Adrian Smith Reveals How Fame Took a Toll After Joining Iron Maiden
Adrian Smith, longtime guitarist for Iron Maiden, recently opened up about the unexpected weight of success and how stepping away in the ‘90s helped him rediscover his confidence and creativity.
In a revealing conversation on the Scars and Guitars podcast, Smith discussed the shift he experienced after Maiden’s meteoric rise, particularly following the success of their 1982 album, The Number of the Beast.
“When you’re young, and you’re trying to make your way and fit in… I found it difficult. When I was playing in the pubs and clubs, it was easy. I joined Maiden, and there was a lot more pressure. Up until that point, I’d always been a lead singer, and a kind of a second guitarist, and then all of a sudden I was on stage, and a lot was expected.”
Before joining Maiden in 1980, Smith had been honing his craft in bands like Urchin, which he formed with longtime friend and Maiden bandmate Dave Murray. But nothing prepared him for the massive leap to sold-out arenas and high-stakes performances.
“For example, the manager would say, ‘We’re going on the road this winter. Michael Schenker is going to be your opening band.’ I’m like, ‘Geez! Michael Schenker’s my hero, and I’ll go after him!’ Even Yngwie Malmsteen opened for us. I think it takes a while to get comfortable in your own skin.”
Smith’s honest reflections touched on how the emotional rollercoaster of youth clashed with the intensity of touring and performing under constant scrutiny.
“I had lots of ups and downs when I was young, as I’m sure we all do. You always try to find your way. [When] you’re a young man, you hit some incredible lows along with the highs. I think the great thing now, in the ’90s, I did a lot of solo stuff when I wasn’t in Maiden. I grew into my skin, I grew up, had a family, and I rejoined Maiden. [I had] a lot more confidence in myself. In the ’90s, I improved my technique, so I felt more confident.”
During his time away from the band, Smith released solo material and developed his own musical voice—experiences he credits with helping him return to Iron Maiden stronger and more grounded.
“And it’s great to be comfortable in your own skin, and then you can get on with being creative. You realize that everyone has their self-doubt, their dreams. We’re all the same. So, I just take it as far as you can. You’re always trying to write the greatest song we’ve ever written. That’s what keeps you going. Or, I very rarely listen to myself and think, ‘Oh yeah, I’m great.’ I’m always like, ‘F**k. I didn’t like that.’… You’re always working on it. And it keeps me interested. It’s about striving.”
Adrian Smith’s candidness offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of rock stardom—a reminder that even the most iconic musicians wrestle with doubt, growth, and the pursuit of self.
