Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith has confirmed rumors that he auditioned to join Def Leppard in 1991. That year, the band was searching for a new member following the untimely death of Steve Clarke , aged 31, due to an accidental overdose.
During a conversation with MetalJournal.net , Smith commented on the audition to join the band. According to him, the invitation came from fellow guitarist Phil Collen and photographer Ross Halfin .
“I was in Los Angeles for a few days. Phil Collen called me, along with Ross Halfin, and asked if I would be interested. I said yes. We played some songs. It sounded great. They are amazing guys, but it didn't work out in the end,” he said [transcription via Metal Injection ].
According to Adrian Smith, who had left Maiden in 1990, his focus at that time was on his solo career. “The Psycho Motel was about to come out, so I was kind of thinking about it. But who knows? It was worth a try. They did well without me,” he stated.
After a series of auditions, Def Leppard ultimately chose Vivian Campbell , who in the 1980s had been a member of Ronnie James Dio .
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