Nicko McBrain Returns to the Stage with Titanium Tart: A Must-See Metal Revival in Sebastian, FL

Concert Review by MMROC Correspondent Bill the Rager:

When Iron Maiden legend Nicko McBrain announced his retirement from full-time touring with Maiden in December 2024, many fans feared they'd never see the thunder god behind the kit again. But fear not, troopers — Nicko is far from done. On a warm yet breezy July evening at Captain Hiram’s Resort in Sebastian, Florida, McBrain roared back to life with his Maiden side project Titanium Tart, delivering a performance as sharp as a bayonet and as British as a pint of Trooper ale.

Captain Hiram’s, a cozy outdoor spot nestled along the Indian River, set the perfect scene — part beach party, part metal pilgrimage. With tiki bars flanking the stage and sand underfoot, the roughly 300-strong crowd of metal heads, lifers, and Iron Maiden fanatics turned the night into a true tropical metal haven. The sea breeze kept the heat in check, but the real fire came from the stage.
The audience was a patchwork of battle-worn Maiden tees, vintage Eddie ink, and the occasional Necrot or Twisted Sister type shirt, and notably in attendance — and moshing in spirit — was none other than Bobby Hambel of Biohazard fame, who now calls Sebastian home.

Oh, and did we mention... the show was free? Metal karma was definitely on our side.
Titanium Tart took the stage with all guns blazing, opening with the iconic “Number of the Beast.” And in true Maiden fashion, it wasn’t without a little imperfection — a minor hiccup from Nicko himself during the intro. But the man owned it with classic McBrain charm, addressing it later with a bit of dry, self-deprecating British wit that had the crowd laughing more than judging. Frankly, it just made the show feel more real — a reminder that even metal gods are human (sometimes).

From there, the setlist took a hard left into the deep end of Maiden’s discography — a bold move that absolutely paid off. Die-hards rejoiced as Titanium Tart leaned into rarities like “Infinite Dreams,” “The Clansman,” and the gloriously over-the-top epic “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” No “Run to the Hills” or “2 Minutes to Midnight” here — this was a night for the faithful, not the fairweather fan.
Frontman Paolo Velazquez deserves serious kudos. While no one can truly replicate Bruce Dickinson (who can?), Paolo didn’t try to be Bruce — he was his own beast. His range was impressive, his high screams bone-rattling, and his command of the stage undeniable. It may have been enough to scare a few unsuspecting diners at the resort, but hey — metal waits for no one.

Guitarists Mike Rivera and Mitch Tanne (Nicko’s business partner from Rock N Roll Ribs down in Coral Springs), bassist Rob Stokes, and keyboardist Eldad Kira all held their own with precision and flair. Maiden's music is not easy — galloping rhythms, shifting time signatures, layered melodies — but these guys delivered with the confidence of seasoned warriors.
The full setlist was a gift for fans who know the somewhere back in time cuts by heart:
Titanium Tart – Sebastian, FL – July 2025
1. Number Of The Beast
2. No More Lies
3. The Clansman
4. Infinite Dreams
5. Days Of Future Past
6. Stranger In A Strange Land
7. Darkest Hour
8. Moonchild
9. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner
10. Heaven Can Wait
All in all, the night wasn’t just a performance — it was a celebration. As Nicko himself said, Titanium Tart began as a “celebration” of Maiden, but now that he's no longer an official touring member, it's grown into something more: a tribute band with heart, skill, and soul. Most importantly, it gives fans a chance to keep witnessing one of metal’s most beloved drummers in his natural habitat — behind a kit, bashing away with that signature swing, showmanship, and a devilish grin.
We’re damn proud to have Nicko McBrain as a Florida resident, and even prouder that he's still flying the heavy metal flag. Up the Irons — and long live Titanium Tart!

Concert Review by MMROC Correspondent Bill the Rager