The advice given by Nicko McBrain to Simon Dawson

The former drummer of Iron Maiden Nicko McBrain in an interview granted to Kerrangamong other topics, he also talked about Simon Dawson who replaced him in the group and the advice he gave him during lunch.

During the chat with the magazine, Nicko was asked if he had provided any advice to the newcomer. McBrain replied: “Oh, what a coincidence, we had lunch together! Simon said to me: ‘Man, your right foot, you play so fast!’. I said: ‘Well, look, if you have problems, use another pedal’. He said: ‘I have one on the drums, but I don’t really want to use it'”.

Nicko gave Dawson more advice. “I said to him, ‘Look, Simon, if you think you can’t do it with one, do it with two, no one will complain! Everyone’s already complaining about your tiny drum set.’ And so the two Iron Maiden drummers had a good laugh.”

McBrain also praised the capabilities of Simon Dawson appreciating his decision to maintain his identity as a drummer. “Simon is a great musician. He’s been playing with Steve for 14 years (in British Lion with Steve Harris, the leader of Iron Maiden, ed.), he was the right choice as my replacement. I’m proud of the fact that he didn’t try to imitate my drums in appearance, but that he kept his identity.”

Nicko McBrain ha announced his retirement from touring with them Iron Maiden on December 7, 2024, after 42 years with the band. The decision to retire was influenced by the physical strain that touring requires. In 2026 the group will be busy – like last year – around the world in Run For Your Lives Tour which also includes a stop in Italy in just over a month June 17 at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan.