BANDS: Iron Maiden, ASAP, Psycho Motel, Bruce Dickinson band
ALBUMS: With Iron Maiden: "Killers" (1981); "Maiden
Japan" - Live EP (1981); "The Number Of The Beast" (1982);
"Piece Of Mind" (1983); "Powerslave" (1984); "Live After Death"
(1985); "Somewhere In Time" (1986); "7th Son Of A 7th Son"
(1988)
With ASAP: "Silver And Gold" (1989)
With Psycho Motel: "State Of Mind" (1996); "Welcome To
The World" (1998)
With Bruce Dickinson: "Accident Of Birth" (1997); "The
Chemical Wedding" (1998)
What can I say about Adrian, or "H" as he's known, other than that he
is my all time, number one favorite guitarist. As I've made reference
to in other areas of this page, he and Dave Murray (friends since high
school) were the most magical guitar duo ever, and the thing that made
Maiden a legendary heavy metal band. Complimenting Dave's "wild"
style, is Adrian's total melodic and precise guitar playing. He plans
his solos out before recording, and his leads fit in so well with the song.
His soloing style is so skillful, with his frequent use of stacatto picking,
where almost every note is picked, without out sacrificing speed or melody.
I think this is where I get my influence from Adrian. Not because
I try to emulate his, or anyone else's playing, but because it just seems
to be the style that I am most naturally connected to. It's hard
to explain, so you'll just have to trust me on this one!
I couldn't even begin to name his best solos, because there isn't one
I don't totally love. I've been fortunate enough to see Adrian live
twice. The first time was back in '88, with Maiden, which was my
first concert. But the time I enjoyed seeing him the most, was in
the fall of '97, while he was touring with Bruce Dickison's band, playing
in smaller clubs. To be like 30 feet away from your guitar idol is
a cool thing.
His playing is unreal, and his stage presence is great. I'm not
gay for him (or for any guy!) or anything, it's just that he's such a cool
dude. Watch and listen to Maiden's "Live After Death" video/album
(the best live product from any band, ever!) and you'll see/hear his ability.
