Scars

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the vibes on THE ZOO! Right now, we’re dropping the needle on the soul-stirring track “Scars” by Smith/Kotzen, from their killer self-titled debut album. This tune is a bluesy, heavy-hitting gem that starts with a dreamy intro before cranking up the heat, and it’s got a story as deep as its riffs. Richie Kotzen spilled the beans in an interview, saying “Scars” was one of the first songs he and Adrian Smith cooked up together, with a moody, mysterious vibe that hooked them both. Kotzen’s got big plans for this one, picturing it as a live jam where he and Smith trade fiery guitar solos, stretching it out for some serious fretboard magic. Adrian Smith called it a throwback to ‘70s bluesy rock, a style they both had a blast diving into. Fun fact: Kotzen didn’t just sing and shred on this track—he also laid down the bass and drums, showing off his multi-instrumental chops. The black-and-white music video, shot across LA and London, captures the song’s raw emotion with desert and seashore backdrops, giving it that epic, timeless feel.

Let’s rewind and talk about how Smith/Kotzen came to be. This dynamic duo is Adrian Smith, the legendary guitarist from Iron Maiden, and Richie Kotzen, the powerhouse frontman of The Winery Dogs. Their paths crossed in Los Angeles, where they were part-time neighbors and bonded over a shared love for classic rock and blues. It all started with some casual jams, sparked by a chance meeting and a nudge from Adrian’s wife to write a song together. That chemistry exploded into a full-on collaboration, with the pair co-writing, co-producing, and swapping vocals and guitar duties. Their debut album, recorded in the Turks & Caicos Islands in February 2020, channels ‘70s rock with a modern edge, blending blues, hard rock, and R&B. Adrian, a key songwriter for Iron Maiden hits like “22 Acacia Avenue,” brought his melodic grit, while Richie, with over 20 solo albums and stints in Mr. Big and Poison, added his soulful, virtuoso flair. It’s a match made in rock heaven, and they’re already rocking their second album, Black Light / White Noise.

Want to keep up with Smith/Kotzen? Check out their official website at smithkotzen.com for the latest news and tour dates. Follow their vibe on Facebook, where they share updates and behind-the-scenes goodies. Over on Instagram, you’ll find cool pics and clips from their studio sessions and live shows. They’re also active on X, dropping posts about new singles and more. For solo updates, Adrian’s on Instagram and YouTube, while Richie’s got his own Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans can join the Smith/Kotzen Fan Group on Facebook, a rad spot to share your love for their music. So, crank up “Scars,” let those riffs wash over you, and keep it locked to THE ZOO for more righteous tunes!