Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain recently kicked off a short tour of Florida and Georgia with his Titanium Tart project, following his departure from Iron Maiden’s touring lineup due to the difficulties of touring at his age. Fans reacted to his live performance in a video shared by a Nicko McBrain fan on YouTube.
The video caption and fan comments highlighted McBrain’s performance of the classic track “Sign of the Cross” and praised his enduring skills behind the kit.
“Nicko McBrain performs Sign of the Cross by Iron Maiden 2026,” the fan wrote in the video caption.
Other fans quickly shared their admiration for the drummer’s resilience and performance quality.
“Over 40 years of drumming, world tours, a stroke and recovery and HE’S STILL GOT IT!” one fan commented. “Nothing but love and respect for Nicko. I wish him many more years.”
Another fan pointed out his setup and speculated on what this tour could mean for his future with Iron Maiden.
“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…..???” the fan wrote. “Remember, he only stopped touring, he never left the band.”
Others focused on the overall quality of the live sound.
“This sounds excellent!” another fan added. “The drums are spectacular sounding and mixed really well.”
McBrain’s return to the stage with Titanium Tart comes after a major change in his career, but it also shows that he continues to perform Iron Maiden’s music in a more localized setting.
McBrain announced his retirement from touring with Iron Maiden in December 2024 after more than four decades on the road with the band.
The decision followed a stroke that McBrain suffered in January 2023. The drummer continued working through his recovery and acknowledged that he could not perform some songs exactly as he had before the health setback.
McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982 and became one of the band’s longest-serving members. His tenure included landmark albums and decades of worldwide touring.
Titanium Tart gives McBrain an opportunity to remain active while revisiting Iron Maiden’s catalog. The project’s lineup includes Paolo Velazquez on vocals, Mike Rivera and Mitch Tanne on guitars, Rob Stokes on bass, and Eldad Kira on keyboards.
This tour marks McBrain’s return to the stage in a more localized setting following his decision to step back from Iron Maiden’s demanding global tour schedule.
