For over four decades, Adrian Smith has been an integral part of the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills. However, his recent collaboration with Richie Kotzen offers a fascinating glimpse into an alternate musical journey that could have unfolded had he not joined the iconic British band. This partnership highlights Smith’s versatility and passion for music beyond his Maiden legacy.

The duo is set to launch their second album titled Black Light/White Noise on April 4. In a forthcoming interview on the UCR Podcast, Smith reflects on his formative years before his time with Iron Maiden. “At just 15 years old, I hadn’t picked up a guitar yet,” he recalls. His friendship with fellow guitarist Dave Murray began in their youth, igniting a shared passion for music that would shape their futures.

Smith explains, “Dave had already been honing his skills for a couple of years, so we decided to form a band together. We were the only kids in our area who were into bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath.” He humorously adds, “I claimed I’d be the singer, even without a guitar in hand. Dave had a spare one, so I learned to play while primarily focusing on singing. This experience lasted until just before I joined Iron Maiden, where I truly paid my dues performing in clubs and pubs across the scene.”

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Years later, Smith finds himself in a familiar spot as he shares lead vocals with Kotzen. “Back in those days, I was used to singing through subpar PAs and belting out vocals,” he admits. “It’s instinctual for me now, as I’ve been doing this for a long time. Collaborating with Richie on vocals has been a gratifying experience, allowing us to blend our talents seamlessly.”

Exploring the Musical Synergy of Smith/Kotzen

The essence of what Smith and Kotzen are creating together resonates deeply with the music that Smith cherished during his youth. “Richie is an incredibly talented singer, and I wanted to contribute my vocals to our project,” he shares. “This collaborative effort was a key part of our vision. I find it fascinating how some of my favorite bands, like Deep Purple with Glenn Hughes and David Coverdale, featured multiple vocalists. Nowadays, this practice is rare, and we enjoy trading off vocal and guitar lines. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership, as we write exceptionally well together, and Richie embraces this dynamic.”

The infectious single “Black Light” serves as the latest release from their upcoming album. Smith and Kotzen took great joy in creating a music video that visually represents the song’s theme. “Initially, ‘Black Light’ was a track we recorded but weren’t satisfied with,” Smith reveals. “We retained the drums and stripped away everything else. I was inspired by the strong title, ‘Black Light,’ and we built a new song around it. Interestingly, in its original form, it almost didn’t make the album.”

“We embraced the ‘black light’ concept for our music video, incorporating fluorescent paint and various visual elements,” he continues. “The song’s essence revolves around the idea that shining a black light reveals truths hidden in normal light, much like uncovering a person’s true colors. It delves into themes of deception and the notion that appearances can be misleading.”

Watch the Smith/Kotzen ‘Black Light’ Video