VINTAGE Canadian rocker Bryan Adams was welcomed back to Coventry for the first time in two decades last Friday.
Two days after three consecutive sell-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall, the 64-year-old, performed in front of 7,500 eager fans at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The event was one of many stops on his extensive So Happy It Hurts tour, supporting his latest album release of the same name, and establishing a clear pattern of relentlessness and insatiable desire to play.
Opening the show with Kick Ass, a roaring selection from his most recent studio effort, the rock icon achieved a perfect balance between older, classic hit songs that fans demand to hear and fresher-sounding, more recent tracks.
And this wasn’t the only exquisite equilibrium of the night. He also struck gold in the tasteful mixture of soft, stripped-back acoustic ballads and blood-pumping, explosive rock tracks for the show to remain vibrant and exciting, not stagnant or repetitive.
Picture by Lise Evans. s
There was a great display of chemistry between band mates with a double bass brought for a couple of tunes, some comedic dancing and joking around between Adams and Keith Scott (his sidekick and lead axeman since 1976) and many other touching, memorable moments – like a heartfelt tribute (in the form of a ‘best-of’ medley) to the late queen of rock ‘n’ roll, Tina Turner who died last year.
The exemplary musicianship and uncanny vocal prowess of Adams and the boys needs a special mention. Songs they must have played over 10,000 times in their career, remained sharp as a needle and the excitement was palpable in every corner of the arena as if Run To You, Heaven, (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, and Summer of ‘69 were brand new songs.
Without naming any names, it is fair to say that Adams’ fellow artists would have no other option but to lower the keys of most of the songs, or find tricks to dodge the highest notes. This household name, however, tackled every song with style, exuberant confidence, and ease.
Picture by Lise Evans. s
There wasn’t a lot of unnecessary talking and explaining in-between songs – just beautiful music, great memories, and an inspiring, hard-working attitude… From a man who has written and provided the soundtrack to many a life.
After playing all the hits, the newer deep-cuts and taking a couple of requests from the audience, the legendary songwriter thanked his band and closed the night solo.
And with just an acoustic guitar, a humble speech about his parents and early beginnings, came a beautiful rendition of All For Love, a song he co-wrote with Sting and Rod Stewart.
Bryan waved goodbye. The entire crowd left the building with big grins on their faces and lots of stories to tell – and that’s what timeless music is made for.
