BREAKING: Iron Maiden legendary Drummer NICKO McBRAIN…See more
Here’s the rewritten ~600‑word news article:
⸻
Nicko McBrain Back in the Spotlight with Titanium Tart – First Gigs Since Iron Maiden Touring Retirement
Nicko McBrain, Iron Maiden’s iconic drummer, is making a triumphant return to the stage—though this time, not with the iconic band that made his name a part of rock history. The 73-year-old rock legend has announced a run of shows with his very own Iron Maiden tribute act, Titanium Tart, which will be his first live performances since he officially retired from Iron Maiden’s touring lineup in December 2024.
???? Florida Gigs This July
Set to tour throughout Florida this month, these intimate concerts provide a rare chance for fans to see McBrain back behind the kit again, playing classic Maiden power with a fresh twist. The following dates and venues have been confirmed:
Date\\tLocation\\tVenue
July 17\\tSebastian, FL\\tCapt Hiram’s
July 19\\tPompano Beach, FL\\tPiper’s Pub
July 25\\tSanford, FL\\tThe Barn
July 26\\tClearwater, FL\\tOCC Road House
McBrain will be joined on stage by a talented ensemble: Paolo Velazquez on vocals, Mike Rivera and Mitch Tanne on guitars, Rob Stokes on bass, and Eldad Kira on keyboards .
Stepping Back from Maiden Touring
McBrain’s retirement from Iron Maiden’s touring schedule was announced on December 7, 2024, following the band’s “Future Past” world tour . His choice was motivated by continuing physical challenges caused by a stroke he suffered in January 2023. Although he bravely returned to touring that year, McBrain ultimately acknowledged that he could no longer play like before. “It ain’t the old Nicko… But at least it’s part of me,” he said in February in an interview with Chaoszine. He admitted that he “felt that I couldn’t give it a hundred percent, certainly on ‘Trooper’ and other songs” .
Though he’s retired from the road grind, McBrain remains an active member of Iron Maiden, participating in studio sessions and other ancillary endeavors. He reassured fans that while he’d retire his drumsticks from the road, he’d never truly exit the Maiden ranks .
The New Beat of Titanium Tart
Titanium Tart is McBrain’s re-entry into live action—on his own terms. The band will revisit Maiden classics in a welcoming, casual setting for fans. Florida was the obvious choice for a debut—McBrain resides in Boca Raton and already has Rock‑N‑Roll Ribs, a Southern barbecue restaurant in the sunshine state.
While McBrain’s retirement from touring was a bittersweet milestone, it has given him the freedom to indulge in a multitude of new and personal endeavors. These pursuits include:
• Regular gigs and culinary events at Rock‑N‑Roll Ribs .
• Residency jam sessions every month, delivering a raw, informal musical experience ().
• Overseeing Drum One, his Manchester music store, and hardware design with the British Drum Company .
• An upcoming autobiography, which he suggested is “on the cusp” of being finished ().
Legacy and Future
McBrain’s Iron Maiden career spanned over four decades, having started in 1982. He played on every studio album from Piece of Mind (1983) to Senjutsu (2021), making him the third‑longest serving member of the band. His retirement from live touring brought an end to a legendary era, but the band is far from winding down. Iron Maiden has launched its 2025‑26 “Run For Your Lives” world tour—its 50th anniversary tour—without McBrain in the lineup, with former session drummer Simon Dawson taking his place .
What It All Means for Fans
For hardcore Maidenites, Titanium Tart offers a golden chance to witness McBrain in a setting that’s comfortable—and delightfully different. The small venues are a far remove from the massive arenas and stadiums that were the signature of his outings with Iron Maiden. It’s a chance to see his enduring power up close, and with the emphasis on the music he helped make legendary.
As McBrain himself stated when he retired: “Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey… I look into the future with much excitement and great hope… Up the Irons!”   Those words now echo loud at these future concerts, where he returns not only to perform—but to celebrate a life in music on his own terms.
