Iron Maiden Adrian Smith Interview December 2025

Adrian Smith on Smith Kotzen, 50 Years of Iron Maiden & Playing Metallica Legend's 'Greeny' Guitar. As guitarist and song writer for Iron Maiden, Adrian Smith has forged a path as one of the most revered players in metal. His long partnership with childhood friend Dave Murray, and amigo Janick Gers has endured for decades, but in 2020 he joined up with Shrapnel shredder Richie Kotzen to form hard rock blues duo Smith Kotzen. Two and a half albums in, they show no signs of slowing. "Working with him really brings out the best in me", he affirms as we sit down for a chat over Zoom. We joined Adrian to talk about Smith Kotzen, how it felt to play Metallica man Kirk Hammet's legendary 'Greeny', deep tracks, and Maiden's 50th anniversary celebrations.