Smith/Kotzen

Smith/Kotzen is a collaborative powerhouse featuring Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) and Richie Kotzen (The Winery Dogs, ex-Poison). Formed in 2020, the duo represents a departure from their primary bands' more structured heavy metal and technical fusion styles, instead pivoting toward a soulful, blues-based hard rock aesthetic.

Their sound is characterized by a 'dual-lead' approach where both members contribute lead vocals and guitar duties, often trading phrases mid-verse. Musically, they draw heavily from the 1970s British and American rock traditions, citing influences like Free, Deep Purple, and Humble Pie. The production, often handled by the duo themselves and mixed by Jay Ruston, emphasizes a 'live-in-the-room' feel with minimal digital artifice. Critically, the project has been praised for its authenticity and the surprising vocal chemistry between the two, moving beyond the 'guitarist side-project' trope to establish a legitimate band identity. Their evolution from the 2021 debut to the 2025 'Black Light / White Noise' era shows an increasing comfort with complex arrangements while maintaining a foundational blues-rock grit.