Nicko McBrain Kicks Off Titanium Tart Tour

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has officially launched his Titanium Tart project, kicking off a short tour of Florida and Georgia. The debut performance took place on Saturday, August 29, at The Barn in Sanford, Florida, where McBrain performed a setlist comprised entirely of Iron Maiden classics, including "The Number Of The Beast", "The Trooper", and "Hallowed Be Thy Name".

McBrain's new outfit features a full lineup including Rob Stokes on bass, Eldad Kira on keyboards, Mike Rivera and Mitch Tanne on guitar, and Paolo Velazquez on vocals. The tour continues with dates at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale on September 5, The Albatross in Jacksonville on September 11, Center Stage Loft in Atlanta on September 13, and OCC Roadhouse in Clearwater on September 19.

It was a difficult decision. Any time you've been in a band or working for someone for 42 years, it's a difficult decision.

This new chapter follows McBrain's decision to step down from touring with Iron Maiden, a move he announced in December 2024. The 74-year-old drummer admitted that while the decision to leave was difficult after 42 years with the band, his health and the reality of the touring circuit made the transition necessary. He expressed deep gratitude to his bandmates for their support through the "Legacy" and "The Future Past" tours following his stroke in 2023.