Smith/Kotzen Live In Bristol - Black Noise / White Light Tour Hits The West Country
- Sam Holt
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Bristol O2 Academy, Friday 20th February 2026
WORDS / IMAGES SAM HOLT
I first came across Smith/Kotzen’s debut self-titled album a few years ago. Having seen Richie Kotzen as a member of The Winery Dogs, I was curious to see how he’d sound alongside Adrian Smith on the Black Noise / White Light tour, which rolled into O2 Academy Bristol on Friday night.
Beyond knowing Smith as the guitarist and backing vocalist in Iron Maiden, this felt like a chance to understand the dynamic properly. Kotzen, a long-time Maiden admirer, and Smith — hardly short of pedigree — might seem unlikely collaborators on paper. But after a chance encounter and some informal playing sessions, they realised they had something distinct. The result was 2021’s self-titled debut: bluesy, groove-heavy and driven by chemistry rather than ego.
Unfortunately, the evening didn’t get off to the smoothest start. Local opener Kris Barras and his band were forced to pull out at short notice due to illness. Despite the promoter’s attempts to secure a replacement, none materialised, leaving fans facing a long wait and a slightly flat atmosphere before the main event.
When the lights finally dimmed and Bad Company boomed over the PA as an introduction, the mood shifted. Smith and Kotzen took their places and launched into ‘Life Unchained’, ‘Black Light’ and ‘Wraith’ — all from the new album. It was a confident opening statement: heavy where it needed to be, but still rooted in groove.
Backed by bassist Julia Lange (of Vixen) and drummer Bruno Valverde, the pair were supported by a rhythm section that felt muscular and assured rather than flashy. Lange in particular added weight and presence, her bass line on ‘Hate And Love’ (from the Better Days EP) locking in tightly and giving the track a deeper pulse live. ‘Blindsided’ picked up the pace and injected a welcome jolt of energy into a crowd that had been waiting patiently for over two hours.
Vocally, Kotzen handled the lion’s share with ease — soulful, gritty and powerful — but it was equally satisfying to hear Smith step forward on select tracks. The real magic, though, lay in the guitar interplay. Solos were traded with a sense of mutual respect rather than competition. At times they seemed to lean into each other’s phrasing instinctively, hitting moments of near-flawless harmony that justified the project’s existence in the first place.
There were lighter moments too. Kotzen shared tales of a leisurely day off in Bristol, proudly recounting the purchase of a new hat and suitcase — “rock ’n’ roll,” he joked. Both musicians also spoke sincerely about the importance of reaching out for help when needed, referencing ‘Darkside’ as one of their personal favourites from the new record and hinting at the emotional core beneath the riffs.
As expected, the bulk of the setlist came from Black Noise / White Light, but the material proved varied and engaging, culminating in a punchy run through ‘Solar Fire’. The newer, heavier direction translates particularly well live — less blues bar, more arena-ready stomp.
For the encore, they dipped into familiar territory. Kotzen revisited his solo back catalogue with ‘You Can’t Save Me’, before Smith led the charge into ‘Wasted Years’ from the Iron Maiden arsenal — a move that predictably sent a sizeable contingent of Maiden T-shirts and denim cut-offs into full voice.
Smith and Kotzen come from different musical worlds, but that contrast is precisely what makes the partnership compelling. The debut leaned into blues rock foundations; Black Noise / White Light pushes harder, sharper and more confidently into heavier territory. Live, the songs gain an extra layer of grit and immediacy.
With no support act and a crowd that had cooled during the extended wait, this could have been a tricky night to win. Instead, Smith/Kotzen relied on musicianship, chemistry and unforced charisma — and by the final bow, the Bristol audience was firmly on side.
Sometimes, pedigree projects feel like indulgence.
This one feels earned.
SET LIST
Life Unchained
Black Light
Wraith
Glory Road
Hate and Love
Blindsided
Taking My Chances
Outlaw
Darkside
Got a Hold on Me
White Noise
Scars
Running
Solar Fire
ENCORE
You Can't Save Me
(Richie Kotzen song)
Wasted Years
(Iron Maiden cover)
FOLLOW SMITH/KOTZEN