Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen: New music video ‘Solar Fire’

This is the fourth single from Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen with the acclaimed work ‘Smith / Kotzen’. The song features Adrian's Iron Maiden bandmate, Nicko McBrain on drums. The clip was shot in Los Angeles in April, where Richie and Adrian sang and played together in the same room for the first time since recording the album in Turks & Caicos in January 2020. The resulting visual chemistry showcases two world-class guitarists who perfectly complement each other, combined with a stellar drum and bass lineup. The result: a powerful, forceful visual and sonic experience that leaves you counting down the days to see this band play live.

‘Smith / Kotzen’ was released in March through BMG. Paired with Kevin “Caveman” Shirley, the nine-track work features an extra performance from Richie's old friend and touring partner Tal Bergman. The drummer appears on “You Don’t Know Me“, “I Wanna Stay” and “Til Tomorrow ”, with Richie handling the sticks on the remaining five songs.

‘Richie and I started working together a few years ago.’

The Adrian Smith comments: “We had clicked as we'd been friends for a few years before. We both share a love for that classic, blues sound. So, we decided to get together and start writing some songs. Almost everything on the album is handled between Richie and myself, including the production. We had developed a very strong idea of how we wanted it to sound and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. There are a lot of great songs on there that we're really happy with. “

'Sometimes Adrian would send me a riff and I would immediately hear a melody or a vocal idea.'

The Richie Kotzen adds: «We had a really fluid songwriting process. Sometimes Adrian would send me a riff and I'd immediately hear some melody or a vocal idea. And sometimes it was the other way round, so it was kind of a circular thing. We'd meet up whenever we could and throw around some ideas. In the end, something great came out of it because there was no pressure. Nothing but a natural progression. I think the record really speaks to that. “

The Adrian Smith is known as one of the main guitarists of Iron Maiden, also having success as a solo artist. Richie Kotzen is the frontman of The Winery Dogs, as well as guitarist for both Mr. Big and Poison. Over the course of his long and celebrated career, he has released more than 20 solo albums. Both artists are also prolific songwriters.

The Adrian comments, "I think Richie and I complement each other really well. He's a virtuoso guitarist, but he's got a great sense of melody – the whole thing came very naturally.“

The Richie adds: "We found common ground in classic and blues-based rock – we both come from that mindset. We've been writing and recording together for the past year and I'm ecstatic with the results.“