Metal legends Iron Maiden unveil new drummer

Simon Dawson will be playing the drums for Iron Maiden at live gigs

Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden have announced they will be touring with a new drummer.

Iron Maiden were formed in east London in 1975 by bass player Steve Harris, were pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal movement and have now sold more than 130 million albums worldwide.

After 42 years with the band, drummer Nicko McBrain announced he was retiring from touring, but would remain "firmly part of the Iron Maiden family".

Simon Dawson, a former session drummer from Suffolk, will be on the drum stool for the band's The Run For Your Lives World Tour, which starts in Budapest in May.

Dawson will be well-known to Maiden's global army of fans.

For more than a decade he has played with Harris's other band, called British Lion.

In a post on Facebook 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."

Fans online have praised the appointment, wishing McBrain well and welcoming Dawson.

Long-standing Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is retiring from touring

'Up the Irons!'

In a statement on Iron Maiden's website, McBrain said: "After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle."

He added: "What can I say? Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey!

McBrain's statement concluded: "I look into the future with much excitement and great hope! I'll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course, 'Up the Irons!'"

The band's manager, Rod Smallwood, said: "Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for Maiden for 42 years and my friend for even longer.

"I speak on behalf of all the band when I say we will miss you immensely!"

The UK leg of Maiden's tour takes in arenas in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow as well as a "home" fixture at the London Stadium.