Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
In a new interview, Adrian said that he might think about playing some different material during the upcoming SK tour: ASAP/Urchin, Psycho Motel songs (he likes The Last Chain, he really likes the 2nd album; this material will fit them great), even a different Maiden song from Wasted Years (the interviewer brought Back In The Village and Sea Of Madness), but I guess with 2 albums to choose from now, it would be tough with 15-16 songs. And Richie should want it. He also added that he had forgotten about all of these songs. It would be great to hear some of them.
About the songwriting, he said he was inspired by Thin Lizzy for Black Light's vocals and chords. And he couldn't come up with some jazz fusion bits like in the middle of Taking My Chances by Richie.
About the songwriting, he said he was inspired by Thin Lizzy for Black Light's vocals and chords. And he couldn't come up with some jazz fusion bits like in the middle of Taking My Chances by Richie.
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
I thought they won't be in a hurry, but in this new interview with Adrian, he said they're already talking about different songs and writing new stuff (the same style, it's great for him to play clubs again), so he's hoping for another album and tour, why not in 2027 (didn't say the same about Maiden). He said maybe, he's not sure. He writes stuff all the time.
He also said they will be playing a lot of songs from the new album. Richie likes to improvise with longer solos live, and he is looking to doing that on the new tour as well (like adding a harmony to a SK song that isn't on the album version), they didn't do that in Maiden.
''Good melodies are timeless'' - so true.
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
Interview: Adrian Smith On 2026 Smith/Kotzen Tour, Knebworth And Urchin
Adrian Smith talks 2026 Smith/Kotzen tour with Richie Kotzen, raw club gigs, returning to Knebworth, and memories of his early days with Urchin.
www.metaltalk.net
I still see the Urchin guys, my old band. We still play when we get a chance. You know, just some fun. We’re like brothers, really.
I think people will enjoy this show, because we’ve got a fantastic band. We’ve got Julia Lage, an incredible bass player. Bruno Valverde is one of the best drummers in the world. They’re very musical, so they slot right in. Anything they do usually enhances the songs. They instinctively know what is best for the songs. I have to say, we tried some very well-known people as rhythm sections, and it was good. But there’s something about the way they play together.
Richie and I share the vocals, so it’s not a tremendous strain, like doing the whole show yourself. It’s enjoyable. That’s one of the things I like about Smith/Kotzen. It was always my ideal to link up with someone else who likes to sing, and you can bounce off someone.
Blindsided and White Noise, I think, they’re gonna sound like really, really, really heavy.
It is a fantastic album, and both were pleased with the fans’ reception. It was very, very positively received. I think it’s a progression from the last album. It’s a little bit more cohesive, it’s a bit more focused, it’s a bit more uptempo, a bit heavier. Although I loved the first album, this was up a couple of levels as well.
Rise Again came from a Mike Portnoy drum track that Richie received. I listened to it and I started thinking of Frank Zappa and all this fusion and stuff like that. I came up with this thing, and then Richie put all this fusion stuff in. It turned out great. We didn’t have enough songs for the set, so we said, let’s try it. I thought it was not gonna work. But it worked so well, and it was such a lot of fun.
We did it a few years ago with Maiden. That’s an overused word, iconic, but it really is an iconic venue, and it should be a special day. Twickenham was amazing as well, because that is just an incredible stadium. I’ve never been before. The London stadium was incredible, 73,000 people, what a night that was. But Knebworth House will be very special. It sort of gets a bit more than a gig at this stage. It’s like an occasion. Having said that, it is another gig, so you try to go out, and you play the same as you always do, and try to do the best show you can.
I mean that would be brilliant if we could get some live stuff. My favourite albums are live albums. Deep Purple in Japan and Humble Pie live at the Fillmore, where they capture the band and the audience. You’ve just got to record it right and mix it right, and it can be fantastic. Hopefully, we’ll do some recording and Knebworth? I don’t know about Knebworth, but it would be a shame not to, wouldn’t it?
Blindsided and White Noise, I think, they’re gonna sound like really, really, really heavy.
It is a fantastic album, and both were pleased with the fans’ reception. It was very, very positively received. I think it’s a progression from the last album. It’s a little bit more cohesive, it’s a bit more focused, it’s a bit more uptempo, a bit heavier. Although I loved the first album, this was up a couple of levels as well.
