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Stone Free / Evil Ways, Urchin and Broadway Brats Credits: https://evilways-urchin.webs.com
Adrian formed Stone Free in 1971 along with Dave Murray, Dave McLaughlin with John Hoye joining shortly after. Adrian was not very confident about his skills on the guitar and opted to be the Vocalist for the band. When Maurce Coyne joined to replace Dave Murray in 1974, the band was renamed Evil Ways. Dave Hall also joined in 1974 and took over from Adrian on Vocal duties. After they got their recording contract with DJM the bands management Nomis Morgan decided to change the name again, and the band became Urchin. Adrian became the Lead Vocalist again after Dave Hall left in 1977. As well as playing the Guitar and being Lead Vocalist, he was also chief songwriter of the band. Both singles that were released, Black Leather Fantasy and She's A Roller were Adrian's compositions. 22 Acacia Avenue which would later become an Iron Maiden song was originally written by Adrian in 1975. Adrian was approached a number of times by Steve Harris to see if he was interested in joining Iron Maiden. However he felt Urchin still had good prospects and declined the offers. Urchin split up in March 1980 and Adrian joined Broadway Brats for a couple of months along with Andy Barnett. Broadway Brats was led by Jeb Million on Vocals along with Steve Wells on Bass Guitar, Ian Richardson on Drums and Carlo Villa on Keyboards. The band played at places like the Rock Garden, The Golden Lion and The Corn Dolly and also managed to get a support slot on the Suzi Quatro tour but times were hard and eventually Andy left and the Brats split up. Adrian was then trying to figure where to go next when a chance meeting with Steve Harris and Dave Murray led him to the decision to finally join Iron Maiden in October 1980.
Stone Free formed by
Adrian Smith (Vocals/Guitar)
Dave Murray(Guitar)
Dave McLaughin (Guitar/Bongos)
The name Evil Ways came from the Santana song which they used to play live.
Evil Ways formed by
drian Smith (Vocals/Guitar),
John Hoye (Bass)
Maurice Coyne (Guitar)
That same year the band changed its name to Urchin John Hoye left the band and in October Alan Levett replaced John. On 05/13/1977 Black Leather Fantasy single is released with Rock and Roll Woman on the B side.
Urchin Formed by:
Dave Hall (V)
Adrian Smith (G)
Maurice Coyne (G)
Alan Levett (B)
Barry Tyler (D)
In July of that year Dave Hall leaves Urchin. Months later Maurice Coyne announces his intention to leave Urchin and Dave Murray returns to the band. Maurice continued to play live, while Dave rehearsed and worked with the band. Dave also brought the song Charlot the Harlot with him from Maiden.
1977/78 The single She's A Roller 7 is recorded with Long Time No Woman on the opposite side.
Adrian Smith (V / G)
Dave Murray (G)
Alan Levett (B)
Barry Tyler (D)
Produced by Vic Maile - Maurice did not record the song, as he would leave the band.
In 1978 Dave left the band to return to Iron Maiden. Andy Barnett joins Urchin on guitar as a replacement for Dave.
Broadways Brats
In 1980 with the end of Urchin Adrian Smith and Andy Barnett join Broadway Brats
A.S.A.P 1989
The album was recorded in London by producer Steven Stewart Short, during the band's vacation following the Seventh Son album tour. Silver and Gold (album name) was released in September 1989. Nicko McBrain was invited to participate, but he declined the invitation because the recordings coincided with his wedding date. So Zak Starkey, the son of drummer Ringo Star, became a drummer. But this idea of recording an album came up well before he left the band. It was at the time of Somewhere in Time. Adrian along with his friends from the times of Urchin and his friend Nicko formed The Entire Population of Hackney that came to appear in Marquee in 85 together with Iron Maiden. At that time they had already composed songs that would make the A.S.A. album. They played live at Marquee in 1985. The songs were Silver and Gold, When She’s Gone and School Days (these two entered the EP Down The Wire) You can see the show (better, listen) at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSes_Rw52qI&list=PL388C2009CF7B8B36&index=11
Rod also gave a little push when listening to the demos, according to Rod they sounded a little Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams and he didn't see them as rivals to Maiden because it was something different from what the band did. (source book Run To The Hills).
If you are expecting to hear heavy metal, I am very friendly, but here you will not find anything like that. "Our music is straight rock - melodic, but with a heavy feel," Smith.
