Picture this: a legendary guitarist from one of metal's most iconic bands nearly jumping ship to join another rock powerhouse after a tragic loss. That's the fascinating behind-the-scenes tale of Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith and his ill-fated audition for Def Leppard over three decades ago – a story that's equal parts rock 'n' roll drama and what-if speculation. But here's where it gets controversial: could Adrian have reshaped Def Leppard's sound, or was the band's decision purely about fitting into their emotional family? Let's dive into the details and explore why it didn't pan out, shedding light on the audition process that ultimately brought Vivian Campbell into the fold.
In a recent chat with Spain's MetalJournal.net, Adrian Smith opened up about whether he really did try out for Def Leppard following the untimely death of their guitarist Steve Clarke in 1991. He shared (as captured by Blabbermouth.net): 'Yes, I did. I flew to L.A. for a few days. Phil Collen, one of Def Leppard's guitarists, called me – actually, he and the famous rock photographer Ross Halfin reached out and asked if I'd be interested in coming over. I said sure, so off I went to Los Angeles. I jammed with Phil for a couple of days. We sat down together and ran through some tracks. It gelled well, it really did. And those guys are fantastic people. But in the end, it just wasn't meant to be. On top of that, my album with Psycho Motel – the band I started after leaving Maiden in 1990 – was on the verge of release, so I was tied up with that. Still, who knows what could have been? It was definitely worth chasing. And look, they managed just fine without me.'
Fast-forward to June 2023, and Phil Collen himself confirmed the details in an interview with Eonmusic during a press event ahead of the Hellfest in Clisson, France. He revealed that Smith and former Whitesnake/Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes were part of a small group of musicians invited to audition after Clarke's passing from a drug overdose in January 1991. Vivian Campbell, another Whitesnake alum, ended up getting the job. Phil walked us through the thoughtful process of finding a new second guitarist for the Sheffield rockers.
'We brought in five people we knew personally, five mates,' Phil explained. 'And Vivian just clicked immediately; it felt like destiny. Adrian, though, is an incredible talent – he's got a strong singing voice too. That was actually one of our criteria: could they handle vocals? And there were others we tried, like John Sykes, who's an extraordinary musician and vocalist.
Vivian's voice stood out as truly exceptional. But beyond that, he seamlessly matched our style.
With Adrian, he performed within the context of our rehearsals,' Phil went on. 'We were strictly playing Def Leppard songs – not Iron Maiden tunes or Dio material; we stayed true to our catalog. So, anyone stepping into our world had to follow the same guidelines.
That's what made the difference,' Phil concluded. 'Vivian slotted right in. We kept it intimate because Steve's loss was still raw, and we needed someone who could emotionally bond with us like a family member. Vivian did that instantly. It was a blessing.'
For context, Adrian's departure from Iron Maiden happened during the recording of their 1992 album 'No Prayer for the Dying,' a shift that marked a change in the band's dynamic after decades of success. This timing added another layer to why his Def Leppard flirtation didn't advance.
In a 2021 Eonmusic interview, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen also verified that Smith was on their shortlist for the role that Campbell claimed. Rick mentioned other contenders, including a promising young guitarist from Birmingham named Huwey Lucas and the session player who contributed riffs to Whitesnake's massive 1987 self-titled album. 'There was this guy Huwey Lucas who was in the running; John Sykes was there too; we had a lineup of options,' Rick recalled.
But it was Smith who particularly stood out to the drummer, who praised Adrian's flexibility.
'I was excited about the possibility,' Allen admitted. 'It's intriguing – when you place someone in a fresh scenario, you discover new facets of their abilities, and that was neat. It was a real honor that he was so enthusiastic.'
Yet, Allen wrapped up by saying: 'In the long run, though, Vivian proved to be the ideal fit.'
And this is the part most people miss: the audition wasn't just about guitar chops; it was about emotional resonance. For beginners in rock history, this highlights how band dynamics often trump pure talent in high-stakes decisions, like choosing a family member over a star player.
In a 2020 Eonmusic discussion while promoting his memoir 'Monsters of River & Rock,' Smith was quizzed about his Def Leppard interest. He responded, 'Yes, I was in the mix. I'm not certain... I plan to pen more books, so that might end up in the next one. [Laughs] There's a full saga behind it, a complete story.'
A year after joining the band, Campbell shared his side of the story in a 1992 interview with Steve Newton of Georgia Straight. He explained: 'I'd been friends with Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott for years. He resides in Ireland, my homeland, so I'd bump into him whenever I visited – we share lots of common acquaintances. A few months after Steve passed, Joe mentioned they intended to keep going, finishing the album as a quartet before seeking a new guitarist, and he hinted he'd like me for the spot. I wasn't super familiar with the rest of the band, and they each had their views. About a year later, after they wrapped the record, they compiled a shortlist of three or four candidates. They flew to L.A., jammed with us, and that sealed it.'
Campbell elaborated on the unique audition experience: 'It felt odd. For starters, I'd never collaborated with someone using electronic drums, and that's a whole different vibe. Typically, in a tight space with an acoustic kit, the sound hits you directly because you're right beside it – it's booming. With electronics, you're listening through speakers, which threw off my musical timing. Plus, most of my 'tryout' involved chatting as much as playing. It was less about showcasing my guitar skills or singing and more like a personality evaluation.'
This revelation adds an intriguing twist: was the focus on 'fit' over skill a shrewd move for long-term band harmony, or did it undervalue raw musical prowess? Imagine if Adrian had brought his Maiden-style energy to Def Leppard – could it have sparked a sonic revolution, or would it have clashed with their pop-metal roots? It's a debate that fuels endless fan speculation.
So, what do you think? Do you believe Def Leppard made the right call by prioritizing emotional chemistry over Adrian's undeniable talent? Or should auditions in rock bands lean more toward musical versatility? Share your take in the comments – agree, disagree, or throw in your own 'what if' scenarios. Let's keep the conversation rocking!
