LIVE
BRYAN ADAMS
Photo credit: David Weddle
Photos and review: David Weddle
Rock legend Bryan Adams is back and stronger than ever with his brand new album 'Roll With The Punches', the singer's 16th studio album. To celebrate the new record, Bryan has taken to the road on the 'Roll With The Punches' tour, which kicked off in Newcastle upon Tyne at the Utilita Arena. Bryan didn't bring a support act with him, but what he did bring was a back catalogue of hits so huge that it was going to take a while to get through them all. Worry not though, as Bryan Adams took to the stage at 8pm and was ready to rock the socks off of the Geordie fandom.
He didn't hold back, bounding on stage with real vigour and a massive grin across his face as he and the band had a few seconds of fun before the lights cut out and the sound dipped momentarily. As the lights shone out and the huge screen at the back of the stage played a video of Bryan in boxing gear as the opening chords of the new album's namesake rang out to rapturous applause from the crowd.
Bryan certainly didn't pull his punches as he sang out with the power and the confidence you would expect from such an accomplished performer. Hearing 'Roll With The Punches' on the record is one thing, but hearing Bryan and his band playing it live is a whole other story.
Helped along by a huge inflatable silver boxing glove that floated above the heads of the crowd, the night started with a real knockout track and an equally great performance.
He didn't hold back, bounding on stage with real vigour and a massive grin across his face as he and the band had a few seconds of fun before the lights cut out and the sound dipped momentarily. As the lights shone out and the huge screen at the back of the stage played a video of Bryan in boxing gear as the opening chords of the new album's namesake rang out to rapturous applause from the crowd.
Bryan certainly didn't pull his punches as he sang out with the power and the confidence you would expect from such an accomplished performer. Hearing 'Roll With The Punches' on the record is one thing, but hearing Bryan and his band playing it live is a whole other story.
Helped along by a huge inflatable silver boxing glove that floated above the heads of the crowd, the night started with a real knockout track and an equally great performance.
There was plenty of choice in terms of the setlist, and thanks to the extra time having no support act gave Bryan, he was able to cram in a massive 26 songs and a pretty snazzy Frank Valli cover. He kept the momentum going with 'The Best Of Me' while all the while the atmosphere in the arena was building, with plenty of pent up energy getting let loose as mega hit 'Run to You' made an appearance.
If you think you don't know a Bryan Adams song, then this set would have blown your mind, as the rock icon delved deep with songs like 'Can't Stop This Thing We Started' and 'The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You'. There is no doubt you would recognise most of the set. Of course no Bryan Adams gig would be complete without THAT song. Come on, you know what I am talking about. (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. The song that took the UK number one spot for sixteen weeks back in the 1990s, and rightly so, it is still a "banger" today.
The boundless energy of Bryan and the entire band was reciprocated by the audience throughout the night. Whether it was the flying car, the floating boxing glove, the stunning onscreen visuals or the fact that it was the opening night of the tour, there was something rather special about the show. The emotions were running high as Bryan played 'Straight From The Heart' from a stage within the crowd before finishing off the night with a stunning version of 'All For Love'.
There were so many highlights that it is hard to pick just one, but being among the first people hearing Never Let You Go sung live has to be up there.
A true rock legend.
Roll With The Punches is due for release on the 29th of August and you can pre-order the new album here
If you think you don't know a Bryan Adams song, then this set would have blown your mind, as the rock icon delved deep with songs like 'Can't Stop This Thing We Started' and 'The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You'. There is no doubt you would recognise most of the set. Of course no Bryan Adams gig would be complete without THAT song. Come on, you know what I am talking about. (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. The song that took the UK number one spot for sixteen weeks back in the 1990s, and rightly so, it is still a "banger" today.
The boundless energy of Bryan and the entire band was reciprocated by the audience throughout the night. Whether it was the flying car, the floating boxing glove, the stunning onscreen visuals or the fact that it was the opening night of the tour, there was something rather special about the show. The emotions were running high as Bryan played 'Straight From The Heart' from a stage within the crowd before finishing off the night with a stunning version of 'All For Love'.
There were so many highlights that it is hard to pick just one, but being among the first people hearing Never Let You Go sung live has to be up there.
A true rock legend.
Roll With The Punches is due for release on the 29th of August and you can pre-order the new album here
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