In my opinion this album is more like Adrian, it was what he would like to do on Maiden and cannot or what he would like to do if he had his own band. The big highlight, the icing on the cake is that Adrian shows his beautiful voice, shows that besides being a great guitarist he is also a beautiful singer. Who could very well be the lead singer of any band. After all, who wouldn't like to have Adrian Smith in their band, either as a guitarist or vocalist? And anyone who knows H's career before Maiden knows that he wanted to be a vocalist. That is, it is VERY Adrian. Everything he did and that was not taken advantage of by Maiden because it didn't fit with the band's style is on this album. Unfortunately he didn't have a tour, because when Adrian recorded the album he was still with the Maiden and wanted to rest a little, since he had just left a tour. Also, the band was in pre-recording of the new album (No Prayer For The Dying) would overload Adrian a lot.
“ASAP," Silver and Gold ", is a kind of studio project. It was formed as a studio band. There were never any plans to tour. It would just be an album that I would release during my year off from Iron Maiden. Now I find myself in a situation where I am totally attached to the project. I didn't have a full-time band, actually. The guys are still out there, but they are doing different things. Also, at the time the album was released, I was still on Iron Maiden, so I could never plan any tour in the long run. So nothing was formalized when I left the band. What I'm doing now is promoting the project, hoping it will reach the radio. Probably my next step will be to go back to England and maybe start thinking about another album, then definitely go on a tour. ” Adrian
From that album, only one clip came out, the title track Silver and Gold. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a_ton6RJbc)
The band was formed by:
Adrian Smith - guitars, guitar, vocals.
Andy Barnett - guitars, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, backing vocals
Dave Colwell - guitars, guitar, backing vocals.
Richard Young - Keyboards
Robin Clayton - bass
Zak Starkey - drums, percussion
Dave Colwell known name, right? He is the author of Reach Out. And Andy Barnett formerly Urchin.
They released an EP called Down the Wire with the following songs:
Down the Wire
When She's Gone
School Days
There was also an EP of Silve and Gold:
Silver and Gold (Remix)
Blood Brothers (Alternative Version)
Fighting Man
The Untouchable: 1992/1993
After a long pause, Adrian returned with The Untouchables, which included his brother-in-law Carl Dufresne.
Excerpt from the book by Adrian Monters Of River And Rock
"I was becoming more active on the music front, and my brother-in-law, Carl Dufresne, had come over from Canada to stay with us for a while. Carl is musician too, so of course we starting jamming and going through some songs I had been working on with Maiden. We then decided it might be fun to get a band together, with the intention of playing covers and a few originals. I drafted in ex-bassist for The Cult, Jamie Stewart, who I’d already been writing with, and drummer Ray Westson. This line-up was to become the basis of The Untouchables, and we gigged on and off for the next couple of years. I was a bit wary at first, unsure if I really wanted to get back into full-time touring and recording. I was happy to be playing and singing again, and doing the rounds of the club circuit really helped me regain my self-confidence."
There was no album (I believe they even recorded it, but if they will ever release we don't know), but there is a video of a show + interview with Adrian and Carl:
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vx5OShSu8k) Filmed by Metal Hammer's Hard Rock Club Live series on March 26, 1992.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uJOS9ihEik) City Dreams, 1993
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z03yN6RS4YI) Wasted Years, 1993
The Untouchables (1992)
Adrian Smith (V / G)
Jamie Stewart (B)
Carl Dufresne (G)
The Untouchables (1992)
Adrian Smith (V / G)
Gary Leideman (B)
Huey Lucas (G)
Bob Richards (D)
Psycho Motel 1996/1997
After some time, the band changed its name to Psycho Motel. There were some changes in the band, such as the addition of vocalist Hans Olav Solli (ex Sons Of Angels and 21 Guns guitarist Scott Gorham) and drummer Mike Sturgis. The album was produced by Adrian and mixed by Rupert Coulson. Adrian's wife was the project coordinator.
Solli - Vocals
Adrian Smith - Guitar
Gary Leidermann - Bass
Mike Sturgis - Drums
State Of Mind was released in 1995, from which only one single was released, the title track Psycho Motel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbt1xTAmAvY).
There was also a tour where the band opened for Iron Maiden (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rog65uhxQo0)
But just when everything seemed to be going well, lead singer Solli decided to leave. According to Adrian in an interview: "Solli had lost interest. He had some personal problems. He got divorced and lived in Norway, which is a bit difficult". (Full interview in English here https://adrianfsmithfas.wixsite.com/adrianfsmithfas/post/2017/01/30/adrian-smith-interview-october-1997) While Adrian couldn't find a good vocalist to replace Solli, he joined Bruce to record Accident Of Birth (Bruce's solo album). Adrian then returned to Psycho Motel to record their second album. After the recordings, Adrian went on tour with Bruce. Accident Of Birth album tour.
