Only a handful of Canadian artists can lay claim to the massive success similar to what Bryan Adams has experienced in his career.
His dozens of hit singles including “Heaven”, “Cuts Like A Knife”, “Summer of ‘69” and “Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” are bonafide world-wide hits, routinely performed for sell-out audiences across the globe.
From his self-titled 1980 debut through to last year’s Live At Sydney Opera House, Bryan Adams has proven to be a sales juggernaut: He has sold more than 60 million records internationally and has earned numerous distinctions along the way:
His 1984 album Reckless was the first record released by a Canadian artist that sold more than one million copies here at home. He is a Grammy Award winner, recipient of numerous Juno Awards and has racked up an impressive array of Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for his numerous soundtrack contributions.
It is not only in music where Bryan Adams has made his mark, however.
An accomplished photographer, he has released numerous portrait books including Calvin Klein – American Women and Exposed.Bryan can boast having photographed the likes of Amy Winehouse and actress Mila Kunis. He also has the distinction of being one of a select few photographers chosen to take a portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Bryan’s most recent book, Wounded: The Legacy Of War is a stirring documentation of young British soldiers who have suffered life-changing injuries while on duty in Iraq and Afghanistan or during training.
In 2006, the singer founded The Bryan Adams Foundation. The foundation serves to improve the quality of people’s lives around the world via financial helps and support to those committed to bettering the lives of other people. It aims to advance education and learning opportunities for children and young people worldwide.
Bryan Adams performs at the Moncton Coliseum on Wednesday, April 30, one of six shows he is performing in Atlantic Canada.
Bryan Adams recently participated in a Q&A with The MusicNerd Chronicles via email:
What was the best advice you got when you were starting your career?
I just followed my gut, worked hard and tried not to sign too many bad contracts.
What drives your remarkable commitment to philanthropy?
I am extremely grateful for what I have and I believe in giving something back. No matter where I go, I am asked to do this and that for charity, now I focus entirely on my foundation.
You have undertaken acoustic-style tours in the past. How does Bare Bones differ from those previous tours?
Before I was just going out with a vague idea of what I wanted to do, now I have no idea! I just hang onto my guitar and hope for the best.
It is assumed that you will be performing many of your hits during your upcoming show in Moncton. Are you also reaching into your catalogue for some songs that you don’t play quite as often live?
Yes of course. That is the unique thing about playing acoustically; it allows far more freedom to do exactly that. I usually find time for requests in some shows.
2008’s album 11 is your most recent studio effort. Does the flame still burn brightly to compose and release new material?
That seems like a thousand years ago when I released that, but to answer your question, yes, the flame does burn brightly. Jim Vallance and I are writing as many songs as we used to in the old days and it’s very exciting. I have new music coming out this autumn and as well as a covers record.
Your 1984 record Reckless turns 30 years old this year. Have you considered undertaking a North American tour dedicated specifically to that record?
We are re-releasing an all-new digitally re-mastered Reckless package with six new bonus tracks. And yes we are going to tour it. I’m very excited….
You have been very fortunate to maintain a dedicated fan-base for more than three decades now. It is something that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s music business. What do you attribute your career longevity to?
It is the music and the way it is presented. When I started out, I had a modus operandi that I would never record music that I couldn’t play live. So the records have stood the test of time because they are real, and not perfect. It could have something to do with that, plus the fact that I tour all the time….
What: Bryan Adams
When: Wednesday Apr. 30, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Moncton Coliseum,
377 KIllam Dr., Moncton
Tickets start at $34.50 plus service charges. Advance tickets are available at the Coliseum Box Office, by phone (506) 857-4100 and online at tickets.moncton.ca