People Pleaser / Bryan Adams Interview
Canadian rocker Bryan Adams will play
a crowd-friendly, two-plus hour set that'll draw heavily on his hit-laden past
when he performs tonight at the Warner.
Preview By Dave Richards
Staff Writer
If he's true to form, Canadian rocker Bryan Adams will play a crowd-friendly, two-plus hour set that'll draw heavily on his hit-laden past when he performs tonight at the Warner Theater. He's touring with a stripped-down band that includes longtime band mates Keith Scott on guitar and Mickey Curry on drums, while reviewers say the stage look (white and more white) has a "2001" feel.
It's hard to believe, but Adams' career has passed the two-decade mark. He was just 20 when he released his first record on A&M Records in 1980. His earnest, thunderous live shows helped him command a loyal following before radio airplay (and hits) finally kicked in. He scored his first Top 10 American smash with 1983's "Straight From the Heart." The following year, "Reckless" cemented his rising-star status, featuring several songs that remain album-rock staples - the nostalgic, "Summer of '69," infectious "Run to You," and No. 1 "Heaven." "Reckless" became the No. 1 selling album of all time in Canada.
Throughout his career, Adams has been equally adept at crafting roof-raising, fist-pumping rockers
such as "Cuts Like a Knife," as well as reach-for-the-lighter power ballads like "(Everything I Do) I
Do For You," which still holds Britain's record for longest-running No. 1 single at 18 weeks.
ADAMS HAS SOLD MORE THAN 58 MILLION albums worldwide, and sported some unlikely collaborators along the way. "All For Love," which he recorded with Sting and Rod Stewart, was a No. 1 hit. He also sang a duet with a Spice Girl (Mel C.) on his last studio CD, and sang with Pavarotti in 1994. He also joined Roger Waters for a European performance of "The Wall."
Adams also developed a knack for churning out soundtrack smashes - "(Everything I Do) I Do For You," from "Robin Hood," "All for One" for "Three Musketeers," and "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" from "Juan DeMarco." The last track hit No. 1 in 1995. Since then, his commercial prospects have dimmed in the United States. "On a Day Like Today" failed to chart in 1998, though it was a big hit in England, Germany, and Australia.. Adams also remains a superstar in Canada, winning recent Juno Awards for Best Male Artist (2000) and Best Songwriter (1999). Last year's "Best of Me" collection (not released in the U.S.) went double platinum in his homeland.
Adams agreed - while in London, recording a new CD ? to answer a few e-mail questions from Showcase about what's new and what tonight's concert holds in store for fans.
SHOWCASE: Can you provide some details on the new album, such as who's producing and how far along you are? Any special guests?
BRYAN ADAMS: There aren't any special guests so far, and we're hopefully gonna have it done by the end of summer. The sessions are being produced by me and Phil Thornalley (formerly of the Cure), who I did 'On a Day Like Today' with.
SHOWCASE: Can you describe it a bit? Is this typical rousing, heartfelt Bryan Adams' rock and roll or are you going to shock everyone with a rap-rock album? (Just kidding). What's the feel of this one?
ADAMS: It's very much in the vein of my usual stuff, but perhaps slightly more lyrical and slightly more acoustic, due to the fact that the songs were all written on acoustic guitar. I tend to go off on a tangent, once in awhile, but that's to be expected from me on any record.
SHOWCASE: Can you explain your songwriting process? Is it like a day job where you sit down and say 'It's time to write,' or do you wait for inspiration? And do you generally know if a song's a hit when you're finished?
ADAMS: Songs are enigmatic. Sometimes you'll write a song and think, 'Yeah, that's got something,' turn around and get it in the studio and it sounds dreadful! Other times, something simple that you dismissed turns into the biggest thing you ever wrote and it took an hour to write. I can't explain it. I can only say that I have to work on it. I've never woken up with a hit in my head.
SHOWCASE: The last studio CD, 'On a Day Like Today,' didn't fare as well in the United States as your earlier CDs. Around the world, however, it did just fine. How do you account for that?
ADAMS: That's sort of a question for my record company in some ways, but my recording career has been a roller coaster from day one. 'On a Day Like Today' has done over 3 million copies around the world... that ain't a stiff, but what you're saying is correct, it didn't happen here in the U.S. I can't figure out who to point the finger at, so I'll point it at myself."
SHOWCASE: In the U.S., especially, so many artists wind up getting defined and straitjacketed by their hits. Album-rock stations lock onto those and refuse to add a new song to the play list... Is this something that worries or troubles you? Have changes in pop tastes and strict radio formats all but made it impossible for you to have a U.S. hit again?
ADAMS: Who knows? I definitely am not gonna hold my breath! I don't expect I will ever have another hit in America again, but if it happens, then great. If not, I'll just do what I've always done - write, record, tour, etc.
SHOWCASE: Which songs are you most proud of any why? You can name a few; we know it's hard to pick.
ADAMS: I'm proud of all of them, to be honest. I've got songs I wrote in 1978 ('I'm Ready') that are still making sense two decades later. Then I've got new ones that are gonna blow your socks off.
SHOWCASE: Is this show a continuation of the "Best of Me" tour (a greatest hits set)? Any acoustic segments?
ADAMS: There are a few acoustic moments, but mostly we rock out and we're still (dressed) in white.
SHOWCASE: Thanks for your help, Bryan. We look forward to the show.
ADAMS: Cheers. See 'ya then.
¨Ï 2001 CyberInk LP
