Simon Dawson is the new drummer

If Steve wastes a set slot for that one, I'll push him face down into the sand. And then I'll plaster a smirk onto my face and yell "looks like there's a Face in the Sand after all".
:D

He won’t I was being sarcastic. Having said that I think I like the drumming style of Simon, he seems quite accomplished.
 
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I noticed there is a bitterness on the internet that Joe Lazarus wasn’t selected and not only from his father.
It would have been literally refreshing to bring such a young guy to the band and kind of a fairytale.
 
I noticed there is a bitterness on the internet that Joe Lazarus wasn’t selected and not only from his father.
It would have been literally refreshing to bring such a young guy to the band and kind of a fairytale.
I think they wanted someone of their age.

But again, if they went with a world-class pedrigree drummer, this argument wouldn't have happened.
 

Face In The Sand is a very good song imo. The double bass drum was probably unnecessary but I think it adds to the urgency of the song. It's very upfront in this mix but I like how it makes the keyboards sound like mellotron a bit.
Has always been one of my favorites. I remember Nicko stating that he disliked playing the double bass pedal and listening to the song it's understandable. For as creative as a drummer as he is with a single pedal, he didn't use any of the advantages a double pedal gives you. He simply spammed consistent double kicks almost the entire song through, which is incredibly boring. Obviously I didn't expect him to come out the gates blazing with something like Meshuggah's Bleed, but he could've been a bit more creative with the rhythms.
 
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At the end of the day I'm sure Joe wanted to go out and build his own career as a drummer/drum tech rather than just get paid to be on standby for several more years with Maiden. So he's made some connections and is out doing his own thing.

Because of this Simon was put on standby, and as mentioned Steve has already played with him for years.

I'm sure Simon will be good. I'm looking forward to seeing how the band sound with him at the kit.
 
Then what was the purpose of Steve asking Joe to learn their sets "just in case" for 3 tours in a row and not asked Simon?
Joe was the top choice for several years, but ultimately, I believe Simon is a better fit. Joe might have conflicted with the band's image and perhaps even his playing style. It’s similar to the situation with Tommy Clufetos in Sabbath—Vinny Appice would have been a better choice in that case.
 
I’m glad they chose Simon rather than Joe. I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed an exact replicant of Nicko’s style. You gotta have your own identity.
Simon is obviously a versatile drummer and would probably would do a fine job (technically enough, let's see 'cus I'm not sure), but I don't think/feel he is the right choice for Maiden and to replace Nicko, although considering his former bands and styles he could be the ''right'' replacement and will definitely be more curious and can bring something different. I don't want a copy either, but at least with Joe you know you're getting Nicko's groove (more or less) and from a young and energetic drummer. It's not that much about the age or image methinks. Joe was probably the top choice in the last few years, but he had to try to have his own career and that probably played some role.
We can't discuss other famous drummers because we don't know if they were in the talks, but I doubt there would have some arguments with most of the choices because the name gives an association with another band, playing and style.
Joe might have conflicted with the band's image and perhaps even his playing style.
Why? Playing?
 
We don't know if he wanna play with Iron Maiden or if Steve would like to play with him. You never know.
Yeah, but… what about ask 5 or 10 great drummers and try them ? If you still thinking that Simon is your preferred, ok like when he choose Blaze
 
It might be a bit of a Mandela effect thing but I've always seen BL touring alongside Maiden, could be wrong of course, but it makes sense they did. But at the same time it's not like he cannot play or even meet BL members whenever he pleases as well.
 
So one of the reasons they toured together could be that this Simon dude could step up if Nico isn't capable.So the IM tour doesn't come in jeopardy. Just thinking....
 
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