Smith and Kotzen

Smith/Kotzen is the collaboration between Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. Smith made his name as the guitarist in the legendary Iron Maiden, helping define the twin-guitar sound of classic ’80s metal.

Kotzen, meanwhile, built a reputation as a singer-guitarist with The Winery Dogs, following earlier stints in Mr. Big and Poison.

They are both phenomenal guitar players, as well as excellent singers. They opened the O2 Academy gig in Bristol with the excellent Life Unchained, from their new album, aptly called Black Light / White Noise.

They have different styles while complementing each other perfectly. On one hand, you have the Iron Maiden axeman’s bluesy overtones, both vocally and as a guitar player. On the other, you have Kotzen’s effervescent technique and incredible vocal range.

 All these things mix in a band that has two lead singers, both doubling as lead guitarists. They duet or alternate vocals on all the songs, and the different styles of singing work incredibly well together.

The setlist is almost exclusively formed of tracks from this project’s two albums and one EP. The latest record gets a proper showing, with six tracks played.

 Life Unchained, followed by Black Light, allows everyone on stage to show what they can do. There is also the rhythm section of Julia Lage on bass and Bruno Valverde on drums.

From bluesier numbers like Glory Road, an uplifting anthem with a smattering of trucker rock and a sparkling chorus, to proper rockers like Got A Hold On Me, it is all in there, with proper catchy tunes, like Taking My Chances.

 Outlaw on the other hand is more radio-friendly, despite the intensity of the riffing. Darkside contains a powerful message to share your feelings and not struggle alone, while Got A Hold On Me allows Smith to demonstrate some excellent slide with some chugging rock & roll.

The setlist moved through heavy hitters like Hate & Love, showcasing Kotzen’s phrasing with micro-bends, vibrato, and expressive legato and the epic Taking My Chances and Running. It is clear to see the two guitar virtuosos push each other, exchanging solos without a single dropped note, alongside studio-worthy vocals and great stage presence.

With Blindsided, the energy shifts. Here, both players dig into heavier timbre. Kotzen’s attack on his signature Telecaster is aggressive but precise; Smith’s bends and vibrato remain surgical.

Power ballad Scars, an emotional track, takes the energy to another level, a powerful, emotionally charged blues-rock number.

Solar Fire is an epic closer for the main set before the encore, a sprawling piece that showcases tonal contrast, improvisation, and harmonic sophistication. Smith’s Jackson provides a sustained, thick foundation with full-bodied overdrive, while Kotzen’s Fender Strat, once more, explores wide-ranging melodic textures, blending blues, rock, and fusion influences.

The encore’s first piece, You Can’t Save Me, a great rendition of what is probably Kotzen’s best-known solo track, began almost as a whisper. Kotzen’s fingers caressed the frets, hybrid-picked harmonics chiming delicately above a soft rhythm that Smith laid down, thick and warm, letting every note bloom. Queue the last song of the night, Iron Maiden’s classic Wasted Years roared out of their guitars like an absent friend and brought the night to a huge sing-along finish.

The room vibrated, alive with the power of two virtuosos in complete sync. This is how rock ‘n’ roll should be. Truly and entirely live, with great playing and exceptional vocals. There were no gimmicks just world-class players delivering rock music for their fans.