Nicko McBrain has retired from touring, and Simon Dawson will be replacing him. Additionally, Iron Maiden’s manager has expressed frustration with fans who ignored a “no phones” request during the 50th anniversary tour in Budapest…

Nicko McBrain has retired from touring, and Simon Dawson will be replacing him. Additionally, Iron Maiden’s manager has expressed frustration with fans who ignored a “no phones” request during the 50th anniversary tour in Budapest…

 

Iron Maiden has entered a new chapter in their storied legacy, marked by both a poignant farewell and an evolving dynamic with their fanbase. Longtime drummer Nicko McBrain has officially retired from touring, signaling the end of an era for the legendary British heavy metal band. After over four decades behind the kit, McBrain’s decision follows recent health challenges and a storied career that helped shape the sonic backbone of Iron Maiden’s sound. In his place, veteran drummer Simon Dawson has stepped in to take the reins for live performances—a move met with both respect for McBrain’s legacy and curiosity about how the band will evolve on stage.

McBrain, who joined the band in 1982 and played on iconic albums such as Powerslave, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, and Brave New World, had become a fan favorite for his technical precision and charismatic stage presence. His retirement comes after a brief health scare in 2023, during which he revealed he had suffered a stroke. Although he made a partial recovery and returned for select performances, the demands of full-scale touring ultimately prompted his decision to step back. In a statement, McBrain expressed deep gratitude to fans, bandmates, and the Iron Maiden crew, emphasizing that while he is stepping off the road, his heart remains with the band.

Taking up the drumsticks is Simon Dawson, a seasoned session drummer with prior ties to Iron Maiden’s extended musical family. Dawson previously worked with Steve Harris on his side project, British Lion, and has a style that aligns closely with McBrain’s rhythmic drive. While fans are understandably nostalgic, early feedback from Dawson’s performances has been largely positive, with many praising his ability to replicate McBrain’s signature grooves while adding his own energy to the live shows.

Meanwhile, Iron Maiden’s ongoing 50th anniversary tour—an otherwise celebratory milestone—has faced some friction. During the Budapest leg of the tour, manager Rod Smallwood voiced frustration over widespread non-compliance with the band’s request for a phone-free experience. The band had politely asked fans to refrain from recording the show with smartphones in order to encourage full immersion in the performance. However, according to Smallwood, many in the audience disregarded the request, with glowing screens and raised phones distracting from what was meant to be a shared, electrifying moment between band and fans.

“It’s not about control—it’s about connection,” Smallwood said in a post-show interview. “We’re asking fans to be present, not behind a lens. Bruce [Dickinson] feeds off the crowd’s energy, and it’s tough to engage when people are busy filming instead of living the moment.”

Despite these challenges, Iron Maiden remains undeterred. With a new drummer on stage and the band still firing on all cylinders musically, the 50th anniversary tour serves as a testament to their resilience and enduring influence. While changes are inevitable after half a century, Iron Maiden continues to command the stage with the same intensity that made them legends—and they’re inviting fans to stay in the moment with them, no screens required.