Adrian Smith

Adrian Frederick H Smith born 27 February 1957 is an English musician best known as one of the three guitarists in the heavy metal band Iron Maiden for whom he regularly writes and along with bassist Steve Harris performs live backing vocals on some songs Growing up in Camden London Smith gained an interest in rock music at 15 and formed a friendship with future Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray who would inspire Smith to take up the guitar himself Upon leaving school at 16 he formed his own band Urchin which he would lead until their demise in 1980 Having already been offered a position as their second guitarist the previous year Smith joined Iron Maiden in November 1980 replacing Dennis Stratton Following a shortlived solo project entitled ASAP he left Iron Maiden in 1990 forming his own group Psycho Motel before joining Bruce Dickinsons solo outfit in 1997 Along with Dickinson he returned to Iron Maiden in 1999 after which the band gained renewed success and recently formed the side project Primal Rock Rebellion