Iron Maiden’s legendary drummer, Nicko McBrain, has embarked on a new musical venture, launching his project TITANIUM TART with a performance on Saturday night, August 29, at The Barn in Sanford, Florida. The tour, which will also span dates in Georgia, features McBrain and his bandmates delivering a setlist comprised entirely of IRON MAIDEN classics, much to the delight of fans who have eagerly awaited a glimpse into this new chapter for the veteran musician. Fan-filmed video footage of the inaugural concert has surfaced online, providing an early look at the band’s electrifying performance.
A Deep Dive into the TITANIUM TART Debut
The opening night of TITANIUM TART’s tour saw a packed house at The Barn, a venue known for hosting vibrant live music events. McBrain, a pivotal figure in IRON MAIDEN’s sonic evolution for over four decades, showcased his enduring passion for the music that has defined his career. The setlist for the Sanford show was a veritable pilgrimage through IRON MAIDEN’s storied discography, featuring anthems that have resonated with a global fanbase for generations.
The concert commenced with the iconic "The Number Of The Beast," a track that immediately set a high-octane tone for the evening. This was followed by a series of fan favorites, including "Infinite Dreams," "The Writing On The Wall," "The Clansman," and "Sign Of The Cross." The band delved deeper into their catalog with performances of "Darkest Hour," "Stranger In A Strange Land," and "When The Wild Wind Blows," demonstrating a comprehensive appreciation for IRON MAIDEN’s diverse body of work. The main set culminated with the thunderous "The Trooper," a track synonymous with the band’s energetic live shows.
The encore segment proved to be an equally powerful display, with TITANIUM TART delivering a trio of IRON MAIDEN epics: "For The Greater Good Of God," the sprawling narrative of "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner," and the universally acclaimed "Hallowed Be Thy Name." The selection of songs underscores McBrain’s intent to celebrate the music he has helped shape, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience these beloved tracks in a more intimate setting.
The TITANIUM TART Ensemble and Future Dates
Joining Nicko McBrain in TITANIUM TART are a formidable lineup of musicians. Rob Stokes commands the bass, providing a solid low-end foundation. Eldad Kira lends his talents to the keyboards, adding layers of sonic depth. The guitar section is manned by the dual virtuosity of Mike Rivera and Mitch Tanne, whose memainkan the intricate riffs and powerful solos that are hallmarks of IRON MAIDEN’s sound. Rounding out the ensemble is vocalist Paolo Velazquez, tasked with the challenging yet rewarding role of interpreting Bruce Dickinson’s iconic vocal performances.
The tour is scheduled to continue its run through Florida and into Georgia, with several key dates on the horizon. TITANIUM TART is slated to perform at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale on September 5, followed by a show at The Albatross in Jacksonville on September 11. The band will then travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for a performance at Center Stage Loft on September 13, before concluding their current itinerary at OCC Roadhouse in Clearwater on September 19. This limited run of shows offers fans a concentrated opportunity to witness McBrain’s return to the stage in a new capacity.
Nicko McBrain’s Decision to Step Back from Iron Maiden Touring
The formation of TITANIUM TART comes in the wake of Nicko McBrain’s announcement regarding his retirement from touring with IRON MAIDEN. In a candid interview with "Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen & Shane McEachern," the 74-year-old British drummer, born Michael Henry McBrain, elaborated on the complex factors that led to his decision. His retirement was officially declared on December 7, 2024, via a statement released on IRON MAIDEN’s official website and social media channels, with his final performance with the legendary heavy metal band taking place that night at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil.
McBrain revealed that the contemplation of retirement had been a gradual process, stemming from his involvement in the creation of IRON MAIDEN’s 2018/2019 album, "Senjutsu." "To be very, very honest with you, when we made the ‘Senjutsu’ record back in 2018, 2019, I thought then I would do the tour of that album and then I’d probably hang it up," he shared. Initially, his plan was to conclude his touring career after the "Senjutsu" album cycle. However, the trajectory of the band’s touring plans, including the "Legacy Of The Beast" and "The Future Past" tours, alongside unforeseen global events, altered this timeline.
