Adrian Smith's other bands

Adrian Smith has sung, written and played guitar outside Maiden throughout his career. Urchin preceded his arrival; A.S.A.P. appeared during his first Maiden spell; Psycho Motel and Bruce Dickinson's band occupied part of his years away. Primal Rock Rebellion and Smith/Kotzen followed after his return.

Urchin

Urchin's “Black Leather Fantasy” and “She's a Roller” document Smith before Maiden. Manager Graham Sclater recalled the band's club work and rehearsals in Hackney in an interview published with High Roller Records' archival release. The later High Roller collection gathers recordings made in 1978–80.

Dave Murray also spent time in Urchin. Sclater credits him on “She's a Roller” and its B-side “Long Time No Woman”, while the release essay acknowledges disagreement over that credit.

Smith joined Maiden in 1980 and first appeared on Killers. Urchin remains worth hearing for his singing as well as his guitar playing.

A.S.A.P.: Silver and Gold

Smith released Silver and Gold with A.S.A.P. in 1989, before he left Maiden. Guitarists Andy Barnett and Dave Colwell helped write the material; Zak Starkey played drums. In Gary James's interview, preserved by the Adrian Smith fan archive, Smith explains that he had intended a studio project during Maiden's break.

The interview also explains why he involved two other guitarists: he wanted their songwriting, rather than simply more players for a live lineup. Smith described the result as straightforward rock. Silver and Gold gives listeners a full album with him at the microphone, three decades before Smith/Kotzen.

Psycho Motel

Psycho Motel made two albums during Smith's years outside Maiden. State of Mind featured singer Solli, bassist Gary Leideman and drummer Mike Sturgis. Andy Makin replaced Solli for Welcome to the World in 1997. Maiden's September 2000 account describes both records while reporting their US release, after their earlier European and Japanese editions.

“Psycho Motel” and “Sins of Your Father” introduce the first lineup's work. Makin brought new lyrics and a different voice to the second album.

Smith also recorded Accident of Birth and The Chemical Wedding with Bruce Dickinson and Roy Z. Dickinson's 1998 interview preserves that partnership before Smith and Dickinson returned to Maiden in 1999.

Primal Rock Rebellion

Smith and SikTh singer Mikee Goodman made Awoken Broken, released in February 2012, as Primal Rock Rebellion. They wrote and produced together; Smith played guitar and bass. Dan “Loord” Foord played drums, Abi Fry added viola and Tarin Kerry contributed backing vocals. The original project announcement credits the musicians and explains how they worked between Smith's Maiden commitments.

Goodman combines singing and spoken passages with Smith's guitar parts. Try “No Place Like Home”, then “No Friendly Neighbour”. The second single announcement confirms the album's release and discusses Goodman's video work.

Smith/Kotzen

Smith's partnership with Richie Kotzen brought him back to lead vocals, this time shared with Kotzen. Their self-titled album arrived in 2021, followed by Black Light / White Noise in 2025. The Smith/Kotzen guide separates the studio albums, EP and live recordings, including Nicko McBrain's guest appearance on “Solar Fire”.

For a short listening sequence, play an Urchin single, Silver and Gold, one track from each Psycho Motel album and “No Place Like Home”, then continue to Smith/Kotzen.

Read Smith's Maiden profile, his archived fan questions or the solo projects and other bands guide.