Adrian Frederick “H” Smith was born in Hackney, England, on February 27, 1957. The nickname H comes from the Cockney pronunciation of his first name “Aitch-rian”. H is a principal songwriter and guitarist for the heavy metal monster, Iron Maiden. He and fellow IM guitarist Dave Murray were schoolboy friends, and reportedly Murray’s attraction of members of the opposite sex spurred H to likewise pick up the guitar. Good choice! By all accounts, H contributes the bluesy, technically proficient, melodic guitar sounds that moderate all out shredding – contributing to the group’s popular appeal and success. Listening to IM play an H song, it’s easy to believe the first record he purchased was Deep Purple’s Machine Head.

Adrian Smith – Dave Murray – other Urchins

In the late 70s, H and Dave were playing in Urchin, when they were both invited to join Steve Harris’ band, Iron Maiden. Dave said yes; H said no. Bad choice! Both bands had just landed recording contracts, but Urchin broke up by 1980. Fortunately for H, IM was in the process of firing Dennis Stratton and again offered H the job. The timing was perfect. In the following 2 years, IM would replace its lead singer with Bruce Dickinson, and its drummer with Nicko McBrain. IM was now 3 albums in and doing very well, but with this lineup in place they would own the rest of the decade.

I wasn’t enough for H, though. He was reportedly feeling constrained by the IM style, and his songs were not being recorded as frequently, as the duo of Harris and Dickinson hit its stride. H left IM in 1989, and Dickinson followed in 1993. The two produced solo works, and then collaborated on 3 Dickinson albums in the late 90s. None were very successful, and IM was having its own problems, due to the rise of “grunge” as well as the loss of H and Bruce.

When IM decided to part ways with singer Blaze Bayley at the start of 1999, the stage was set for a reunification. Dickinson was invited back, as was H. IM decided to keep Janick Gers, who had replaced H, and the band then sported a powerhouse 3-guitar lineup. Happy days were here again! Since 1999, IM has issued one successful album after another and logged hundreds of thousands of miles, most recently touring in its customized jumbo jets, piloted by none other than lead singer, Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson has recently survived a brush with throat cancer, but Iron Maiden fans will tell you his voice never faltered. Neither have H’s guitar and songwriting skills. Eddie has never been happier.

We wish Adrian “H” Smith a happy 59th birthday, and many more!