The Impact of the Pandemic and Health Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in reshaping touring schedules and, consequently, McBrain’s retirement plans. The disruption caused by the global health crisis led to the rescheduling and evolution of planned tours. "But then, of course, we know what happened — the wonderful, great pandemic hit and ruined all the best-laid plans of a lot of businesses and people, personally as well as bands going out on tour," McBrain explained. This led to the "Legacy Of The Beast" tour taking precedence over a dedicated "Senjutsu" album tour, a shift that extended his tenure with the band.
A pivotal turning point in McBrain’s decision-making process was a stroke he suffered in early 2023. This health event profoundly impacted his physical capabilities and further solidified his resolve to step away from the demanding schedule of international touring. "And it was decided that we would do the ‘Legacy’ tour and not a ‘Senjutsu’ album tour. It was gonna be like a mix of all kinds of stuff. Anyway, we did that, and then I had my stroke in ’23," he stated. Despite the challenges, the band and management were supportive, allowing him to complete the "Legacy Of The Beast" tour and subsequently the "The Future Past" tour. "The guys let me go with it and they carried me on their shoulders, which is phenomenal. I’m so eternally grateful to each and every one of ’em for that, and our management team."
A Carefully Considered Departure
McBrain emphasized that his retirement was not a decision made lightly or with regret. He had been mentally preparing for this transition for several years. "It wasn’t one of those decisions where I was, like, ‘Ah, did I make the right decision?’ I knew back in 2019 that I was planning on hanging it up," he confirmed. He had alluded to his intentions with bandmates, including guitarist Dave Murray, though discussions with bassist Steve Harris were less in-depth at that early stage.
The cumulative effect of years on the road, the demands of high-energy performances, and the physical toll of a stroke ultimately made the decision clearer. "So, yeah, it was hard. Any time you’ve been in a band or working for someone for 42 years, it’s a difficult decision. But it was made easier for me because I had it in my mind earlier on anyway, and having the stroke kind of put the cherry on it and I thought, ‘This isn’t fair for the rest of the guys.’ And so that, that helped it out immensely."
Speculation on Dave Murray’s Future with Iron Maiden
During the same interview, McBrain addressed recent speculation surrounding the potential retirement of fellow IRON MAIDEN guitarist Dave Murray. He acknowledged the physical demands of their music and the desire for band members to spend more time with their families. "Well, yeah. We’ve all been away from our families, and David’s family expanded, and Tasha, his daughter, had a little baby, baby boy, I believe. And he’s a granddad," McBrain noted. He highlighted the challenging nature of their high-octane performances, stating, "I think for anybody at our age playing any kind of music [is demanding], to be honest. We are high octane, from start to finish."
While he refrained from speaking definitively for Murray, McBrain offered his perspective on the possibility of continued touring for the band. "So, I would probably say that, in my opinion, I think that this is not likely to be the end, but I think if they do go carry on — I know 2027 is a year off for ’em, and that’s okay. That’s all great. That’s like sitting back for a year and going, ‘Oh, breathing time. Back to family.’ But that’s another year older." He acknowledged that age becomes a factor for all musicians, including Steve Harris, who will be 71 in 2027. Ultimately, McBrain stressed that each member has their own personal considerations regarding their future with the band.
The Possibility of Future Studio Contributions
Addressing the prospect of future IRON MAIDEN studio albums and his potential involvement, McBrain left the door slightly ajar, albeit with caveats. He revealed a conversation with lead singer Bruce Dickinson at a Monsterpalooza convention in California, where Dickinson expressed a desire to record another album but was uncertain about the collective interest of the band members. "Watch this space. That’s a question mark. And I can’t answer it, because I don’t know," McBrain stated. He indicated that if the band were to proceed with a new album, he would be amenable to contributing to select tracks. "And if they do, I would be delighted to go in and do a couple of tracks. I don’t think I would do the whole album because [of] my handicap [following my stroke]." This suggests a willingness to engage in studio work that aligns with his current physical capabilities, rather than the rigorous demands of a full album recording cycle and subsequent tour.
A Detailed Account of Health-Related Retirement Factors
In an October interview with Jason Green of "Waste Some Time With Jason Green," McBrain provided further details on how his health issues, particularly the partial paralysis following his stroke, directly influenced his decision to cease touring with IRON MAIDEN. He specified the date of his stroke as January 19, 2023, and described its impact: "And it left my right side paralyzed down to the waist and just slightly below. I couldn’t move my leg very well." This paralysis directly affected his ability to execute the rapid single-stroke rolls and 16th or 32nd notes that are integral to his drumming style at high tempos.
