BREAKING: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain P…read more.
July 2025 – London, UK
Nicko McBrain may have stepped away from the grueling world tours with Iron Maiden, but the fire in his soul and behind the drum kit is far from extinguished. In a heartwarming and much-anticipated announcement, the legendary drummer has revealed his return to live performing, joining the Iron Maiden tribute band Titanium Tart for a string of shows across the UK and Europe.
It’s a comeback fans didn’t dare to expect. After suffering a minor stroke in 2023 and officially retiring from touring with Maiden shortly after, McBrain had taken a quieter path, focusing on recovery and occasional public appearances. But now, at 72, the beloved musician is proving once again that passion has no age limit.
“I’ve missed the stage more than words can say,” McBrain shared in a heartfelt statement. “The energy, the fans, the sheer joy of playing Maiden’s music it’s a feeling like no other. I might not be traveling the world anymore, but I’ve still got the chops and the love for it. And Titanium Tart? These guys absolutely nail it. Playing with them is going to be a blast.”
The tour kicks off on September 15 in Birmingham, with stops in Manchester, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Hamburg, and Paris already confirmed. More dates may follow depending on fan demand which is already surging. But unlike Maiden’s massive arena shows, this tour offers a more intimate experience. Fans will get the rare chance to see McBrain up close, in clubs and small theaters where every beat of the drum hits just a little harder.
Titanium Tart, often praised for their detailed and passionate renditions of Iron Maiden’s classics, has long carried the torch for fans in between tours. With McBrain joining them for this special run, the tribute now feels like the real thing. Songs like “The Trooper,” “Fear of the Dark,” and “Phantom of the Opera” are about to come alive in a way no cover band could ever promise because one of the men who made them legendary will be right there behind the kit.
While this isn’t a return to full-time touring, insiders say McBrain is excited to reconnect with fans and keep the spirit of Maiden alive in a more manageable way. For him, it’s not about the spotlight it’s about the music.
Iron Maiden themselves remain on a break from the road, with frontman Bruce Dickinson focusing on solo work and other band members exploring personal projects. But McBrain’s return, even with a tribute group, feels like a piece of the band’s soul stepping back into the light.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, and they’re expected to sell fast. For fans old and new, this isn’t just a nostalgic trip it’s a celebration. Nicko’s back, the drums are thunderous, and the legacy continues.
