Bruce Dickinson Joins Smith/Kotzen for Special Performance in London

On February 21, 2023, Bruce Dickinson made a surprise appearance during a performance by the Smith/Kotzen duo at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London. The collaboration features Adrian Smith, guitarist of Iron Maiden, and Richie Kotzen, a renowned guitarist and vocalist. The event marked a significant moment as Dickinson joined the pair to perform "Wasted Years," a classic Iron Maiden song penned by Smith and originally released in 1986 on the album *Somewhere In Time*.

Bruce Dickinson joins Smith/Kotzen on stage to play Iron MaidenAdrian Smith and Richie Kotzen rolled out an Iron Maiden classic at their London show, with a very special guest

The Smith/Kotzen project, which has released two studio albums, including their latest, *Black Light / White Noise*, showcases the duo's shared passion for blues music. Their partnership has gained traction, leading to a tour that promotes their new album. The performance in London was particularly special for Smith, as it was a hometown show, and the trio delivered a powerful rendition of "Wasted Years," with bassist Julia Lage contributing significantly to the performance by expertly playing the iconic bass lines originally crafted by Iron Maiden's Steve Harris.

Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen rolled out an Iron Maiden classic at their London show, with a very special guest

Following their London show, Smith/Kotzen is set to perform in Brazil as one of the headliners at the Bangers Open Air festival, scheduled for April 25-26, 2026, at the Memorial da América Latina in São Paulo. Additionally, they will hold a concert in Curitiba at Tork n' Roll on April 24, 2026. These upcoming performances highlight the duo's growing popularity and the anticipation surrounding their music.

Bruce Dickinson joins Smith/Kotzen on stage to play Iron Maiden

Adrian Smith expressed excitement about Dickinson's appearance, introducing him to the audience with enthusiasm. The collaboration was well-received, showcasing the camaraderie among the musicians and their shared history within the heavy metal genre.

Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen rolled out an Iron Maiden classic at their London show, with a very special guest

While the performance was celebrated by fans, some critics have noted that the frequent collaborations among established artists can overshadow emerging talent in the music scene. This perspective emphasizes the need for a balance between honoring legacy acts and promoting new artists.

Bruce Dickinson joins Smith/Kotzen on stage to play Iron Maiden

• “Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only, Mr. Bruce Dickinson,” — Adrian Smith, Guitarist, Iron Maiden

Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen rolled out an Iron Maiden classic at their London show, with a very special guest

The collaboration between Smith and Kotzen, highlighted by Dickinson's surprise appearance, underscores the enduring legacy of Iron Maiden while also paving the way for new musical explorations.

Bruce Dickinson joins Smith/Kotzen on stage to play Iron Maiden