Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith has cancelled the first-ever show booked by his supergroup – because it was advertised.

Smith plays guitar in side-project Primal Rock Rebellion, which also includes singer Mikee Goodman, bassist James Leach and drummer Dan Foord from Sikth, guitarist Dan Marshall from Murder One and keyboardist James Manning from Vacant Stare.

The band arranged a concert at the Bucks University Students Union, Wycombe. But now word has got out, Smith believes they’ll be unable to achieve their aims on the night.

IronMaiden.com explains: “Following the many news stories and speculation, Adrian has asked us to explain more fully about the Primal Rock Rebellion.

“In between Maiden tours he continues to enjoy writing and playing the guitar. A couple of years ago he got together with Mikee to write some songs and see where it led. The Primal Rock Rebellion isn’t a band, but a studio project with Mikee.

“Liking the result, they’ve been recording on and off and an album of Primal Rock Rebellion material may see the light of day at some point in the future.

“The pair planned an ‘under the radar’ gig at Bucks Student Union, mainly for fun and to try out some of their material live. Due to the show being advertised it’s become unviable to proceed with the idea.”

Smith left Maiden in 1990, following the release of his first solo album with his band ASAP (Adrian Smith and Project). When he rejoined along with singer Bruce Dickinson in 1999, the band kept his replacement Janick Gers, and are still working with a three-guitarist lineup.

The band will tour the world in 2011 to support recent album The Final Frontier, with Smith stating he has no plans for live work outside Maiden.