Happy Birthday Adrian Smith! (Feb 27, 1957)

byFrankB-1

5.7K followers

Updated 2 months ago

(Title image by DALL-E 3)

Hi WA Friends!

Here's another post that has nothing to do with your success in online marketing, but it fits with my guitar niche, and there are many musicians and music aficionados at WA who I think will enjoy it.

If that's you, it's "fun time!" 😎

I'm publishing this one day early because tomorrow will be a little crazy for me, and I might not be online except for cellular. I'll be at some musical marketing festivities along with my friends from the local Guitar Center.

Please help me celebrate the birthday of one of the great Metal players, Adrian Smith, whose name has become synonymous with the band Iron Maiden!

I was living in Italy when I heard Iron Maiden's first album, which was released in 1980, and I couldn't believe how good it was!

Some Interesting History

Born on February 27, 1957, in Hackney, London, Adrian's interest in music was sparked by his early exposure to rock bands, which ultimately led to his passion for the guitar. His formative years were spent honing his skills and playing in various bands, most notably Urchin, which he joined in his teens and where he began to develop his signature style.

The pivotal moment in Adrian's career came in 1980 when he was invited to join Iron Maiden, replacing guitarist Dennis Stratton. This transition marked the beginning of an era that would see him contributing to some of the band's most iconic albums, such as "The Number of the Beast," "Piece of Mind," and "Powerslave." His ability to weave melodic phrases with aggressive riffs became a hallmark of Maiden's sound, particularly in his collaborations with fellow guitarist Dave Murray.

Unfortunately, Adrian's time with Iron Maiden was not without its hiatuses. In 1990, he left the band to pursue other musical ventures, including his solo project, ASAP (Adrian Smith and Project), and later, the band Psycho Motel. These endeavors showcased a broader range of his musical talents and interests, from the more melodic rock sound of ASAP to the darker tones of Psycho Motel.

In a twist that delighted fans worldwide, Adrian returned to Iron Maiden in 1999, rejoining at the same time as vocalist Bruce Dickinson. This reunion sparked a new creative period for the band, with Smith's songwriting and guitar work featuring prominently on subsequent albums. His contributions to the band's later works, including "Brave New World" and "The Book of Souls," have solidified his position as a key architect of Iron Maiden's enduring legacy.

Beyond Iron Maiden, Adrian has continued to explore other musical avenues, including collaborations with various artists and his more recent venture, Smith/Kotzen, with Richie Kotzen. This project, in particular, has allowed Adrian to delve into a blend of blues, rock, and soul, further showcasing his versatility as a guitarist and songwriter.

The Artwork and Album Covers!

Any Iron Maiden fan knows that the band has some of the best commercial artwork, many images of which were used to create their album covers.

Here's a collage that demonstrates a sample of some of the artwork.

Now, check out a close-up of just a few of the Iron Maiden album covers (not in recorded order)! The creature featured on these album covers is affectionately called "Ed the Head" by the band members. Lol

Here is their "Piece of Mind" album, which was autographed by the band and given to me as a gift from a friend. It is hanging on the wall in my music studio. Sorry for the reflections.

I did meet the band members many years ago and still have the backstage pass somewhere in a box of memorabilia.

Equipment Used (for all our WA Gearheads Lol)

(compliments of me and ChatGPT)

Guitars:

• Fender Stratocaster: Smith's primary choice, known for its versatility and distinctive tone. He has used several models over the years, including a custom-built Strat with a Floyd Rose tremolo system.
• Jackson Guitars: In the mid-80s, Smith was often seen with a Jackson Soloist, which became one of his iconic instruments during this period.
• Gibson Les Paul: Used occasionally for specific songs that require the rich, warm tones characteristic of Les Paul guitars.

Amplifiers:

• Marshall Amplifiers: Smith has predominantly used Marshall amps throughout his career, favoring the JCM800 models for their raw power and classic rock tone.
• Mesa Boogie: For certain studio recordings and live settings, Smith has also incorporated Mesa Boogie amps to achieve a more diverse sound palette.

Effects:

• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah: A staple in Smith's setup, used to add expression to solos and lead lines.
• Boss Chorus Ensemble: Utilized for thickening clean tones and adding depth to rhythm parts.
• Ibanez Tube Screamer: Often used to boost the signal and add a touch of overdrive to solos.

International Travel Arrangements

Adrian and the rest of Iron Maiden take their world tours on the road in their own private jet, "Ed Force One."

The jet carries the band, supporting personnel, and all their stage equipment. It is piloted by none other than Bruce Dickinson, the band's singer, who also has an international commercial pilot license!

Honors and Awards

Adrian Smith, along with Iron Maiden, has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career.

Here's a brief overview of some of Iron Maiden's achievements that Adrian Smith contributed to:

• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2009)
• Received the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award for "Best Live Band" (2016, 2021)
• Awarded the Kerrang! Award for "Inspiration" (2011)
• Won the Ivor Novello Award for "Best International Song" for "Fear of the Dark" (1993)
• Achieved multiple gold and platinum album certifications worldwide
• Held the Guinness World Record for "Most Consecutive Live Shows in Different Countries" (2003)
• Featured in Madame Tussauds' Rock Circus wax museum (2011)

Discography

Adrian Smith's discography is both vast and influential. If you're only going to listen to one, I recommend "The Number of the Beast" (1982), which sold almost 20 million copies, worldwide!

Despite the album's name, this is not a Satanic band, and I am a Christian man. I enjoy Iron Maiden for the incredible guitar work that goes into the songs they write.
(discography compliments of ChatGPT)

Iron Maiden:

• Killers (1981)
• The Number of the Beast (1982)
• Piece of Mind (1983)
• Powerslave (1984)
• Somewhere in Time (1986)
• Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
• Brave New World (2000)
• Dance of Death (2003)
• A Matter of Life and Death (2006)
• The Final Frontier (2010)
• The Book of Souls (2015)
• Senjutsu (2021)

Solo:

• Rocky Mountain Way (1998) - Single
• Janie's Got a Gun (2006) - Single

Urchin:

• She's Got a Devil's Grin (1978) - Single
• Play It Loud (1979) - Single

Smith/Kotzen:

• Best of Smith/Kotzen (1994) - Compilation
• Smith/Kotzen (1991)
• Native (1994)
• Better Days... & Nights (1996)

Psycho Motel:

• State of Mind (1996)
• Welcome to the World (1997)

A.S.A.P.:

• Silverflame (1990)
• BBC Radio 1 Rock On Session 1990 (2015) - Live EP

Guest Appearances:

• Bruce Dickinson - Accident of Birth (1993)
• Primal Rock Rebellion - Primal Rock Rebellion (2011)
• Various artists - The Best of British Steel (2014)

Other:

• Adrian Smith co-wrote the song "Wasted Years" with Iron Maiden's Steve Harris on their 1986 album "Somewhere in Time."

Happy Birthday, Adrian Smith! 🎂

Let me know which Iron Maiden album is your favorite in the comment section,

AND ...

Keep on Rockin'! 🤘
Frank 🎸

~ 65% Human-written content