Smith/Kotzen
Smith/Kotzen | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Label | BMG |
| Members | |
| Website | smithkotzen |
Smith/Kotzen is the name of a musical collaboration between musicians Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs.[1][2]
History
[edit]The duo met when Smith bought a house and moved to live in Los Angeles part time. Kotzen met and talked with Smith's wife Natalie by chance in a bar, that led to the pair meeting and a friendship developing. [3] Richie and Julia his wife would be invited to parties at the Smiths home where jam sessions would take place, and Natalie eventually suggested the pair write together.
Smith/Kotzen
[edit]The writing sessions eventually let to them writing and recording their self-titled debut album, released on March 26, 2021, was described by the Ultimate Classic Rock as a mix of "blues, hard rock, traditional R&B and more."[4][5][6][7] Kotzen also added jazz fusion elements to some sections.[8] Smith/Kotzen was supported by a first single released in January 2021, titled "Taking My Chances".[1][2]
Both musicians share guitar, bass, vocal, composing and production duties on the album.[1][4][5][6] Kotzen also plays drums on five tracks and Tal Bergman, Richie's longstanding friend and touring partner, replaces him on songs "You Don't Know Me", "I Wanna Stay" and "'Til Tomorrow".[4][5] The album also features special guest performance from Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain on "Solar Fire".[4][5]
They undertook their first European tour in 2022 in support of the album, with live members Julia Lage and Bruno Valverde.[9]
Black Light/White Noise
[edit]The duo's second album, Black Light/White Noise, was released on March 7, 2025. The lead single, entitled "White Noise", was released on the same day.[10]
The band toured Europe in February 2026 in support of the album, with Kotzen's wife Julia Lage playing bass (who also played bass on 5 songs on the album) and Bruno Valverde on drums.[11]
Band members
[edit]Current members
[edit]- Adrian Smith – vocals, guitars, bass (2020–present)
- Richie Kotzen – vocals, guitars, bass, drums (2020–present)
Touring musicians
[edit]- Julia Lage – bass, occasional backing vocals (2022–present;session 2025)
- Bruno Valverde – drums (2022-present;session 2025)
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- Smith/Kotzen (2021)
- Black Light/White Noise (2025)
Extended plays
[edit]- Better Days (2021)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Carter, Emily (January 26, 2021). "Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen announce debut Smith/Kotzen album". Kerrang!. London: Wasted Talent. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ^ a b "Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen Officially Announce Collaboration; First Single 'Taking My Chances' Now Available". Blabbermouth.net. Pasadena. December 10, 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
- ^ https://heavymusichq.com/richie-kotzen-interview/
- ^ a b c d "Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen Announce Debut LP". Ultimate Classic Rock. Purchase: Townsquare Media. January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Roche, Sam (January 27, 2021). "Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen detail debut album Smith/Kotzen". Guitar World. Bath: Future Publishing Limited. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ^ a b Grow, Kory (January 26, 2021). "Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith Teams With Guitarist Richie Kotzen for Bluesy, Hard-Rock Side Project". Rolling Stone. New York City: Variety. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
- ^ DeRiso, Nick (February 22, 2021). "March 2021 New Music Releases". Ultimate Classic Rock. Purchase: Townsquare Media. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ^ Graff, Gary (March 22, 2021). "Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith teams with guitarist Richie Kotzen for 'Smith/Kotzen' debut album". cleveland.com. Advance Local Media. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ https://bravewords.com/news/smith-kotzen-reveal-bassist-and-drummer-for-upcoming-tour-dates/#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20Smith/Kotzen%20has,the%20U.S.%20West%20Coast%20dates.
- ^ Wright, Dan (November 20, 2024). "Smith/Kotzen Announce New Album & White Noise Single". Ironmaiden.com. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ https://www.ironmaiden.com/blacklightwhitenoisetour2026/
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