Psycho Motel

Infobox musical artist
Name = Psycho Motel


Img_capt = From left to right; Mike Sturgis, Adrian Smith, Gary Leideman and Andy Makin.
Img_size =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = England
Genre = Progressive rock
Years_active = 1995–1997
Label = Sanctuary
Associated_acts = ASAP The Untouchables Iron Maiden Urchin 21 Guns
URL =
Current_members = Adrian Smith Andy Makin Gary Leideman Mike Sturgis
Past_members = (Hans Olav) Solli

Psycho Motel was a British progressive rock band, formed by Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith.

History

The band was formed in 1995 by Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith after he left Maiden in 1990. Adrian briefly experimented with a project going under the name of ASAP (Adrian Smith and Project) before seemingly retiring from the music business altogether in 1990. However, it was a chance meeting with Jamie Stewart, formerly bass guitarist with The Cult, that finally persuaded Smith back into the spotlight. The pair lived close to each other and, says Smith,

"Quote from Adrian Smith, as quoted from the State of Mind cover."

However, Stewart soon quit the project, leaving Smith effectively fronting a trio, the line -up being completed by bassist Gary Leideman and drummer Mike Sturgis. Adrian decided to extend the line-up by bringing in singer Solli, a Norwegian who'd been working with Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham in a band called 21 Guns. A demo impressed enough for the band to land a recording deal. Debuting with the album State of Mind in 1996, followed a year later by the second release, Welcome to the World.

As far as Smith was concerned, the two records were distinct from each other:

"Quote from Adrian Smith, as quoted from the Welcome to the World album cover."

After the release of Welcome To The World, Adrian went to help on two albums and two tours with Bruce Dickinson which were both highly successful. After this, both Adrian and Bruce re-joined Iron Maiden in 1999 and Adrian split up Psycho Motel. When asked if he would consider re-forming the band in 2001, he said that they had "no plans at the moment" but they would "possibly do some stuff next year". This has yet to happen with his continued success with Iron Maiden.

In 2006, both albums were re-released, Welcome to the World was released with two bonus tracks, "Wait" and "Just Like A Woman".

Last Line-Up

*Andy Makin - Vocals
*Adrian Smith - Guitars,backing vocals
*Gary Leideman - Bass
*Mike Sturgis - Drums

Former members

(Hans Olav) Solli - Vocals (State of Mind)

Discography

tudio albums

*"State of Mind" (1996)
*"Welcome to the World" (1997)

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/psychomotel Fan page on myspace with listenable tracks]