Adrian Smith admits he left Iron Maiden because he burst out crying
hard feelings. But when I got there I was nervous, and I started drinking whisky. So I was pretty lit up when they went on. I was at the side of the stage, watching them play all the songs I used to play, and I just burst out crying. I was overwhelmed. Up until that point I hadn’t experienced much regret. But it really hit me then. There was a lot of my life in that band, and I was so close to where I used to be.
“Luckily I had enough time to pull myself together,” he continued. “I hadn’t brought a guitar. I just grabbed one of Dave [Murray]’s. Janick [Gers] grabbed me in a headlock and pulled me all the way out onto the catwalk before I’d played a f**king note! And when ‘Running Free’ started up, I thought: ‘F**king hell, this is a bit fast!’ But I got through it – just about. And in the end, it was a nice thing to do.”
Following that performance, Smith remained in close contact with the band. In 1998, he and Bruce Dickinson were invited to rejoin MAIDEN, an offer they both enthusiastically accepted. An official IRON MAIDEN documentary is in production for a 2025 global cinema release, coinciding with their 50th-anniversary celebration. The documentary will feature interviews with the band, fans, and notable figures, as well as Paul Di’Anno’s final interview.
Adrian Smith’s departure from IRON MAIDEN in 1990 came as a shock to fans, who viewed him as a laid-back and talented guitarist. However, the pressure and intensity of the band’s fame and success in the late 80s took a toll on Smith, eventually leading to his decision to leave. In a recent interview, Smith revealed that he struggled with mental health issues during this time, often retreating into himself or resorting to substances like alcohol and c*caine to cope with the pressures of performing.
By 1990, Smith felt stifled within the band and was unsure of his future. The band’s upcoming tour added to the pressure, prompting difficult conversations about his commitment to the group. While leaving was a challenging decision that involved a lot of internal conflict, Smith ultimately felt relieved to step away and focus on other aspects of his life, such as starting a family.
Despite leaving IRON MAIDEN, Smith’s connection to the band remained strong. Invited back in 1998 alongside Bruce Dickinson, Smith rejoined the group with enthusiasm. A memorable performance at the 1992 Donington Monsters Of Rock festival brought Smith back on stage with IRON MAIDEN, evoking strong emotions and a sense of nostalgia for his time with the band. The experience reinforced the significance of his years with IRON MAIDEN and led to a greater appreciation for the band and their music.
Looking towards the future, IRON MAIDEN is gearing up for a significant milestone with their 50th anniversary. An official documentary is underway, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s journey, featuring interviews with band members, fans, and key figures in their history. The documentary is set for a global cinema release, coinciding with the band’s anniversary celebration, showcasing the enduring legacy of IRON MAIDEN and their impact on the world of heavy metal.