Rise Again came from a Mike Portnoy drum track that Richie received. I listened to it and I started thinking of Frank Zappa and all this fusion and stuff like that. I came up with this thing, and then Richie put all this fusion stuff in. It turned out great. We didn’t have enough songs for the set, so we said, let’s try it. I thought it was not gonna work. But it worked so well, and it was such a lot of fun.
We did it a few years ago with Maiden. That’s an overused word, iconic, but it really is an iconic venue, and it should be a special day. Twickenham was amazing as well, because that is just an incredible stadium. I’ve never been before. The London stadium was incredible, 73,000 people, what a night that was. But Knebworth House will be very special. It sort of gets a bit more than a gig at this stage. It’s like an occasion. Having said that, it is another gig, so you try to go out, and you play the same as you always do, and try to do the best show you can.
I mean that would be brilliant if we could get some live stuff. My favourite albums are live albums. Deep Purple in Japan and Humble Pie live at the Fillmore, where they capture the band and the audience. You’ve just got to record it right and mix it right, and it can be fantastic. Hopefully, we’ll do some recording and Knebworth? I don’t know about Knebworth, but it would be a shame not to, wouldn’t it?
Full live show from the SK tour would be cool and something they should do.
2M2M
Educated Fool
I wonder who might have jammed with them? I think Julia and Bruno are great, (and probably not taking as much of a $ cut as some higher-profile players, but I'm sure that wouldn't be the main thing..), but would be interesting to know who else might have been involved initially
2M2M
Educated Fool
I recall them going round to H's place for a jam, but I thought that was more for a 'fun' evening - would be interesting to know if they actually trialed it for SK
Yax
Ancient Mariner
Highly doubt it. Jason Newstead got thrown out of Metallica over a side project. Sure, James isn't as rigorous in his "Metallica family" mantra anymore, and Kirk did a solo album, but Rob touring with another band? Nah.
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Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
Adrian Smith on Instagram: "@misteradriansmith shows us how to play his part of the solo in Smith/Kotzen’s ‘Life Unchained’ Get tickets for their upcoming tour at SmithKotzen.com #SmithKotzen #Tour"
2,453 likes, 70 comments - misteradriansmith on January 24, 2026: "@misteradriansmith shows us how to play his part of the solo in Smith/Kotzen’s ‘Life Unchained’ Get tickets for their upcoming tour at SmithKotzen.com #SmithKotzen #Tour".
www.instagram.com
Adrian plays his ''Life Unchained'' solo. Typical solo of his, he wrote most of the song (iirc).
Some footage from the rehearsals:
Iron Maiden on Instagram: "Smith/Kotzen rehearsals are underway! The Black Light / White Noise Tour kicks off next week… Get your tickets at https://bnds.us/0gfhas or link in bio! #SmithKotzen #MusicMonday"
14K likes, 185 comments - ironmaiden on January 26, 2026: "Smith/Kotzen rehearsals are underway! The Black Light / White Noise Tour kicks off next week… Get your tickets at https://bnds.us/0gfhas or link in bio! #SmithKotzen #MusicMonday".
www.instagram.com
GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
Just a little over 3 weeks before I get to see Smith/Kotzen again. It would be interesting to see how the show compares with when I saw them on their first tour (and had Nicko playing live with them).
That being said, I think I am more excited about the possibility of meeting @Ascendingthethrone so we can watch some Aces High live videos from 2025 at the pub!
That being said, I think I am more excited about the possibility of meeting @Ascendingthethrone so we can watch some Aces High live videos from 2025 at the pub!
Fozzie
Ancient Mariner
Wow, you sure know how to have fun down there that`s for sure. Our drinks pre the Manchester gig are just going to be a pale imitation
Ascendingthethrone
Ancient Mariner
We know how to roll!Just a little over 3 weeks before I get to see Smith/Kotzen again. It would be interesting to see how the show compares with when I saw them on their first tour (and had Nicko playing live with them).
That being said, I think I am more excited about the possibility of meeting @Ascendingthethrone so we can watch some Aces High live videos from 2025 at the pub!
