Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith Reflects on His 1991 Def Leppard Audition: A Missed Opportunity or a Wise Decision?
In a recent interview, Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith reminisced about his 1991 audition for Def Leppard, a band that had recently lost their guitarist, Steve Clark, to a tragic drug and alcohol-related death. Smith, who was invited to try out alongside four other guitarists, shared his thoughts on the experience and the band's decision to choose Vivian Campbell as Clark's replacement.
Smith's audition process began with a phone call from Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen and photographer Ross Halfin. He traveled to Los Angeles to meet with Collen and go through some songs. Smith described the experience as positive, noting the band's camaraderie and the songs' strong sound. However, he also mentioned that his upcoming album, Psycho Hotel, was about to be released, which made him hesitant about the opportunity. Despite the potential, Smith ultimately decided that it wasn't the right move for him at that time.
Collen, in a 2023 interview, revealed that the band invited five friends for the audition. He emphasized that Vivian Campbell stood out for his exceptional voice and ability to fit seamlessly into the band's style. Smith, while acknowledging his own talent, expressed a different perspective, stating, 'They did okay without me.' This statement raises an intriguing question: Was Smith's decision to decline the audition a missed opportunity, or was it a wise choice to focus on his own career and artistic vision?
The article also mentions Def Leppard's upcoming residency in Las Vegas, where they plan to present a unique show. This serves as a reminder of the band's enduring success and the impact of their music, even as they navigate the aftermath of Clark's loss.
As a music writer with a rich history in the industry, the author, Paul Brannigan, provides an insightful look into the audition process and the band's decision-making. Brannigan's work, including biographies on iconic musicians like Eddie Van Halen and Lemmy, adds depth to the story, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the music world's inner workings.
