Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are two of the guitarists for the heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. They are both from London, England. Dave Murray was born on December 23, 1956 and Adrian Smith was born on February 27, 1957.
How They Started
They met each other when they were both in high school. Adrian Smith was in a band called Urchin, which Dave Murray saw perform live.
Dave Murray was so impressed with Adrian Smith’s guitar playing that he asked him to join his band, Iron Maiden.
Adrian Smith agreed and the two have been playing together ever since.
Even though their names often go together, they each have their own interesting stories and talents.
Things To Know About Dave Murray
Dave Murray is the only member of Iron Maiden who has been with the band since their very beginning.
That in itself is an outstanding accomplishment.
Dave Murray is left-handed but plays guitar right-handed.
It’s a common misconception that all left-handed people play guitar left-handed, but that’s not necessarily the case. For Murray, it was simply a matter of practicality. When he was first starting out, all of the guitars he could find were made for right-handed players. So, he taught himself to play right-handed, and it’s something he’s stuck with ever since.
Equipment Dave Murray Uses
- Black ’57 Stratocaster that was previously owned by Paul Kossoff of the musical group Free. Equipped with DiMarzio humbuckers in the bridge and neck positions and a single-coil in the middle.
- Stock Marshall 50 watt heads into six 4 x12 cabs with Celestion speakers.
- MXR EQ, a Phase 90, a Distortion+, and a Cry Baby wah.
Things To Know About Adrian Smith
Adrian Smith has written some of Iron Maiden’s most popular songs, including “Aces High” and “2 Minutes to Midnight”.
Smith’s songwriting is characterized by its catchy hooks and complex guitar work, which has helped to make Iron Maiden one of the most successful metal bands of all time.
In addition to his work with Maiden, Smith has also released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists, such as Bruce Dickinson and Dream Theater. Regardless of the project, Smith always brings his trademark passion and energy to his songwriting, creating memorable tunes that are sure to please metal fans for years to come.
Adrian Smith has his own signature guitar model with Gibson.
Over the course of his more than three decades with the group, Smith has established himself as one of the most respected guitarists in the metal community. Now, he has taken his place among the ranks of rock legends with his own signature guitar model from Gibson. The Adrian Smith Signature Gibson Les Paul Standard is a true work of art. Featuring a mahogany body and maple top, the guitar has a rich, full sound.
Equipment Adrian Smith Uses
This list of equipment is taken from the Piece Of Mind era, my favorite Iron Maiden album ever:
- Red Ibanez Destroyer, equipped with all stock pickups with DiMarzios… most likely Super Distortions.
- 100w Marshall Super Lead [plexi], 8 x Marshall cabs with EVs, Mesa/Boogie combo,
- Pete Cornish Pedalboard with Yamaha Analog Delay, Crybaby, customized MXR preamp, Yamaha Flanger, Yamaha Phaser.
Source: https://www.woodytone.com/2010/12/14/early-maiden-murray-smith-gear/
Dave Murray And Adrian Smith’s Contribution To The Heavy Metal World
Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are two of the most important figures in the heavy metal world. As the guitarists for Iron Maiden, they have helped to shape the sound of metal music and influenced generations of guitarists.
With their catchy songwriting and intricate guitar work, Murray and Smith have helped to make Iron Maiden one of the most successful metal bands of all time. In addition to their work with Maiden, they have also released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists.
No matter what project they are working on, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith always bring their trademark passion and energy to their songwriting, creating memorable tunes that are sure to please metal fans for years to come.
Bottom Line
Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are two of the most important figures in the heavy metal world in my point of view. They have been such a big influence on me in terms of my choice of song structure, melodies, and minor tonalities in my own songwriting.
