Iron Maiden kicked off their “Run for Your Lives” 50th anniversary tour Tuesday, marking the band’s first show with drummer Simon Dawson and the first without Nicko McBrain since 1982. McBrain announced his retirement from touring in December after not fully recovering from a stroke in January 2023. The tour is scheduled to conclude in Warsaw, Poland on…

Iron Maiden kicked off their “Run for Your Lives” 50th anniversary tour Tuesday, marking the band’s first show with drummer Simon Dawson and the first without Nicko McBrain since 1982. McBrain announced his retirement from touring in December after not fully recovering from a stroke in January 2023. The tour is scheduled to conclude in Warsaw, Poland on…

 

 

Iron Maiden kicked off their highly anticipated “Run for Your Lives” 50th anniversary tour on Tuesday night, igniting a new chapter in the legendary band’s storied history. The concert, held in Helsinki, Finland, marked several milestones for the British heavy metal giants—not only is it the beginning of their half-century celebration, but it also signifies the first show without longtime drummer Nicko McBrain since 1982. Taking his place behind the kit is Simon Dawson, a respected session drummer who has previously collaborated with Steve Harris on various side projects.

The absence of McBrain, who joined Iron Maiden in 1982 and became a defining force in the band’s classic sound, was deeply felt by fans. His intricate playing style and charismatic stage presence helped shape Maiden’s iconic live performances for over four decades. In December 2024, McBrain announced his retirement from touring, citing ongoing health challenges following a stroke he suffered in January 2023. While he made an impressive recovery and even returned for select performances later that year, he ultimately chose to step back from full-scale touring to focus on his health and family.

In a heartfelt video message shared with fans ahead of the tour’s launch, McBrain said, “It’s been the honor of my life to play for you all these years. While I won’t be on the road with the band, my spirit will be with Iron Maiden every night.” His departure marks the end of an era, but the band’s enduring resilience was on full display Tuesday night.

Simon Dawson, while a newcomer to Maiden’s touring lineup, delivered a powerhouse performance. Fans and critics alike praised his ability to capture the essence of McBrain’s drumming while bringing a fresh energy to the band’s sound. “Simon was phenomenal,” said one concertgoer. “He honored Nicko’s legacy while adding his own flair. The band hasn’t missed a beat.”

The “Run for Your Lives” tour features a career-spanning setlist, blending deep cuts with fan favorites like “The Trooper,” “Aces High,” and the eponymous “Run to the Hills.” Visual effects, pyrotechnics, and appearances by the band’s monstrous mascot, Eddie, created the immersive, high-octane experience Maiden fans have come to expect. Notably, the set also included rare performances of tracks from the Somewhere in Time and Virtual XI albums, offering a nod to Maiden’s rich and diverse catalog.

The tour will take Iron Maiden across Europe, North America, South America, and parts of Asia, culminating in Warsaw, Poland, on October 18, 2025. The Warsaw finale is expected to be a massive celebration, with special guests rumored and an extended set planned to commemorate 50 years of Iron Maiden’s global legacy.

As they embark on this historic tour, Iron Maiden once again proves that they remain one of the most powerful and enduring forces in rock and metal. Despite the changes and challenges, their commitment to their fans and to the music remains stronger than ever. With Simon Dawson joining the ranks, the band moves forward with both reverence for the past and excitement for the future.