Adrian Smith has made his stance on artificial intelligence in music unmistakably clear—and he’s not a fan. In a recent interview with Argentina’s UnDinamo, the Iron Maiden guitarist said AI-generated music “makes me shiver,” arguing that it encourages shortcuts over craft. “People seem to be craving more reward with less effort,” Smith said, criticizing reliance on technology at the expense of musicianship.
Smith also took aim at modern touring habits, referencing bands canceling shows after losing laptops. “I mean, come on,” he said, emphasizing the importance of being able to actually play without digital safety nets.
Reflecting on the struggles facing younger artists, Smith pointed to streaming’s role in devaluing music and eroding the traditional record industry. “There’s no struggle anymore,” he said, contrasting today’s landscape with his own “old school” upbringing—when artists had to perform in the studio and earn their sound the hard way.