But just when everything seemed to be going well, lead singer Solli decided to leave. According to Adrian in an interview: "Solli had lost interest. He had some personal problems. He got divorced and lived in Norway, which is a bit difficult". (Full interview in English here http://adrianfrederiksmithf.wixsite.com/adrianfrederiksmithf/single-post/2017/01/30/Adrian-Smith-Interview---October-1997) While Adrian couldn't find a good vocalist to replace Solli, he joined Bruce to record Accident Of Birth (Bruce's solo album). Adrian then returned to Psycho Motel to record their second album. After the recordings, Adrian went on tour with Bruce. Accident Of Birth album tour.
Welcome To The World, Psycho Motel's second album featuring new vocalist Andy Makin, was released in February 1997 and they went into the studio with producer Simon. Adrian said in an interview at the time: "It was the best thing he's done for years!" This album features two special guest appearances: Dave Murray on the song With You Again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySqzR-o_Bso
and guitarist Scott Gorham on the song I'm Alive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6WFtVzibSg
It was Bruce who helped Adrian choose the vocalist. Andy himself said this in an interview for our website (https://adrianfsmithfas.wixsite.com/adrianfsmithfas/entrevistainterview-andy-makin)
Psycho motel even opened a Maiden concert.
Andy- Vocals
Adrian Smith - Guitar
Gary Leidermann - Bass
Mike Sturgis - Drums
The album was released on November 24, 1997
Michael Kiske 1996
In 1996 Michael Kiske, former lead singer of Helloween, launched his first solo project entitled "Instant Clarity" and invited Adrian Smith to take part.
Adrian participated in the songs:
The Calling
Burned Out
New Horizons
Kiske talks about Adrian Smith collaboration
"From the day he got out of Iron Maiden he was just doing nothing. He was just hanging around and having a good time and he did his projects and stuff. I was also in the same situation. I always thought he was a big loss for Iron Maiden because he always had this melodic playing and great guitar lick ideas. So since we were on the same management I actually asked Rod Smallwood about Adrian and he told me that Adrian was also asking about me as well! So we just met and he was an extremely nice guy and was absolutely a good hearted person and I really think he was a great guy and what came out of this collaboration was the song 'The Calling'. I mean 'New Horizons' was mainly written by him and I just did the vocals, bridges and the lyrics."
Adrian Smith talks about the collaboration with Michael Kiske
"I met Michael for the first time when I was still in Iron Maiden, we had a concert with Helloween in Spain and Portugal, we didn't talk so much in that moment but we share the same management office, we saw sometimes each other for example at the wedding party of our manager. I thought he was very energetic and earnest. As vocalist he can sing on key, steady technically. I suggested him to compose together. I have a few days-off for several months at that time. I may be able to contribute in the album. We talked on the phone and then he came to my house. I have my studio at home. We started to write and it worked nice from the beginning. It was delightful because if we were not compatible everything will be difficult. I was surprised when he played for me first, he played Wagner for me! When we were talked which direction we would go through, he said: "listen to this", and he played something at full volume, it was a Wagner Opera, he said: "I want to sing anything like this", so I thought that it will be certainly unique. He thought in using some stuff of Wagner and Elvis Presley... we didn't have a close idea for what kind of songs we would make, but I had one. It became 'The Calling'. I played many ideas for him with some tracks he said: "too normal", he expresses his opinion frankly in every moment. It's his good point, this songs will be releases on his solo album so he must do it how he likes. I think that kind of hard rock fits with his voice. I feel happy the song ended in the album and I'm proud of this work.
For 'New Horizons' I flew to Hamburg. We tried to write songs but we got only two riffs which Michael said "too normal" so we did like a musical rally. I think this album has a huge variety of songs. Each song is different and it's nice. I think that 'New Horizons' is one of the ideas which we wrote then. I was sure that this would be good, I like it. I like a lot another song 'Hunted', it was not composed by me, but I played the guitar on it, also the solo with "wah-wah", we recorded not in a studio it was in a spooky farm house. It was in the middle of countryside in Germany, it was very cold, I think it was in February, we had to collect woods for fuel in the forest, and we had to warm ourselves at fire. There was a terrible messy but I enjoyed. Both are very powerful songs.
I think this album is the best in whole Michael's career, he controlled everything and he said: "I don't care if it's a success or not, all I'll do is what I want to do" He is very artistic, he never take a look at the business side. But he leaves good music behind at last, so I collaborate with him. He has also a home studio and some good equipments. He understands how to work at studio and he is a great engineer. He can make good guitar sound and he reconizes what sound he wants to do. This is another of his good point, too."
Bruce Dickinson 1997/1999
In 1997 Bruce recorded his fourth solo album Accident Of Birth and invited Adrian to take part. Adrian also took part in the album Chemical Wedding. After recording Accident Of Birth Adrian went into the studio to record Psycho Motel's second album and almost couldn't take part in the tours because of the recordings.
