Live report SMITH/KOTZEN & SWEET ELECTRIC Gruenspan, Hamburg – March 5th, 2026

Some iconic guitarists are on tour right now. A few days ago, Michael Schenker brought back the great UFO days to Große Freiheit 36, and today, a few meters down the road, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen are playing a show. With Smith being one of the legendary Iron Maiden guitarists and Kotzen being a guitar wizard since the late ’80s, we can look forward to a night of blistering riffs and intricate solos.

Before the two guitarists start their show, we will pay attention to a band that joined this tour at the last minute. The Cologne-based hard rockers Sweet Electric got the chance to open for Smith and Kotzen after the Kris Barras Band had to cancel the tour due to health issues. I hadn’t heard of the band before, and I’m not sure how many in the room were familiar with them. However, the Gruenspan is already packed when the Australian/German five-piece takes the stage and opens with a song called “Heir to the Throne.”

Sweet Electric is a hard rock and glam rock band, as is apparent from frontman Brad Marr’s glitter jacket. At the same time, Sweet Electric provides a solid level of heaviness. Their music is raw yet has a party vibe. It seems that this is exactly what is needed tonight, as the band receives a lot of attention. Only a few fans are hanging out at the merchandise stand while the rest enjoy Sweet Electric’s show.

With all the glamour and retro flair on stage, the band adds a modern twist to their set, including a thunderous cover of LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem.” Sweet Electric’s interpretation is a hard-rocking version of this pop song, and the title perfectly captures the spirit of the room.

Sweet Electric did a great job as the opening act, especially since they joined this tour at the last minute. These five guys live by the motto “Rock ‘n’ Roll all night,” and some fans probably noted that Sweet Electric will return to Hamburg in November.

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Due to tight schedules and other obligations, Smith/Kotzen don’t tour together that often. So, if the two guitar virtuosos are in town, you should take advantage of the opportunity. After the intro, “Bad Company,” fades away, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen enter the stage. Tonight, it is a Brazilian rhythm section that provides the groove. Julia Lage and Bruno Valverde are a well-oiled rhythm machine, allowing Smith and Kotzen to shine on guitar and vocals.

The setlist is well-balanced, although the latest studio effort receives more attention. We start with “Life Unchained” from “Black Light/White Noise,” which is a great way to kick off the night. It’s immediately obvious that we’re listening to passionate guitarists who are also gifted vocalists. Not only do Smith and Kotzen share guitar duties, they also share vocals, and their voices blend well together. This applies not only to the studio recordings, but also to live performances.

Two more songs from the sophomore album, “Black Light” and “Wraith,” follow before “Glory Road” takes us back to the debut album. Everyone on and in front of the stage seems to enjoy these songs, as well as the thunderous version of “Got a Hold on Me.” This is certainly the heaviest moment of the night, followed by “White Noise.” Fans highly appreciate the latter, which results in a huge extra round of applause.

Smith and Kotzen on stage is pure rock power with an occasional hint of metal. They end the regular set with “Solar Fire.” The band returns for a two-song encore, starting with the bluesy “You Can’t Save Me,” a Richie Kotzen song.However, the night can’t end without an Iron Maiden song. “Wasted Years” is the chosen one, leading to another adrenaline rush. I must say, though, that with all the undoubted greatness of Iron Maiden, the classic is more of an obligation than a must tonight. Still, everyone enjoys the moment, and the fans’ desire for more songs shows their appreciation for the performance at Gruenspan tonight. Smith and Kotzen are excellent guitarists and great singers with a lot of rock ‘n’ roll passion, which they proved again tonight at Gruenspan.