By Photojpurnalist Chaz Dykes Of Chaz D Photography

Nicko McBrain’s Titanium Tart stormed the OCC Roadhouse in Clearwater, Florida on July 26, 2025, delivering a thunderous night of metal nostalgia and raw power. The venue was packed wall to wall with fans donning classic Maiden tees and devil horns, roaring in approval as the band launched into a fiery opener with “The Number of the Beast.” From that first iconic scream to the epic, 13-minute closer of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” followed by an encore of “Heaven Can Wait,” it was clear the audience was in for something special—a full-throttle tribute to the legacy of Iron Maiden, led by one of its most beloved legends.

Nicko, of course, was a force behind the kit, pounding out each beat with the stamina and joy of a man clearly still in love with his craft. But Titanium Tart is far more than a nostalgia act—it’s a powerhouse lineup that’s carved its own identity: Paolo Velasquez brought fire and range to the vocals, channeling Bruce Dickinson’s spirit while adding his own grit. Twin shredders Mitch Tanne and Mikey Rivera traded soaring solos with effortless chemistry, while bassist Rob Stokes held the low end with galloping precision. Eldad Keira’s keyboards added dramatic flair, especially during the more theatrical numbers. Mid-show, Nicko surprised the crowd by stepping out from behind the drums to joke with fans, share a few classic road stories, and even thank one longtime supporter who helped recover a beloved drum kit that had once been stolen—a moment that got heartfelt applause from the crowd.

The energy inside OCC never let up. Fans banged heads, raised fists, and shouted every lyric like it was 1985 all over again. The band fed off that intensity, delivering each track with infectious joy and precision. And for those lucky enough to score meet-and-greet passes, the night didn’t end with the final note—Nicko stuck around to sign autographs, pose for photos, and show genuine appreciation for his fans, proving once again why he’s not just a metal icon, but one of the most down-to-earth guys in the business.

I would personally like to thank Nicko and Rebecca for being so kind. I also want to thank Victor at OCC for his support of TBMN. Finally, I would like to thank Rob Meives for his awesomeness.

Now Go out and See Some Live Music!
For more info on Titanium Tart visit their socials: https://www.instagram.com/titanium.tart
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077757948201