Greg Ridley: Anthology - All I Ever Wanted 2005
This is a tribute album to one of the great bass players in rock history. Adrian participated in the song Live to Learn.
Excerpt taken from the forgottenrebel website:
In 2002 Greg Ridley (Spooky Tooth, Humble Pie) together with the same Colwell decided to give life to the third formation of Humble Pie, the band he created in 1969. But fate was around the corner, and due to complications from pneumonia Ridley died in hospital in Spain in 2003.
In 2004, Angel Air Records decided to release a compilation called Anthology: All I Ever Needed, 18 tracks that summarize Ridley's career, and Live To Learn, composed by Colwell with Dean Rees is proposed to Adrian Smith who plays the guitar parts and gets to sing as well.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9JMgQadiUc)
Dave Colwell: Guitars, Beers & Tears 2010
This is an album by his friend Dave Colwell. Adrian participated in two songs on the album.
Reach Out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vo6EyzaNPg)
Make Up your Mind (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmTeW0lPySU)
Kym Mazelle: Destiny 2010
Adrian took part in gospel singer Kym Mazelle's album Destiny. He took part in the song My shoes where he did backing vocals. Adrian also composed with the singer.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHMjU0sNhsE)
Primal Rock Rebellion 2012
Released on February 27, 2012 (in Europe) and April 17 (USA) by Spinefarm Records, "Awoken Broken" was produced by Adrian, Mikee and mixed by Simon Hanhart. Adrian also plays bass throughout the album and all the songs were co-written by Adrian and Mikee. Three music videos have been released from this album:
No Place Like Home (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO7je_9wQ0E)
No Friendly Neighbour (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk7oFKeUCMw) and
Tortured Tone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4be6M17blQ)
I See Lights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj1IekcbIfM) was the first song to be made available.
"It was great working at my own pace and in my own studio with no time constraints. I think during the making of this album I went around the world twice with MAIDEN, working on the project in between. In the process, it allowed for a bit more of an experimental approach."
"Adrian inspired me in many ways. I learnt the importance and the power of choruses in songs. Adrian also gave me a lot more belief in myself melodically. I think we pulled each other out of our comfort zones, creating something fresh and exciting along the way. We co-produced the album together, and the whole recording process was very relaxed — no deadlines, just honing the songs naturally as we recorded them, a new experience for both of us."
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays the Music Of Rush 2012
Adrian and some other musicians were invited to take part in the Rush tribute album. Adrian took part in the song Red Barchetta.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZclDTVPwJK4)
CELTIC PRIDE - THE PATRIOT 2013
Adrian took part in the album by his friend Bob Richard's band Celtic Pride. Adrian took part in the song The Patriot.
Smith/Kotzen
Adrian and Richie recorded an album together. On December 10, 2020, the single Taking My Chances was released on digital platforms. The single was released at Breakfast with Paul Anthony at Planet Rock.
On December 9, 2020 Adrian posted on his instagram:
"I've been up to something that I'm very excited to share with you all… Tune in to planetrockradio tomorrow for the worldwide reveal! Just after 8am GMT -" planetradio.co.uk/planet-rock/player/ @paulanthonyrockofficial
Iron Maiden:
BMG are thrilled to announce that two of rock’s most admired musicians have joined forces for an exciting new side-project. Smith/Kotzen is the electrifying collaboration between guitarists & vocalists Adrian Smith & Richie Kotzen. Part-time LA neighbours, full time friends with a healthy mutual respect. Both artists are seasoned performers on the global stage, having honed their skills throughout their careers to create their own unique musical sound.
Debut track ‘Taking My Chances’ sets the tone for this brand new partnership between two rock music trail-blazers. Recorded in Turks & Caicos at the start of 2020, the song is evocative of the classic rock bands of the 70’s, brought bang up to date with punchy hooks, harmonies and sheer guitar virtuosity.
Adrian Smith is best known as one of Iron Maiden’s principal guitarists, having also enjoyed success as a solo artist. Richie Kotzen is the frontman for The Winery Dogs as well as having been the guitarist for both Mr Big and Poison during his long and acclaimed career, which has to date seen him release more than 20 solo albums. Both artists are also prolific songwriters.
Adrian comments, “I think Richie and I complement each other really well. He’s a virtuoso guitarist but he’s got a great sense of melody - the whole thing just felt very natural.”
Richie adds, “We found common ground in classic and blues-based rock – we both come from that mentality. We’ve been writing and recording together for the past year and I’m ecstatic with the results”.
As the gloriously heavy and brilliantly catchy ‘Taking My Chances’ shows, rock fans around the globe will be delighted at the first taste of this marriage-made-in-guitar & vocal heaven.
Stay tuned for more news to come from Smith/Kotzen early in 2021.