In a recent interview held at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Iron Maiden's frontman Bruce Dickinson shared intriguing insights about the band’s new drummer, Simon Dawson. Interestingly, Dickinson pointed out that while Dawson has taken over from Nicko McBrain, he reminds him of another legendary drummer, who is a beloved figure among Iron Maiden fans.

During his engaging conversation with MI Conversation Series host Ryan J. Downey, Dickinson elaborated on the journey that led to Dawson’s selection as Iron Maiden’s new drummer following McBrain’s retirement. This discussion shed light on how Dawson’s unique style sets him apart, and how this decision was made amidst the band’s evolving dynamics.

Discover the Drummer Who Inspires Bruce Dickinson: Simon Dawson’s Unique Style

Throughout the dialogue, Dickinson emphasized that one of the key factors in choosing Dawson was his distinct sound that diverges from McBrain’s signature style. He stated, “You can’t replace Nicko. You shouldn’t even attempt to replicate him. The goal is not to find a Nicko clone,” highlighting the importance of individual flair in drumming. “Instead, you need a drummer who can interpret the material in their own unique manner,” he added, reinforcing the value of originality.

READ MORE: 5 Essential Facts About Simon Dawson, Iron Maiden’s New Drummer

As the conversation continued, Dickinson remarked, “If I’m being truthful, closing my eyes during some of that [initial] rehearsal [with Simon] felt reminiscent of having Clive Burr back with us. His playing exudes that classic big band swing feel, which echoes all the right influences.” This comparison illustrates how Dawson’s musicality resonates deeply within the Iron Maiden legacy.

Reflecting on his first experience hearing Dawson play, Dickinson expressed his genuine excitement: “I was blown away. It was an extraordinary moment,” he recalled, underscoring his enthusiasm for the new drummer’s contributions.

The Journey of Simon Dawson to Iron Maiden: An Unexpected Opportunity

According to Dickinson, Dawson’s significant break came during their last tour. At that time, Steve Harris was also busy touring with his side project, British Lion, and Dawson was part of that support team. Dickinson candidly admitted that the decision to audition Dawson was a backup plan, as there were uncertainties surrounding McBrain’s ability to perform due to health concerns.

“At times during performances, it wasn’t just about Nicko’s drumming; we were genuinely worried about his physical well-being,” Dickinson shared. “We were determined to avoid a scenario where Nick would end up in the hospital; thus, we needed a reliable backup.” This insight reveals the band’s commitment to both their music and the health of their members.

READ MORE: Nicko McBrain Discusses His Retirement from Iron Maiden

Ultimately, it was Harris who recommended Dawson, and the outcome exceeded Dickinson’s expectations. “Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised,” the singer reflected. “We powered through the entire set without any breaks. Dawson had never rehearsed with anyone in the band before; he simply showed up ready to rock. I thought, ‘Wow, we could perform a show tonight if needed. That’s simply incredible!'”

Iron Maiden’s Exciting Road Ahead: The 2025 World Tour

Looking forward, Iron Maiden is gearing up for their much-anticipated return to the stage in 2025. The band will officially launch the “Run For Your Lives” world tour on May 27 in Budapest, Hungary. This tour marks a significant milestone for the band and their fans alike.

Currently, the tour has dates scheduled exclusively in Europe and the U.K., with performances extending until August 2 in Warsaw, Poland. For those eager to catch the iconic band live, comprehensive details about scheduled dates, cities, venues, and ticketing information are readily available on the official Iron Maiden website.