In a New Year's atmosphere, Adrian Smith , guitarist for Iron Maiden , shared in an interview with Cryptic Rock some of the most important things he learned during his time on the road, and part of his answer, of course, was related to his relationship with Maiden.
“Wow, I wish I knew then what I know now. [laughs] I’m really in a unique position because I left Iron Maiden [in 1990] for nine years and then I came back [in 1999, alongside Bruce Dickinson ]. When I was in the band for the first time, I was still a kid, seriously. I had no experience outside of being in a band to compare it to, I had to be introspective and I was in my own little world.”
“Having left the band, gotten married, having kids, running a household, and being out in the real world gives you a different perspective,” he continues. “Having a second chance to be in the band again has been incredible. I probably enjoyed the second time around, and I’ve been so lucky in that respect. I think I had the opportunity to come back and do things a little better the second time around. I’ve been enjoying it and just benefiting from having that time off and gaining a better perspective on it.”
Recently, Smith teamed up with Richie Kotzen of Winery Dogs , Mr. Big , and Richie Kotzen Solo , and the duo created the project Smith/Kotzen . Listen to the track "Taking My Chances ," released in December, here.
