Adrian Smith (musician)

Adrian Smith
Smith performing with Iron Maiden at Ottawa Bluesfest in 2010
Background information
Birth name	Adrian Frederick Smith[1]
Born	(1957-02-27) 27 February 1957 (age 67) Hackney, London, England
Genres	Heavy metal progressive rock hard rock
Occupation	Musician
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1972–present
Labels	DJM EMI Capitol Harvest Enigma Victor Sanctuary Raw Power Castle CMC Air Raid Columbia Portrait Parlophone Spinefarm BMG
Website	ironmaiden.com

Adrian Frederick Smith (born 27 February 1957) is an English guitarist and singer best known as a member of heavy metal band Iron Maiden, for whom he also writes songs and performs backing vocals both live and in the studio.

Smith grew up in London and became interested in rock music at 15. He soon formed a friendship with future Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray, who inspired him to take up the guitar. After leaving school at 16, he formed the band Urchin, which he led until their demise in 1980. He joined Iron Maiden in November 1980, replacing Dennis Stratton. Following a short-lived solo project called ASAP, he left Iron Maiden in 1990 and, after a year-long hiatus, formed the band The Untouchables which later became Psycho Motel. In 1997, Psycho Motel was put on hold when Smith joined the band of former Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson. Smith and Dickinson would both return to Iron Maiden in 1999, after which the band gained new success. During his second tenure with Iron Maiden, Smith has also led the side projects Primal Rock Rebellion and Smith/Kotzen.