Rock history is full of moments that make fans wonder, “What if?” One of the most interesting involves Adrian Smith, the guitarist of Iron Maiden, and Def Leppard, the legendary hard rock band.
In the early 1990s, Adrian Smith had left Iron Maiden to explore new musical directions. At the same time, Def Leppard was looking for a new guitarist after the tragic death of Steve Clark in 1991. It was a big moment for both Smith and the band.
The Invitation
Smith recently shared that Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen and rock photographer Ross Halfin reached out to him with an invitation to audition. “Would you be interested in coming over?” they asked. Smith agreed and flew to Los Angeles.
He spent a few days rehearsing with the band, playing a set of their songs, and getting to know everyone. “It sounded good,” he recalled. “They’re a great bunch of guys. But it didn’t work out.”
Why It Didn’t Work Out
Even though Smith was a talented guitarist and singer, it wasn’t the right fit. He was also focused on releasing his project Psycho Motel, which may have influenced his decision. In the end, Def Leppard chose Vivian Campbell, who had just worked with Dio and Whitesnake. Campbell’s style matched the band perfectly, and he became a permanent member.
Phil Collen has said that they didn’t hold auditions for everyone — only a few trusted guitarists were invited. Smith was one of them, and Collen spoke highly of his musicianship, even if it didn’t lead to a permanent spot.
Looking Back
Smith returned to Iron Maiden in 1999 and has been a key part of the band ever since. Meanwhile, Campbell has enjoyed decades with Def Leppard. Looking back, Smith treats the experience with humor and perspective: “They did okay without me,” he said with a smile.
This story is a fascinating “what if” moment in rock history. Imagine how different things could have been if Adrian Smith had joined Def Leppard! But in the end, both bands continued to thrive, and fans got to enjoy their music just as it happened.