Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith has opened up about one of rock’s most intriguing “what if” moments: his audition for Def Leppard in the early 1990s. In a recent interview, Smith confirmed that he was indeed invited to try out for the Sheffield hard rock band after the tragic death of their guitarist Steve Clark, a pivotal moment that could easily have changed the course of both bands’ histories.
The story began in 1991, shortly after Smith left Iron Maiden — a departure that followed his growing desire to explore new musical directions. At the same time, Def Leppard was seeking a replacement for Clark, who died in January of that year. Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen and longtime rock photographer Ross Halfin reached out to Smith with an invitation. “Would you be interested in coming over?” they asked, recounts Smith.
Smith said yes. He flew to Los Angeles, spent a few days rehearsing with Collen and the band, and ran through a set of Def Leppard songs. “It sounded good,” Smith recalled. “They’re a great bunch of guys. But it didn’t work out.” At the time, Smith was also preparing to release his project Psycho Motel, which may have influenced his decision as much as any musical chemistry. “Plus I had my Psycho Motel album just about to come out… but who knows? It was worth pursuing.”
While Smith’s audition didn’t lead to a permanent role, his involvement wasn’t a simple rumor — it was a genuine consideration. Def Leppard ultimately chose Irish guitarist Vivian Campbell, fresh off his work with Dio and Whitesnake, and Collen has since explained why. Campbell’s voice, range, and natural fit with the band’s style made him an immediate match — at once vocally strong and stylistically aligned with Def Leppard’s melodic hard rock. Collen even noted that they didn’t hold open “cattle calls” for the spot, instead inviting only five trusted guitarists to audition.
Collen has spoken warmly of Smith, praising his singing ability and musicianship while stressing that the band was looking for someone who could feel at home in their specific sound and dynamic. John Sykes — another high-profile guitarist — was also among those considered, but it was Campbell’s presence and chemistry that sealed the decision.
In the years since, Smith returned to Iron Maiden — rejoining the band in 1999 and remaining a crucial creative force alongside bandmates like Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson. Meanwhile, Campbell became a long-standing member of Def Leppard, contributing to decades of albums and tours in the band’s signature style.
Looking back, Smith treats the experience with good humor and perspective, noting that while things didn’t align, both bands went on to thrive. “They did okay without me,” he says with a smile — a modest acknowledgment that, in the end, the world didn’t lose anything, even if rock fans are left to wonder what might have been.
