He becomes Iron Maiden's new drummer

The heavy metal band Iron Maiden will tour with a new drummer – it will be Simon Dawson who will fill Nicko McBrain's shoes.

McBrain has been the drummer in Iron Maiden for 42 years, but recently put an end to touring after a longer period of declining health. Dawson will now join the world tour "The run for your lives", which starts in Budapest in May next year.

He is, however, not unknown to the band's fans – for twelve years, he has played with bassist and songwriter Steve Harris' other band, British Lion.

McBrain has, however, said that he will remain a "fixed part of the Iron Maiden family" and work on some other projects together with the band.

Iron Maiden was formed in London in 1975 by Steve Harris.