to retire. I think they are unsure as of now. And it depends on how long they knew about Nicko's decision, but they also knew that he wouldn't be the same drummer since 2023. Bruce, Steve and Adrian will continue with their solo projects. Dave and Janick will most likely play in pubs for fun. I think their plan (even with Nicko) was to do 2 more tours after RFYL and at least another album. I really wish they had recorded a new album in big secret.
In the liner notes of his new solo album, Bruce said retirement sucks (he potentially knew about Nicko back then) and then added that he hopes the whole band is moved by his new music, as in like we should continue.
Edit: there is another thing. If RFYL will be their last tour - then this will affect the setlist methinks and maybe no deep cuts. But one last tour without at least 1 Reunion song? The theme of the tour could also suggest a continuation. Or they indeed have no fresh ideas, except for a new album tour.
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dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
I think there will be a second leg in 2026 so will be the same drummer.anyway the idea is always the same tour and record an album. If there is no album, a tour without album.
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07-SMS:A1L
Trooper
I think this is quite likely. When they announced Nicko's retirement, it was unclear whether it was a complete retirement or just a retirement from touring. At the last show, Bruce had to clarify that Nicko would only be retiring from the road. Their communication about this change hasn’t been the clearest.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
I was checking the tour anunncment and its says 2025-2026.
Poto
Ancient Mariner
They might be unsure about the future.
07-SMS:A1L
Trooper
Exactly, that's my point. The Simon announcement stated that he will be the drummer in 2025. Nothing about 2026. Why is Simon announced as the drummer for 2025 if the tour is already scheduled to continue into 2026? Might be a communication error. However, if I were to speculate (as I've done before), it could be that they're considering bringing in a younger drummer for a new album if Simon and Nicko aren't in top form for it.
Maybe. But considering how quickly the process surrounding Nicko's retirement unfolded, followed by Simon being named as his replacement, it seems likely that potential future line-up changes have already been considered. It’s not as if they would cancel next summer’s tour if a guitarist had to retire. Similar to how promoters told KISS they had to have three of their four classic members in the band during their 2001 and 2003 tours, allowing Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer to join the band at various points. The promoters likely have similar demands in place for Maiden. For example: if Bruce or Steve can't perform, the show is cancelled; if one of the guitarists can't perform, the band must have a replacement at hand. Something along those lines. If Bruce, Steve, and Adrian are fit to tour in 2029 and brings along 3 members from British Lion, the promoters would likely negotiate a different deal, similar to how KISS operated with the 2004-2023 Singer and Thayer lineup. It was cheaper to book. It’s basic marketing—harder to sell means a bigger risk for the promoter.
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Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
They recorded it for sure, noticing the video angles. Whether they'll release it in full is another question, the 2nd night is the most important. Btw, the recent tour wrap video includes footage from Mexico.
That would be awesome.
Maiden are not like that, they won't just play the hits without new music tour after tour.
I really really doubt that, big time. The current decisions may have been planned in advance.
I think they're just unsure, especially if Nicko told them later. The mention of only 2025 could be because of the dates, but it's still odd. Plus he still hasn't made a post about the big news. If they want to bring a young drummer (Joe) for a tour and an album, they would have announced it methinks. Later I assume. And I don't think they're going to record without Nicko, although I'm not sure about anything right now.
Not a young drummer, but one around their age could mean this will be the last tour. It also saved the band auditions, if there were more candidates. He has been playing with Steve since 2012, the quickest decision for the already announced tour. We have to note that Bruce's current solo band and Smith/Kotzen have young musicians.
07-SMS:A1L
Trooper
When Joe was the retainer drummer, he was told before the tours (Legacy of the Beast/Book of Souls) to learn the set. Joe was not available for the 2023/2024 tour. Nicko suffered his stroke in January 2023 and informed the band via email the following day. On February 28, 2023, British Lion announced a 14-date tour across the UK and Europe between May and July 2023 and the dates matched the route of Iron Maiden’s tour. British Lion continued to trail Maiden around the world in 2024. Dawson on drums was not "a quick decision". He has probably spent the past two years learning the entire Maiden catalogue.
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Iron Brody
Educated Fool
I think about “Different World” at Download 2007 a lot.
“AND THEN TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE”
Azas
The End Of An Era
Nicko suffered a stroke, or we live in a different versions of reality?
Iron Brody
Educated Fool
Well said. The announcements were written somewhat clunky.
I guess PR material becomes harder to write in older age lol
Randalf
Ancient Mariner
I think people are reading a bit too much into the "2025" (only) mention regarding the Simon Dawnson announcement. I think it is, as @Kalata suggested above, due to only 2025 tour dates being announced so far and kind of calming the situation for the already set & published tour dates. The 2026 leg of the tour was confirmed from the start, of course, but it's bit of a different situation altogether with no dates published just yet. If and when the 2026 will be announced, I'm sure they'll include a mention of Simon carrying on as the touring drummer, or something along the lines "similar tour lineup than in 2025--" or whatever.
Perhaps it's me who's reading too much into something now, but another (or part of the) reason could be simply that given everything, they don't want to look too far into the horizon just yet. I mean, at the end of 2022 nobody knew what the 2023 would bring for Nicko. They might want to avoid a situation where they'd have to put out an announcement next that (to whatever extent) somehow negates what was announced in the announcement that was a follow-up to Nicko's announcement. Hence better not to cover any more ground just yet than necessary.
Okay I wasn't being super serious about that, but you know, just putting 2025 there does two things:
1. Calms & kind of secures the situation regarding the already announced tour dates
2. Doesn't hold any promises regarding future beyond that, just in case some additional shit goes down next year; nobody's expecting that, of course, but if the past 10 years have taught anything to Maiden family, it's probably that anything can happen and, as Mr. Harris once said, "every show is sacred these days anyway"
Perhaps it's me who's reading too much into something now, but another (or part of the) reason could be simply that given everything, they don't want to look too far into the horizon just yet. I mean, at the end of 2022 nobody knew what the 2023 would bring for Nicko. They might want to avoid a situation where they'd have to put out an announcement next that (to whatever extent) somehow negates what was announced in the announcement that was a follow-up to Nicko's announcement. Hence better not to cover any more ground just yet than necessary.
Okay I wasn't being super serious about that, but you know, just putting 2025 there does two things:
1. Calms & kind of secures the situation regarding the already announced tour dates
2. Doesn't hold any promises regarding future beyond that, just in case some additional shit goes down next year; nobody's expecting that, of course, but if the past 10 years have taught anything to Maiden family, it's probably that anything can happen and, as Mr. Harris once said, "every show is sacred these days anyway"
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07-SMS:A1L
Trooper
I live in a reality where both conditions are often caused by atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, leading to narrowing or blockages. Does the lack of distinction between them make it harder for you to understand the concept of potential replacement musicians in Iron Maiden?
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07-SMS:A1L
Trooper
Iron Lurker
Ancient Mariner
There will be a second leg of RFYL tour in 2026. Rude kept saying on stage in NA "we will be back for the 50th anniversary tour in 2 years." The Nicko retirement, Simon coming on board - this was all planned months in advance