Better Days

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy track "Better Days" by Smith/Kotzen, a hard-hitting tune from their 2021 EP of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its infectious energy. This song, a cornerstone of the EP, was born from a spontaneous creative spark between Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. In an interview with MetalTalk, Adrian shared that "Better Days" almost wrote itself when he brought a riff to Richie in Los Angeles in April 2021, post-lockdown. Richie instantly responded with a melody for the chorus, and the duo built the track by bouncing ideas back and forth, a process they described as natural and fluid. The song’s heavy yet melodic vibe, with its colossal hooks and driving rhythm, has been praised for blending classic rock roots with a modern edge, drawing comparisons to Soundgarden in its verse and a hit single in its chorus, as noted in a review by Rock and Blues Muse.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s recording context. Two tracks from the "Better Days" EP, including the title track, were laid down at The House studio in Los Angeles, while the other two were recorded earlier at Windermere in Turks & Caicos during March 2020, just before global lockdowns hit. Richie Kotzen commented in a Sonic Perspectives piece that the song’s groove and collaborative spirit reflect the same formula used for their self-titled debut album, emphasizing their shared love for bluesy hard rock. Fans on Smith/Kotzen’s Facebook page have echoed this, with some calling "Better Days" a hypnotic anthem that captures the duo’s chemistry. The EP’s release as a limited-edition 12-inch vinyl for Record Store Day’s Black Friday event in 2021 was a hit, selling out globally, which led to its inclusion on the 2022 CD release "Better Days…And Nights," as announced on Iron Maiden’s X account.

Delving into how Smith/Kotzen came to be, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen are no strangers to the rock world, each with a storied career before their collaboration. Adrian, best known as a guitarist for Iron Maiden, began his musical journey in London, influenced by 1970s hard rock and blues bands like Deep Purple and Humble Pie. He joined Iron Maiden in 1980, contributing to their iconic sound with his songwriting and guitar work, and has since explored solo projects, including his 1989 album with ASAP. Richie Kotzen, on the other hand, hails from Pennsylvania and started playing guitar at a young age, quickly gaining recognition for his virtuosic skills. By his teens, he was releasing solo albums, and his career took off with stints in Poison and Mr. Big, followed by his role as frontman for The Winery Dogs. Kotzen’s prolific output includes over 20 solo albums, showcasing his blend of soul, funk, and hard rock.

The duo’s paths crossed by chance in Los Angeles in the 1990s, and their friendship grew over years of mutual respect, as detailed in a MetalTalk interview. It wasn’t until 2020, prompted by Adrian’s wife, that they decided to write together, resulting in their self-titled debut album. This collaboration, recorded in Turks & Caicos, was a creative escape from their main projects, allowing them to channel their shared love for classic rock and blues. Fans can connect with Smith/Kotzen on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and behind-the-scenes content. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities like the Iron Maiden Fan Club on Facebook often discuss Adrian’s side projects, including Smith/Kotzen, while The Winery Dogs’ community page offers a space for Richie’s fans to celebrate his work.