In all seriousness, it would be great to meet for a beer beforehand!
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
The song ''Blindsided'' is used for the promo stuff, I guess they'll play it, it sounds like a cool and good groovy live song, verses and chorus.
Btw, the intro licks sounds like 3 Maiden songs from the 90s (From Here To Eternity, Flies, Angel And Gambler), ha. ASAP feel as well. Adrian would have loved to write more rock-type songs in the 90s with the band. This song could be Maiden-ized.
Btw, the intro licks sounds like 3 Maiden songs from the 90s (From Here To Eternity, Flies, Angel And Gambler), ha. ASAP feel as well. Adrian would have loved to write more rock-type songs in the 90s with the band. This song could be Maiden-ized.
GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
In case anyone is interested (and can read in Spanish), here is my review of Smith/Kotzen's second album for a friend's webzine:
Good album with good tunes, although I cannot help but feel the formula (Adrian sings a bit, Richie sings a bit, they sing in unison, they trade guitar solos...) is a bit repetitive in places.
Good album with good tunes, although I cannot help but feel the formula (Adrian sings a bit, Richie sings a bit, they sing in unison, they trade guitar solos...) is a bit repetitive in places.
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
The 2 bonus songs are out now:
www.youtube.com
All The Way Down - alternative sounding riff, Psycho Motel-esque verses, typical chorus, 1 solo by Adrian, 2 by Richie.
The Grind - the intro is pure rock with Moonchild's intro vibe, heavier main riff, Whitesnake-esque verses, fitting chorus for the song (the short vocal part before the solos, the melody is quite nice), love the start of Adrian's solo. Overall, a nice vibe.
The songs blend (well, ofc) in with the rest of the material, so they could be album songs.
Smith-Kotzen
Connoisseurs of fine riff craft will need no introduction to Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen or their remarkable, individual careers. Their self-titled 2021 debut was nothing short of a hard-hitting masterclass in modern rock that saw the guitar-slinging legends conjuring a heady dose of...
www.youtube.com
All The Way Down - alternative sounding riff, Psycho Motel-esque verses, typical chorus, 1 solo by Adrian, 2 by Richie.
The Grind - the intro is pure rock with Moonchild's intro vibe, heavier main riff, Whitesnake-esque verses, fitting chorus for the song (the short vocal part before the solos, the melody is quite nice), love the start of Adrian's solo. Overall, a nice vibe.
The songs blend (well, ofc) in with the rest of the material, so they could be album songs.
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
Adrian Smith: How Smith/Kotzen got started, and Iron Maiden's big homecoming
"Some other very well-known people were at that first jam"
Adrian on their first tour: ''I had thought that we might pull out a few more of Richie’s old songs and some of my own material, but he said: “No. Let’s just play everything we’ve written.''
Bummer. So we shouldn't expect that. At least he thought about those songs.
GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
The 2 bonus songs are out now:
Smith-Kotzen
Connoisseurs of fine riff craft will need no introduction to Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen or their remarkable, individual careers. Their self-titled 2021 debut was nothing short of a hard-hitting masterclass in modern rock that saw the guitar-slinging legends conjuring a heady dose of...
All The Way Down - alternative sounding riff, Psycho Motel-esque verses, typical chorus, 1 solo by Adrian, 2 by Richie.
The Grind - the intro is pure rock with Moonchild's intro vibe, heavier main riff, Whitesnake-esque verses, fitting chorus for the song (the short vocal part before the solos, the melody is quite nice), love the start of Adrian's solo. Overall, a nice vibe.
The songs blend (well, ofc) in with the rest of the material, so they could be album songs.
Thanks for sharing the link.
Nice to see a single with exclusive material being made available at the gigs.
Fozzie
Ancient Mariner
Heard the 2 bonus tracks at the weekend and like both, particularly The Grind, definite Maiden vibe at the start.
Managed to buy a copy of State of Mind, Psycho Hotel on CD from Ebay for only £6 at the weekend. Looking forward to giving it another listen after a good 20 years or so before seeing S&K next Friday.
Managed to buy a copy of State of Mind, Psycho Hotel on CD from Ebay for only £6 at the weekend. Looking forward to giving it another listen after a good 20 years or so before seeing S&K next Friday.