ASAP (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Adrian Smith |
| Defunct | 1989 |
| Products | Silver and Gold (album) |
| Website | myspace |
A.S.a.P. was a rock ensemble initiated by guitarist and vocalist Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden. Their sole album, Silver and Gold, was issued in 1989. The band's name is an acronym for "Adrian Smith and Project," with each word displayed beneath the corresponding letter in the logo.
History
During Iron Maiden's year-long hiatus following the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988) tour, Adrian Smith established A.S.a.P. in 1989. The band's origins can be traced back to Urchin, a group led by Smith in the 1970s. Prior to Urchin’s dissolution in 1981—when Smith joined Iron Maiden—members Andy Barnett, Dave Colwell, and Richard Young had collaborated with him.
The idea for the project further matured in late 1985 amid another break for Iron Maiden after their Powerslave tour. Smith teamed up with drummer Nicko McBrain alongside Colwell and Barnett to form a side venture, which culminated in a single performance at London's Marquee Club in 1986 under the name "The Entire Population of Hackney". Their setlist featured original compositions such as "Silver and Gold"—which later became the title track of A.S.a.P.’s album—and additional songs that either served as B-sides or were recorded by Iron Maiden.
When assembling A.S.a.P., Smith invited Colwell, Barnett, Young, and drummer Zak Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. Although McBrain was initially considered for the lineup, he was unavailable due to his wedding commitments.
The Silver and Gold album represented a departure from Iron Maiden's heavier style, emphasizing keyboards and progressive rock elements more prominently. Smith assumed lead vocal duties, delivering a raspy tone reminiscent of Bryan Adams. Despite promotional efforts and releasing two singles, the album did not achieve commercial success, resulting in the band's breakup.
In 1990, amid creative disagreements during the production of No Prayer for the Dying, Smith parted ways with Iron Maiden. He largely stepped back from the music scene until forming The Untouchables in 1993—a band that concentrated on intimate club performances without issuing records. This group later evolved into Psycho Motel, which released two albums and toured alongside Iron Maiden during the mid-1990s. By 1997, Smith joined Bruce Dickinson's backing band, before both musicians returned to Iron Maiden in 1999.
Track listing - Silver and Gold (album)
All tracks written by Barnett/Colwell/Smith/Young
- "The Lion" – 3:54
- "Silver and Gold" – 4:50
- "Down the Wire" – 5:06
- "You Could Be a King" – 3:38
- "After the Storm" – 5:50
- "Misunderstood" – 4:25
- "Kid Gone Astray" – 4:24
- "Fallen Heroes" – 4:32
- "Wishing Your Life Away" – 4:05
- "Blood on the Ocean" – 6:01
Track listing - "Silver and Gold" (CD single)
- "Silver and Gold (12" Remix)" (Barnett/Colwell/Smith/Young) – 4:47
- "Blood Brothers (Alternative Version)" (Barnett/Colwell/Smith/Young) – 3:33
- "Fighting Man" (Barnett/Colwell) – 3:56
Track listing - "Down the Wire" (CD single)
- "Down the Wire (Long Distance Mix)" (Barnett/Colwell/Smith/Young)
- "When She's Gone" (Smith)
- "School Days" (Barnett/Colwell)
Personnel - Silver and Gold (1989)
- Adrian Smith – guitars, lead vocals
- Andy Barnett – guitars, backing vocals
- Dave Colwell – guitars, backing vocals
- Richard Young – keyboards, programming
- Robin Clayton – bass guitar
- Zak Starkey – drums and percussion
- Guest musicians
- Stevie Lange – backing vocals featured on "After the Storm"
- Johnny Diesel – lead vocal during the middle 8 section and backing vocals on "Misunderstood"