"You need two hands to do that kind of speed, and [my right arm] just didn’t work [the same way] anymore," McBrain explained. Consequently, drum fills in several songs had to be modified during the "Legacy Of The Beast" tour part two and the "Future Past" tour. He recognized that certain songs on future setlists would present significant challenges. "But going forward, there were songs on this new set that I knew I would have difficulty playing, and we wouldn’t wanna change them, like the parts we changed, say, in ‘Trooper,’ for instance; I didn’t play the big drum fills anymore."
McBrain’s conversation with Steve Harris was crucial in reaching a mutual understanding. "I had a big conversation with Steve and I told him, ‘Look, I’m finding it very difficult with all the traveling and the recuperating time.’ We didn’t have days off, so to speak. And he said, ‘Okay, I get it. And maybe it’s best.’ And so it was more of 80 percent me, 20 percent in agreement with the rest of the guys to hang it up. And that’s why I retired." This breakdown highlights the overwhelming personal drive for retirement, supported by the band’s understanding and agreement.
IRON MAIDEN’s Perspective and the New Drummer
IRON MAIDEN bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris also weighed in on McBrain’s departure in an interview with Rock Candy magazine editor Howard Johnson. Harris described the situation as one where the band "didn’t really have a choice" but to make a change following McBrain’s health issues. "It was what it was, and we had a decision to make as to whether we wanted to carry on or not. Obviously we had a tour booked at the time that it happened, and the rest of us all wanted to continue. But ultimately, after we got through all that, it was Nick’s decision to step away and we all respected the fact that he’d decided to do that." This statement reinforces McBrain’s agency in his decision and the band’s support for his choice.
Following McBrain’s retirement from touring, Simon Dawson, a seasoned session drummer and longtime bandmate of Steve Harris in BRITISH LION, has taken over the drumming duties for IRON MAIDEN. This transition marks the first lineup change for the band in 25 years, a testament to the stability and longevity of its core members.
A Lingering Appreciation for the Band and the Fans
In July 2025, speaking on "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk," McBrain reiterated the primary reasons for his exit. "I had my health issues, which was one of the primary reasons that I decided to hang it up with the guys. And I wasn’t doing the songs justice because of the handicap that I had. And it wasn’t fair on everybody else either in the band. They supported me 100 percent through ‘The Future Past Tour,’ and that was fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of brothers to support me through my darkest hour."
McBrain also clarified that while he experienced physical limitations, his playing speed was not necessarily the issue. In fact, during rehearsals for IRON MAIDEN’s Australian tour prior to the "Future Past" tour, he was reprimanded for playing too fast, a testament to his retained speed and energy. "I got told off at rehearsals [in 2024] because I was playing the songs too fast, ’cause I’d been playing with [my Florida-based side project] TITANIUM TART [which plays MAIDEN songs] before I went off and did the rehearsals in Australia with MAIDEN. And I actually got told off for playing too quick. So it wasn’t a question of not being able to drive the band. It was just not being able to drive the band with the drum fills that I’d been used to playing for 42 years." The core concern remained the ability to perform the signature drum fills that have been a defining element of his playing for decades.
A Health Journey and a Musical Legacy
McBrain’s health struggles extend beyond his recent stroke. In August 2023, when he first publicly disclosed his stroke, he stated it had left him "paralyzed" on one side of his body and "worried" about his future with IRON MAIDEN. Furthermore, six years prior, he was diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer. While he discussed this diagnosis in a single interview in 2021, he largely kept the matter private.
Nicko McBrain officially joined IRON MAIDEN in December 1982, contributing to the seminal "Piece Of Mind" album and its accompanying tour in 1983. He replaced Clive Burr, having previously supported IRON MAIDEN with his band TRUST during the U.K. leg of the "Killers" tour in 1981. McBrain’s arrival ushered in a new era of technicality and finesse for the band’s drumming, a distinct departure from Burr’s powerful, punk-infused style. His dexterity and flair significantly influenced IRON MAIDEN’s musical direction, enabling bassist Steve Harris to explore more complex and adventurous song structures. Over his tenure, McBrain became the third longest-serving member of IRON MAIDEN, a testament to his enduring impact and dedication to the band’s legacy. His current project, TITANIUM TART, allows him to continue sharing his passion for these iconic songs with fans in a new, albeit familiar, context.
