Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has returned to the stage with his new project, Titanium Tart. He kicked off a short tour across Florida and Georgia after stepping back from touring with Iron Maiden due to the demands of touring at his age. Footage of the performance was shared in a Nicko McBrain fan’s video.
The video’s caption highlighted the performance, noting the drummer tackling a classic Iron Maiden track during the show.
“Nicko McBrain performs Sign of the Cross by Iron Maiden 2026,” the caption read.
Fans reacted to the performance with messages of support, reflecting on McBrain’s long career and recent health journey.
“Over 40 years of drumming, world tours, a stroke and recovery and HE’S STILL GOT IT!” one fan wrote. “Nothing but love and respect for Nicko. I wish him many more years.”
Other fans speculated about what McBrain’s return to a full drum kit could signal for Iron Maiden’s future. They also pointed out that he remains a member of the band.
“Nick on the FULL kit this run….. rumours of another Maiden album, could there be some rehabbing going on and relearning new playing techniques for the next album recording…..???” another fan commented. “Remember, he only stopped touring, he never left the band.”
Additional comments praised the quality of the live sound during the show.
“This sounds excellent!” a fan said. “The drums are spectacular sounding and mixed really well.”
McBrain’s history with health struggles adds weight to the excitement surrounding his return to a full kit. He officially retired from touring with Iron Maiden in December 2024, months after suffering a stroke in January 2023 that temporarily left him unable to perform. Despite stepping away from the road, McBrain has remained a member of Iron Maiden. He has not ruled out contributing to the band in some capacity down the line.
The current Titanium Tart run marks the band’s most ambitious stretch of shows to date, spanning five dates across two states. The tour began August 29 in Sanford, Florida, and continues through stops in Fort Lauderdale on September 5, Jacksonville on September 11, and Atlanta on September 13, before wrapping up in Clearwater on September 19. The Atlanta date represents the project’s first venture outside Florida, expanding Titanium Tart’s reach beyond its home base.
Titanium Tart features a lineup built specifically around bringing Iron Maiden’s catalog to life. Rob Stokes handles bass duties, and Eldad Kira plays keyboards. Mitch Tanne and Mike Rivera share guitar responsibilities, and Paolo Velazquez takes on vocals. Together, the band has built a reputation for faithfully recreating the energy of Maiden’s live shows on a smaller scale.
The Sanford performance, which fans have been sharing clips from online, appears to have reassured longtime followers that McBrain has lost none of his drumming ability despite his health setbacks. His presence behind a full kit for this tour, rather than a scaled-down setup, has fueled further speculation among fans about his long-term involvement with Iron Maiden’s future projects. He continues to build out Titanium Tart’s touring schedule independently.
