Scars (Live 2022)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs spinning vinyl at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up "Scars (Live 2022)" by Smith/Kotzen from their album Better Days...And Nights for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, captured during the duo’s 2022 U.S. and U.K. tour, pulses with raw energy and soulful blues-rock vibes. One juicy tidbit about "Scars" comes from a 2022 Sonic Perspectives interview with Richie Kotzen, where he revealed a unique twist in the recording process. During the studio sessions, Kotzen borrowed Adrian Smith’s guitar, equipped with a locking tremolo system, to lay down two solos. Having not used a tremolo in 30 years, Kotzen tapped into his teenage playing style, infusing the track with a nostalgic, old-school Kotzen flair that guitar nerds will geek out over. This spontaneous gear swap added a distinctive texture to the song, making it a standout for fans listening to the studio version versus the live cut.

Another cool story about "Scars" ties to its live performance. Reviews from the 2022 tour, like one from MetalTalk, describe the live rendition as a soul-baring epic, stretching nearly ten minutes with colossal vocal deliveries from both Smith and Kotzen. The song’s moody, mysterious vibe, as Kotzen noted in a 2021 Sonic Perspectives post, makes it a perfect canvas for live guitar improvisation. The duo deliberately kept studio overdubs minimal—think harmony vocals and Adrian’s killer counterpoint line on "Scars"—to ensure the live version stayed true to the record. Kotzen even mused about sipping wine and comparing the studio and live versions back-to-back, a ritual he hadn’t tried but thought would be “interesting.” The live track, featured on YouTube, showcases the band’s chemistry with bassist Julia Lage and drummer Bruno Valverde, earning raves from Japan’s Burrn! magazine for its unique rock ‘n’ roll swagger.

Now, let’s rewind to how Smith/Kotzen came to be. Adrian Smith, best known as a guitarist for Iron Maiden, kicked off his musical journey in London’s heavy metal scene. Born in 1957, he joined Iron Maiden in 1980, contributing to their iconic sound with his melodic riffs and songwriting. His work with Maiden, alongside solo projects and a memoir, Monsters of River & Rock, showcases his lifelong passion for rock. Richie Kotzen, born in 1970 in Pennsylvania, started playing guitar at age seven and was gigging professionally by his teens. His big break came in 1989 when he joined Poison, followed by a stint with Mr. Big. Kotzen’s bluesy, soulful style and prolific solo career—over 20 albums—caught the attention of Smith. The two met in Los Angeles, bonded over their love for ‘70s blues-rock like Humble Pie, and launched their self-titled debut in 2021, a hard-hitting blend of classic and modern rock.

Fans can keep up with Smith/Kotzen on their official website, where you’ll find tour updates and merch. Their Facebook page is buzzing with posts about new releases like their 2025 album Black Light / White Noise. On Instagram, they share behind-the-scenes snaps and tour highlights, while their X account keeps the conversation going with fans. For those craving community, check out the Smith/Kotzen Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other diehards swap stories, share bootlegs, and hype up live shows. While there’s no official fan website, the duo’s presence on platforms like Iron Maiden’s X often amplifies Smith/Kotzen news, like their 2024 Islington Assembly Hall gig. Dive into these spaces to join the tribe celebrating this dynamic duo’s riff-heavy legacy.