Iron Maiden’s new drummer thanks ‘incredible’ fans for their support
Simon Dawson replaced Nicko McBrain in December
Last updated 6th Aug 2025
Iron Maiden’s new drummer Simon Dawson has thanked fans for their support following his first tour with the band.
Maiden put out a short video to give ‘a massive thank you to everyone who came to see us on the Run For Your Lives tour in 2025’.
Dawson took the opportunity to address the fans, commenting: "What can I say? It's been an incredible tour. Obviously, my first tour with Maiden.
“I mean, I can't say how much I appreciate the support I've had from the fans. You've been absolutely incredible to me. I couldn't wish for more."
Dawson, who also plays in bassist Steve Harris' ‘other’ band British Lion, was confirmed as Maiden’s new drummer in December 2024.
Watch: Iron Maiden’s thank you message to fans
In a post at the time, the band said: "Iron Maiden are delighted to announce that stepping in behind the kit for 2025 is a name familiar to many of our fans.
"Simon Dawson, a former session drummer and Steve's rhythm section partner of the past 12 years with British Lion.
"A native of Suffolk, England, Simon first teamed up with Steve Harris back in 2012."
Longtime drummer Nicko McBrain announced that he was retiring from touring but would remain "firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects".
In a statement on the band’s website he said: “Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey…To my bandmates, you made it a dream come true and I love you!”
McBrain suffered a stroke in 2023 that he said had left him with partial paralysis. He later said he had to adapt his playing style and has even had to leave out some fills.
Iron Maiden at London Stadium in 2025
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
The 75,000-strong Iron Maiden crowd at London Stadium
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
The 75,000-strong Iron Maiden crowd at London Stadium
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden's touring drummer Simon Dawson
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson grabs Eddie
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden guitarist Janick Jers
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
The 75,000-strong Iron Maiden crowd at London Stadium
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris and guitarist Janick Jers
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
The 75,000-strong Iron Maiden crowd at London Stadium
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
The 75,000-strong Iron Maiden crowd at London Stadium
Iron Maiden triumph at London Stadium
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson