I am two years late with this review. Bryan Adams was due to perform in Aberdeen in May 2020 to promote his Shine A Light album.
Of course the pandemic struck, forcing him off the road completely but the groover from Vancouver didn’t waste the time. He wrote and recorded his latest record, So Happy It Hurts and last night he finally hit the stage at P&J Live.
Fresh from three nights at the Royal Albert Hall performing sets dedicated to his classic albums, Adams is now rocking UK arenas before several outdoor festival slots this summer.
At most concerts you know the big song is on its way. Usually positioned just before the encore, an artist’s best-known hit is often the highlight for fans at a gig. But it doesn’t work like that at a Bryan Adams show.
The lights had barely gone down and the second song in, Adams unleashed Can’t Stop This Thing We Started, followed by Run To You. And so it went on. Hit after hit, this was a brilliantly paced and sequenced live show with more hooks than Primark.
Bryan Adams rocks P&J Live in Aberdeen
The singer has sold more records than both Kiss and Barry Manilow and, in many ways, that is his appeal to the 10,000 people who filled the cavernous venue in AB21 last night.
From the guitar-driven rock anthems to ballads that are etched in the memories of couples the world over, everyone knows a Bryan Adams song. Talking of which, (Everything I Do) I Do It for You saw the arena lit up by the now-familiar sight of phone torches being held aloft by the audience (much safer than the cigarette lighters of the past).
There was no support band, which always seems a shame at big shows as they provide a great opportunity for lesser-known acts to reach new audiences. However, this did mean that BA fans enjoyed a two-hour set last night that spanned his career.
As well as Summer of ’69, It’s Only Love, Heaven and Cuts Like A Knife, there was also an audience request section that saw the band dust off Jealousy from the debut BA album.
Great hits and amazing production
The production was a treat for the eyes too. Sharp video screens projected imagery, shots of the crowd, and a full-size inflatable car based on the new album’s artwork bobbed back and forth over our heads.
Of course, the real stars of the show were Adams and his band. Long-time side man, guitarist Keith Scott was tremendous, his iconic solos and riffs instantly recognisable.
Drummer Pat Steward and bass player Solomon Walker were rock solid and keyboard player Gary Breit added colour to the sound. Then there is that voice. 62 years old now, Bryan Adams has lost little of that raucous tone and power that has elevated his songs to the very top of classic rock music.
A six-song encore included a solo acoustic version of Whiskey In The Jar before All For Love closed the night, and he was gone.
A rock and roll masterclass. Tremendous.
Were you at the gig? Check out our photo gallery below.
