Adrian Smith's Audition for DEF LEPPARD: A Look Back at the Band's Search for a Second Guitarist

Adrian Smith's Audition for DEF LEPPARD: A Look Back at the Band's Search for a Second Guitarist

Adrian Smith, the guitarist of IRON MAIDEN, revealed in a recent interview that he had tried out for DEF LEPPARD after the passing of their guitarist Steve Clarke in 1991. Despite playing with the band for a couple of days in L.A., the collaboration did not work out due to Smith's commitments with his band PSYCHO MOTEL. Phil Collen, the guitarist of DEF LEPPARD, confirmed that Smith and John Sykes were among the musicians who auditioned for the band, but Vivian Campbell ultimately landed the role. Collen mentioned that Campbell's voice and style fit perfectly with the band's dynamic during the audition process. Smith had left IRON MAIDEN in 1990 and auditioned for DEF LEPPARD a year later during the making of their album "No Prayer For The Dying."

Rick Allen, the drummer of DEF LEPPARD, also acknowledged that Smith was considered for the role that Campbell eventually secured. Allen praised Smith's adaptability and interest in the opportunity but emphasized that Campbell was the perfect choice for the band. Campbell, in a separate interview, shared his experience of how he ended up joining DEF LEPPARD. He mentioned that Joe Elliott, the band's singer, had expressed interest in having him join the band after Clarke's passing. Campbell went through an audition process where he had to adjust to playing with electronic drums and undergo a personality test rather than solely showcasing his musical abilities.

In conclusion, the audition process for DEF LEPPARD's second guitarist position involved notable musicians like Adrian Smith and John Sykes, with Vivian Campbell ultimately securing the role. Despite Smith's interest and audition for the band, Campbell's fit with the band's style and dynamics led to his selection as the new guitarist for DEF LEPPARD. The process highlighted the importance of finding a musician who not only musically fits but also emotionally connects with the band members, making Campbell the ideal choice for the position.