Nicko McBrain believes Simon Dawson has found his feet in Iron Maiden. Despite a difficult start, his successor is now driving the band.
“He’s really settled in”
Appearing on the podcast Talk Is Jericho, McBrain discusses the progress Dawson has made since succeeding him in 2025.
“He struggled a bit at first. You have to remember he was under enormous pressure. But what I like about the way he plays Iron Maiden’s songs is that he puts his own stamp on them. […] I gave him my blessing, and he’s doing a very good job. Now, on this second leg of the tour, in 2026, he’s really settled in, and he’s the one driving the band.”
McBrain also appreciates that Dawson has kept his six-piece drum kit, which is very different from his own.
A difficult departure
McBrain also reflects on his decision to retire from touring in December 2024, after 42 years in Iron Maiden. He had discussed it with Steve Harris. Following his stroke in January 2023, he could no longer play certain songs as he once had.
“I could no longer play the old songs the way they deserved to be played. […] My fingers simply aren’t fast enough anymore. It wasn’t fair to the others.”
He specifically mentions The Trooper, whose intro he had been forced to change, and Murders In The Rue Morgue, which he would not have been able to play on the Run For Your Lives tour.
McBrain explains that he has avoided watching concert videos. He has nevertheless watched a few clips to see how Dawson is getting on.
“I miss the guys. Even now, just talking about it, I miss them. And those two hours onstage, too.”
McBrain recently said he would like to play on two or three songs if Iron Maiden recorded a new album. According to him, no album is currently planned.
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