Bryan Adams has long identified the winning formula to stir up the crowds and as on each of his visits to Quebec, Saturday night, at the Videotron Center, he used it to offer a formidable rock and roll party to his loyal and enthusiastic admirers. .
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His recipe is simple: play all his hits, dose the new things well, use his natural charisma and a few words in charming English-style French to put the public in the back pocket of his essential jeans.
As with recent visits from Scorpions, Pearl Jam and Backstreet Boys, it was a triumph of self-assured and comforting nostalgia.
For the thousands of fans gathered for this third concert in six years at the Videotron Center, Bryan Adams represents a large part of their youth and many memories are associated with his music. It is as much these glued “slows”, danced to the sound of Heaven, that the discovery of the music video of Run To You on the show Video Hitswhich we caught at the end of the followingnoon on our way home from school.
Obviously, all his classics were on the program for this generous concert of twenty-five songs, which received ovation following ovation.
Photo by Didier Debusschere
Stretch the successes
At 62, therefore, we do not redo. Or finally yes, a little. What other artist of Bryan Adams’ stature can pull off a track from his latest album, the aptly named and highly energizing Kick Ass in this case, to set the fire as effectively as soon as hostilities kick off?
The darling of Quebecers was also very skilful in integrating four titles of So Happy It Hurts, released in early 2022, in his show without creating downtime. And then I’ve Been Looking For Youwhich concluded a tasty sequence of retro rock.
Throughout the evening, this outstanding crowd leader had fun letting the spectators sing in his place or putting the music on hold to provoke shouting. He also stretched his hits, sometimes adding a guitar solo or repeating a verse and chorus, just for the sake of giving it a little extra.
In this chapter, the electrifying interpretation of It’s Only Loveduring which guitarist Keith Scott showed off by furiously tweaking his strings, was one of the highlights of the evening.
Love story
During his career, Bryan Adams has rarely bet on an elaborate set design, but he made a small effort on Saturday by flying an inflatable car similar to the one appearing on the cover of So Happy It Hurts in the amphitheater.
His joke on the return of hockey to Quebec fell flat, but not his interventions in the language of Molière, much appreciated. He also delighted the crowd when he sang Here I am entirely in French.
As a reminder, the umpteenth ovation which greeted the final row of Straight From The Heart et All For Love recalled that the relationship between Bryan Adams and the Quebec public was a story of the heart. And that he can come back as often as he wants, he will always be welcomed with open arms.
♦ After playing in Alma, Trois-Rivières and Quebec, Bryan Adams completes his stay in the province at the Bell Center in Montreal on Monday evening.