BREAKING: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain Pa...read more.

BREAKING: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain Pa…read more.

Veteran drummer Nicko McBrain, known worldwide for his legendary work with Iron Maiden, has returned to the stage for the first time since officially stepping back from full-time touring with the band. The performance, which took place at a small but packed venue in his home state of Florida, marks a significant moment for fans and for McBrain himself, who has battled through health issues in recent years.

The 71-year-old drummer, who retired from extensive touring with Iron Maiden earlier this year, surprised many by taking part in a special live show featuring his side project band Titanium Tart. The performance featured a range of rock and metal classics including a number of Iron Maiden deep cuts that, remarkably, were never played live during his four-decade run with the band.

A Return Fueled by Passion and Resilience

McBrain’s return to the stage comes after a very public health battle. In 2023, he suffered a minor stroke that temporarily affected his right side, leading to concerns about whether he would ever play drums again. While he made a remarkable recovery and continued to perform select dates with Iron Maiden through 2024, the rigors of global touring finally took their toll. In early 2025, McBrain announced that he would no longer participate in full tours, citing a desire to focus on his health and spend more time with family.

Yet, true to his energetic and resilient spirit, McBrain made it clear he wasn’t ready to hang up his drumsticks entirely. “I’ve always said, I’ll stop when I stop breathing,” he joked in a recent interview. “Playing the drums is in my blood. I just needed to find the right balance and Titanium Tart is giving me that.”

An Intimate but Powerful Set

The show took place at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, a mid-sized venue that’s hosted countless rock legends over the years. Fans in attendance described the night as electric, emotional, and unforgettable.

The band kicked off with an energetic rendition of Deep Purple’s “Highway Star,” followed by a hard-hitting series of Iron Maiden tracks that hadn’t seen the stage in years if ever. Among the surprises were “Alexander the Great” and “Only the Good Die Young,” two fan-favorite Maiden songs that, despite their popularity, had never been performed live during McBrain’s time with the group.

Here’s the full Titanium Tart setlist from the night:

Highway Star (Deep Purple cover)
Alexander the Great (Iron Maiden)
Lights Out (UFO cover)
Only the Good Die Young (Iron Maiden)
Flight of Icarus (Iron Maiden)
Burn (Deep Purple cover)
Infinite Dreams (Iron Maiden)
Wrathchild (Iron Maiden)
Rock Bottom (UFO cover)

Video clips from the night quickly surfaced online, showcasing McBrain’s trademark energy and flawless timing behind the kit. Despite his age and health history, the drummer looked entirely in his element smiling, interacting with the crowd, and delivering thunderous fills with precision.

Reactions from Fans and Fellow Musicians

Social media lit up with admiration and praise following the performance. Fans celebrated not just the music, but McBrain’s sheer determination to return to the stage after such an arduous recovery.

One fan posted, “Nicko still has it the speed, the groove, the heart. Seeing him live again was emotional. I never thought I’d hear Alexander the Great live in my lifetime.”

Fellow musicians also paid tribute. Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “So proud of Nicko. He’s always been the beating heart of Maiden. Seeing him out there doing what he loves, in his own way, is inspiring.”

Former Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di’Anno also expressed his admiration, saying, “Nicko is a warrior, plain and simple. The fact that he’s still out there killing it says everything about who he is.”

What’s Next for McBrain?

While McBrain has no plans to rejoin Iron Maiden on the road, sources close to the drummer say that he’s exploring more small-scale performances with Titanium Tart and possibly recording original material. “I’m not done playing,” McBrain told local press. “This is just a new chapter and I’ve still got a few solos left in me.”

The show’s success has already sparked demand for more dates, though nothing has been officially confirmed. Whether or not McBrain takes his new band beyond Florida, one thing is certain: fans are more than ready for it.

Nicko McBrain’s return isn’t just a comeback it’s a celebration of endurance, passion, and the lifelong power of music. After decades of pounding the skins for millions around the world, he’s proving that true rockers never really retire they just play a little louder.