During the final shows of Iron Maiden‘s 2024 tour their longtime drummer Nicko McBrain revealed that he was leaving the band due to the health issues he was facing after he suffered a stroke that changed his ability to perform the songs like they were originally made. He was replaced by Simon Dawson, who had already toured with the band in 2025. In a new interview with Rock Candy magazine, the band’s leader and bassist, Steve Harris, said they had no choice but to replace Nicko.
Steve Harris says Iron Maiden had to replace Nicko McBrain
“To be honest, we didn’t really have a choice and had to make the change after Nicko suffered his health issues. It was what it was, and we had a decision to make as to whether we wanted to carry on or not. Obviously we had a tour booked at the time that it happened, and the rest of us all wanted to continue. But ultimately, after we got through all that, it was Nick’s decision to step away and we all respected the fact that he’d decided to do that.”
“In general we haven’t done much at all. And yet all the same, nowadays we’re seeing a lot of younger people coming to gigs, which means that it’s happened naturally. I presume it’s because people pass down their musical tastes to their sons and daughters – or even their grandsons and granddaughters! We’re lucky that we’re able to pull people of all different ages,” Steve Harris said.
Simon Dawson has been the drummer of British Lion, Steve Harris’ side-project, for the last 12 years.. He is known for being a praised session drummer and already was a touring member of the British Pop Rock/New Wave group The Outfield. The band will continue to tour the world in 2026 celebrating their 50th anniversary.
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