Nicko McBrain takes centre stage with Titanium Tart

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has taken to the stage with his Titanium Tart project, beginning a short tour of Florida and Georgia. The project, featuring Rob Stokes on bass, Eldad Kira on keyboards, Mike Rivera and Mitch Tanne on guitar, and Paolo Velazquez on vocals, kicked off on 29 August at The Barn in Sanford, Florida.

Following the opening date, fan-filmed footage has surfaced from the second show on 5 September at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale. The setlist for the Florida date consisted primarily of Iron Maiden staples, including "The Number Of The Beast", "The Trooper", and "Hallowed Be Thy Name".

It wasn't one of those decisions where I was, like, 'Ah, did I make the right decision?'

The residency of the touring band continues with dates scheduled at The Albatross in Jacksonville on 11 September, Center Stage Loft in Atlanta on 13 September, and OCC Roadhouse in Clearwater on 19 September.

These performances come as McBrain prepares for a final chapter in his career. The 74-year-old drummer officially announced his retirement from touring with Iron Maiden on 11 December, 2024. He previously explained to Rock Of Nations that his initial plan to retire after the "Senjutsu" tour was disrupted by the pandemic and his subsequent stroke in 2023. While he had hinted at his plans to the band members as early as 2019, the official departure marks the end of an era for the legendary metal outfit.