Iron Maiden have announced a new drummer following the recent departure of longtime member Nico McBrain. The drummer joined the legendary metal band in 1982, replacing Clive Barr, and has played on all their albums since “Piece Of Mind” of 1983. However, he suffered a mild stroke, or transient ischemic attack, in January 2023 that left him partially paralyzed on the right side from the shoulder down.

As the band’s ‘The Future Past’ world tour draws to a close, McBrain has confirmed that the concert in Sao Paulo on December 7 will be his last with the band and that he has decided to take a step back from the lifestyle he was leading until now.

“After much thought, with sadness and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the daily grind of extensive touring. Today, Saturday December 7, in São Paulo will be my last concert with Iron Maiden. I wish the band every success in the future” he explained.

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McBrain added to his initial announcement: “What can I say? Touring with Maiden for the past 42 years has been an incredible journey! My devoted fans, you have made everything worthwhile and I love you!”

“I look to the future with great enthusiasm and great hope!” concluded. “I’ll see you soon, God bless you all and, of course, ‘Up the Irons!'”

Iron Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood wrote in a statement on behalf of the band: “Nico, And we all love you too!! Thanks for being an unstoppable force behind the Maiden drum kit for 42 years and my friend for even more. I speak for the whole band when I say that we will miss you very much!”

Now, the heavy metal band has revealed the newest addition to its line-up: Simon Dawson, who is the drummer in British Lion, the hard rock project of Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris.

Dawson first joined the band as he established himself during the making of Steve Harris’ 2012 solo album also titled ‘British Lion’. He played on three songs on this album and participated as a band member on the 2020 album ‘The Burning’. He will join Maiden on their ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour in 2025, which kicks off in Budapest, Hungary on May 27.