After an incredible 81-show run on their “Future Past Tour,” which saw Iron Maiden perform for over 1.4 million fans across the globe, the band has announced a major lineup change for their upcoming 2025 tour. Stepping in as their new drummer is Simon Dawson, a name well-known to many Maiden fans due to his long-standing musical relationship with the band.

Dawson, who hails from Suffolk, England, has been part of the British Lion project, serving as the rhythm section partner to Iron Maiden’s bassist Steve Harris for the past 12 years. Simon first joined forces with Harris back in 2012, contributing to the band’s debut album and their follow-up, The Burning, as well as participating in extensive tours across the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and recently, Mexico and South America.

Iron Maiden shared their excitement about Dawson’s new role in a statement:
“As the Future Past Tour concludes after 81 shows to over 1.4 million fans, from Ljubljana to the Coachella Valley and from Western Australia to Sao Paulo, 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.”

Iron Maiden’s 50th Anniversary celebrations will kick off with their “Run For Your Lives” Tour, starting in Budapest on May 27th, 2025. Fans can expect a thrilling new chapter for the band with Dawson behind the drums as they continue to celebrate their iconic legacy.